MSc Criminology & Social Policy

Why this course

This course has been designed, and will be delivered by, a dynamic team of international scholars with globally-recognised expertise in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Social Policy in an inclusive learning environment to provide you with a critical understanding of contemporary theories, issues and debates in criminology, criminal justice and social and penal policy.

This course will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of the individual, relational, cultural and structural factors that intersect with, and underpin, offending and related social issues, locally and globally, drawing on critical arguments, theories and debates at the forefront of criminology and criminal justice, social and penal policy and practice.

It will equip you with an understanding of social science research methods and skills which will enhance your research skills and enable you to undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice.

As a key partner in the

• Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research
• , you'll benefit from the opportunities afforded to our thriving cross-institutional post-graduate community, including but not limited to additional training, participation in and access to knowledge exchange and public engagement opportunities, alongside the development of national and international academic, policy and professional networks.

  The School is also home to

• Strathclyde’s Criminal and Social Justice Research
• cluster – a vibrant, enthusiastic and collaborative team who produce world-leading, international and multi-disciplinary scholarship, applied research and consultancy on issues of criminal and social justice, social and penal policy and social work theory and practice.

  Study with us

  •

  this course will provide you with a critical and nuanced understanding of criminology, criminal justice and social policy, and of the wider political, economic and social context within which criminological research takes place

  •

  you'll be taught social science research methods, alongside key issues, theories and debates in criminology, social and penal policy and practice, schooling you in cutting-edge knowledge across these arenas

  •

  you'll become equipped to evaluate, design, and deliver research projects across justice related, and social science disciplines and develop an understanding of the impact that such research has on policy and practice, and vice versa

  Careers

  This course is designed to appeal to:

  •

  prospective students wishing to progress to post-graduate study, and provides an important platform for further progression to PhD study in Criminology or Justice Social Work

  •

  those wishing to move into or advance their professional careers across justice related disciplines (for example, policing, prisons and social work) or progress into senior management within a Local Authority or other public, third or private sector organisations

  those seeking a career in social science research within research organisations, charities, pressures/lobbying groups, independent or third sector organisations, and central or local government

A first or upper second class degree, or overseas equivalent, in social sciences or related discipline. Applicants with other qualifications together with relevant professional experience may be considered.