International Criminology and Criminal Justice University of Southampton

Award	Attendance	Study	Duration	Start	Domestic fees	International fees
MSc	On-Campus	Full-time	1 years	find out	find out	find out

Course overview

On our MSc International Criminology and Criminal Justice programme you'll gain the substantive and methodological skills you need to understand contemporary crime and criminal justice policies and practices.

Ranked 4th for Criminology in the UK (Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026).

ESRC validated methodological training to ensure you produce a high-quality research dissertation directly related to your career/professional interests.

Taught and supervised by internationally recognised criminologists whose research and policy analysis are sought by government departments, criminal justice agencies and the media

With a thorough methods-based education you'll gain an in-depth understanding of innovative research methods and the ability to utilise them in different contexts. This research-led approach will support you to analyse the key crime problems currently confronting 21st-century societies.
You'll explore concepts in crime, deviance, and criminal behaviour alongside internationally respected academics who are all central members of the Institute of Criminal Justice Research (ICJR).

We'll support you to:
analyse key crime trends
carry out independent criminological research and analysis
design and complete a research dissertation
develop and present ideas, arguments and findings to different audiences
use the latest research methods
develop and present ideas, arguments and research findings through different means of communication to different audiences

You'll join a close-knit and diverse learning community, we offer an exceptional academic experience, with small-group teaching that allows you to explore topics in-depth and plenty of support to ensure you achieve your potential.

With an emphasises on the connections between research and professional practice our MSc Criminology programme will prepare you for a wide range of professional careers as well as for PhD studies. You'll graduate with the skills required to undertake independent criminological research and analysis to understand the complex social issues confronting a globalised world.