MSc Criminology and Socio-Legal Research

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of  50 to 55% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

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 entry requirements may vary across different programs and courses. Additionally, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as the number of available places and competition for certain courses.

The University of Essex offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward academic excellence, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide assistance to those facing financial challenges.  

1. Academic Excellence Scholarships: The university offers scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are typically merit-based and provide financial support towards tuition fees or living expenses.
2. International Scholarships: The University of Essex provides scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to attract and support talented students from around the world. Eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary, and they may cover a portion of tuition fees or provide assistance with living expenses.
3. Subject-specific Scholarships: Some departments and schools within the university offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded to students with exceptional academic records or those who demonstrate a strong commitment to their field of study.
4. Access and Participation Scholarships: The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. It offers scholarships and financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families or individuals who are the first in their family to attend university.
5. Government-funded Scholarships: In addition to internal scholarships, the University of Essex provides information and guidance on scholarships and funding opportunities offered by external organizations and government agencies. These scholarships may be available to students based on factors such as nationality, field of study, or research interests.
6. Sports Scholarships: The university recognizes the importance of sports and offers scholarships to talented athletes who demonstrate exceptional sporting abilities. These scholarships provide financial support along with access to sports facilities, training programs, and dedicated support services.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change over time. 

Graduates of the MSc Criminology and Socio-Legal Research program have diverse career prospects in the field.

1. Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, policy organizations, or research centers. They may conduct independent research projects, contribute to policy development, and publish scholarly articles or reports on criminological and socio-legal topics.

2. Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts, providing expertise and analysis on criminal justice policies and practices. They may work for governmental or non-governmental organizations, conducting policy evaluations, assessing the impact of policies, and making recommendations for reform.

3. Crime Analyst: Graduates can become crime analysts, working with law enforcement agencies, research institutions, or private organizations. They analyze crime patterns and trends, interpret data, and provide insights to support crime prevention strategies and resource allocation.

4. Social Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as social researchers, working in research organizations or social policy departments. They may conduct research on social issues related to crime, such as victimization, offender rehabilitation, or community-based interventions.

5. Criminal Justice Advocate: Graduates can work as advocates for criminal justice reform or social justice organizations. They may engage in advocacy, campaigning, and community organizing to address systemic issues in the criminal justice system and promote social change.

6. Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as policy advisors, providing expert advice and guidance to government bodies, NGOs, or international organizations. They may contribute to policy development, draft legislation, and provide insights on the social and legal implications of proposed policies.