MSc Criminal Justice

at University of the West of Scotland

The MSc Criminal Justice degree has been designed to be flexible and allows for part-time and full-time study, while also blending on-campus, and online delivery techniques.
 

The MSc comprises five core and one optional taught, 20-credit modules followed by a 60-credit research dissertation.
 

If you chose to exit the course before undertaking the research dissertation, you can exit with the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip).
 

You will be required to design and undertake an extended piece of written research focused around a specific research question via the MSc Dissertation.
 

For the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage, you will study the following modules:

• Policy Analysis and Practice (core, 20 credits)
• Policing in the Contemporary World (core, 20 credits)
• Applied Research Methods in Social Sciences (core, 20 credits) 
• Contemporary Social Issues (core, 20 credits)
• Applied Criminal Justice (core, 20 credits)
   

To complete the PgDip stage, you will select one 20-credit module as an option. The selection of the optional taught 20-credit module is based both on your interests and on their availability (which can change from year-to-year). Currently, options include, but are not restricted to:

• Global Crisis Management (20 credits, optional)
• Contemporary Penology (20 credits, optional)
• Power, Politics and Civil Society (20 credits, optional)
• Social Research Today (20 credits, optional)
   

Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master's module:

• MSc Social Sciences Dissertation

You should normally hold a relevant Honours degree at 2:2 or above in any of the subjects below: 

• Any social science 
• Medicine 
• Health 
• Law
• Social work
   

You will also be considered if you have a degree in another discipline or other professional training or experience relevant to course specialisms. In order to demonstrate your academic ability you will be required to complete written work and may be invited to attend an interview prior to acceptance.
 

If you are an overseas student then you must also meet UWS English language requirements (see below).
 

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
 

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• overall score 6.0
• no sub-test less than 5.5

INTERNATIONAL (INCLUDING EU)

£14,500 Cost of study

The programme equips students with essential skills and knowledge for a range of careers in the criminal justice sector including the police, prison service and criminal justice social work, policy analysis and evaluation, and policy work in governments, local authorities or charities.
 

Graduates may also use the MSc Criminal Justice programme as an opportunity to commence doctoral-level research studies (MPhil/PhD) or a research career.