Criminology MA

Examine real-life case studies to piece together the inner workings of serious crime, and the methods used to police it. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for many careers in criminal justice, such as the Police, youth justice, the Home Office or border agencies.

• Study with a school ranked 8th in the UK for Criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2018)

• Feel supported by our close community of students and staff, including dedicated social media groups

• Learn from professional criminal justice practitioners through lectures, workshops and other activities

• Take part in events including field trips, guest lectures and our end-of-year Criminology Conference

• Join forces with the Policing Institute for the Eastern Region (PIER), with links to local and regional forces and policing bodies and chief officers at local and national level

Focusing on serious crime, you’ll explore the practice and theory of criminal activities, including how crime is detected and policed, methods of social control, and sanctions.

By examining different theoretical standpoints, you’ll form an understanding of various Western legal and social traditions and how they compare to each other.

You’ll investigate issues such as organised illicit trade and criminal enterprise, using case studies of criminal activities including financial crime, human trafficking, and violence prevention.

Our modules will let you specialise in other areas of interest too, such as the nature of violence, terrorism, and policing transnational crime.

Most of your teaching will take place in research-seminar format to allow you to develop critical thinking, but your learning will also be supported by lectures, guest speakers and debates. You’ll have a chance to contribute to our research seminar series, and take part in our annual criminology study trips abroad.

And if you need advice, our experienced teaching staff will always be available to help you.