Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc

The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice engages with the complex problems raised by crime, social ‘harms’, justice, and injustice in our contemporary world. 

It gives you a solid grounding in the core and cutting-edge research and theory of this interdisciplinary field, and requires you to reflect on how to apply it to pressing questions of policy and practice. 

Throughout the degree you will have ample opportunity to interact with our academics’ research, which is both theoretical and empirical, and makes a difference to the world both locally and globally.

This MSc is suitable both for those who have studied criminology at undergraduate level and for those who are new to the subject. Prospective students should, however, have a background in one of the social sciences or law for admission to the programme.

As a student on this programme, you will be part of a vibrant community of active researchers, international visiting scholars, and local practitioners in criminology and criminal justice. You will be welcomed to, and encouraged to participate in, research events and activities based in the Law School, the wider University, and beyond. 

The Law School is a member of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research – both of which have international networks - which connects us, and our students, to the wider academic and policy environment.

The programme provides top-quality training in criminological research methods and skills, essential both for the further study of criminology (we have a strong cohort of criminology PhD students, some recruited from this MSc) and for employment in the criminal justice field.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) track

If you are interested in continuing on to a Scottish Graduate School/Economic and Social Research Council funded PhD in Criminology you can take the ESRC track version of the degree (which focuses more on research methods).

The University of Edinburgh is a partner university of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS). The SGSSS awards a number of studentships across Scotland each year through the student-led 'Open' competition. These studentships can be offered as MSc plus PhD (1+3.5) or PhD (3.5) awards depending on the experience of the applicant. In order to be eligible to immediately embark on the PhD you would have to have completed the ESRC track version of the degree.

The aim of the ESRC track is to provide the extensive training in social science research methods required by the ESRC, alongside some criminology. It offers an excellent foundation for those interested in undertaking subsequent doctoral research and those who work (or intend to work) in the criminal justice system or related areas.