Master of Arts (Thesis)
The University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand is renowned for its academic excellenc...
Master of Criminal Justice
Christchurch
INTAKE: February
Program Overview
The Master of Criminal Justice program at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and critical insights into the complexities of criminal justice systems and contemporary issues in criminology.
Curriculum: The Master of Criminal Justice program at UC offers a diverse curriculum encompassing various aspects of criminal justice, criminological theories, law enforcement, criminal law, corrections, and justice policy. Courses focus on analyzing crime patterns, exploring criminal behavior, understanding legal frameworks, and addressing social justice issues within the criminal justice system.
Research Focus: UC emphasizes research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in criminal justice research initiatives. Students collaborate with esteemed faculty members on research projects exploring crime prevention strategies, criminal profiling, restorative justice practices, and the impact of policy changes on the criminal justice system.
Industry Engagement: The Criminal Justice program at UC emphasizes practical application and industry collaboration. UC maintains partnerships with law enforcement agencies, legal institutions, and community organizations. Through internships, fieldwork opportunities, and guest lectures by experts, students gain practical insights into the real-world application of criminal justice theories and practices.
Global Perspective: UC values a global outlook and encourages students to approach criminal justice from an international standpoint. The program offers courses that analyze global crime trends, comparative criminal justice systems, transnational crime, and cross-cultural perspectives on justice. Students benefit from a multicultural environment, diverse faculty expertise, and opportunities for international collaborations or study abroad programs.
Location
Christchurch
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
NZD 53100
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 50% or higher in the previous academic degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 19.
- PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Canterbury is dedicated to providing support to international students through various scholarship programs designed to recognize academic excellence, diversity, and specific areas of achievement. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and promote educational opportunities for talented individuals from around the world.
UC International First Year Scholarships: Geared towards high-achieving international students beginning their first year of study at UC. These scholarships acknowledge exceptional academic performance and assist students in their initial year of education at the university.
UC Master's Scholarships: For high-achieving international students pursuing Master's degrees at UC. These scholarships provide financial support to assist students in their postgraduate studies and promote research excellence.
UC Doctoral Scholarships: Aimed at international students undertaking Ph.D. studies at UC. These scholarships offer financial assistance and opportunities for research excellence in various fields of study.
Specific Field Scholarships: Additionally, UC offers specialized scholarships catering to students entering specific fields or disciplines. These scholarships encourage innovation and excellence in targeted areas of study.
Graduating from the Master of Criminal Justice program at the University of Canterbury opens up a wide array of career opportunities across various sectors within the criminal justice field, providing the skills necessary to tackle complex issues and contribute to law enforcement, policy-making, and research.
Law Enforcement Officer: Graduates often pursue careers in law enforcement agencies as police officers, detectives, or investigators. They work on the frontline, investigating crimes, maintaining public safety, and upholding the law.
Policy Analyst/Adviser: Professionals engage in roles focused on policy analysis or advisory positions within governmental bodies or advocacy groups. They analyze criminal justice policies, propose reforms, and provide recommendations for improvements.
Legal Advocate/Paralegal: Graduates work in legal settings as advocates or paralegals, assisting lawyers or working within legal aid organizations to support individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Corrections Officer/Probation Officer: Professionals work in corrections or probation services, overseeing the rehabilitation of offenders, managing correctional facilities, or supervising individuals on probation or parole.
Crime Analyst/Intelligence Analyst: Graduates engage in roles analyzing crime data, trends, and patterns. They work in law enforcement agencies or private organizations, using data to aid investigations and develop strategies for crime prevention.
Researcher in Criminal Justice: Professionals work as researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, or research organizations, conducting studies on criminal justice issues, evaluating policies, and contributing to advancements in the field.
Victim Support Specialist/Counselor: Graduates work in roles providing support and counseling to victims of crime. They work in victim advocacy organizations, assisting victims through legal processes and providing emotional support.
Security Consultant/Analyst: Professionals engage in roles focused on security consultancy, advising businesses or organizations on security measures, risk assessment, and crime prevention strategies.
