MSc Accounting and Finance
Cardiff University’s MSc in Accounting and Finance is designed to develop advance...
MSc Social Science Research Methods (Criminology)
Cardiff
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) at Cardiff University is designed for individuals seeking to build expertise in criminological research while developing advanced research methods skills. This program equips students with the tools to critically analyze crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system, while emphasizing methodological approaches used in social science research. The course is ideal for those interested in careers in research, policy analysis, criminal justice, and academia. Students will be trained in qualitative and quantitative research methods, enabling them to conduct independent research and contribute to the development of criminology as an academic discipline. The program also provides insights into contemporary issues in criminology, including crime prevention, criminal justice policy, and societal responses to crime.
Curriculum: The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) curriculum at Cardiff University is designed to provide a strong foundation in both criminology and research methodology. Core modules cover topics such as criminological theory, research design, data collection and analysis techniques, and the ethical considerations in criminological research. Students are introduced to both qualitative methods (such as interviews, ethnography, and discourse analysis) and quantitative techniques (including statistical analysis and surveys), preparing them for a broad range of research tasks. Optional modules allow students to specialize in areas such as policing, youth crime, organized crime, or crime and society. A key component of the curriculum is the dissertation, where students apply their research skills to a criminological topic of their choice, contributing original insights to the field.
Research Focus: Cardiff University has a strong research focus in the field of criminology, with expertise in areas such as criminal behavior, criminal justice institutions, policing, and the social impacts of crime. The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) integrates the university’s research strengths by offering students the opportunity to engage with current criminological research and apply innovative methodologies to solve complex social problems. The program encourages students to develop critical perspectives on criminological issues and engage with debates on topics such as social control, punishment, victimization, and the impacts of crime on society. Students can also collaborate with faculty members on research projects, contributing to groundbreaking studies that shape criminology and criminal justice policy.
Industry Engagement: The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) at Cardiff University provides students with practical engagement opportunities through links with industry professionals, criminology experts, and organizations in the criminal justice sector. Students have the chance to work on real-world research projects and may have access to internships or placements with police forces, NGOs, or research institutes focused on criminology and criminal justice. Additionally, the university’s connections with government agencies and social policy organizations ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in the criminal justice system, research, or policy analysis. Guest speakers, workshops, and seminars with professionals in criminology further enhance the program's industry relevance, allowing students to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in criminological research and practice.
Global Perspective: The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) at Cardiff University emphasizes a global perspective on criminology by exploring the international dimensions of crime and criminal justice. The program encourages students to think critically about how criminological theories and research methods apply across different cultural and legal contexts. Through discussions on global crime trends, human rights, international law, and cross-border criminal activities such as trafficking and terrorism, students gain an understanding of how criminological issues are interconnected on a global scale. Cardiff University’s diverse student body and international research collaborations provide a platform for students to explore criminological issues from various global viewpoints, preparing them for careers in international organizations, policy-making, or global criminological research.
Location
Cardiff
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23200
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.
Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.
Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.
British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.
Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.
MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) are well-positioned to enter a wide array of careers within criminology, law enforcement, public policy, academia, and non-governmental sectors, thanks to the program’s comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical research skills.
Criminology Researcher: Graduates of the MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Criminology) program are well-prepared for roles in academic and applied criminological research. With a strong foundation in research methodologies, they can pursue careers as criminology researchers, contributing to academic studies, public policy development, or government research agencies.
Policy Analyst: This program equips students with the skills to analyze and evaluate criminal justice policies. Graduates often work in governmental bodies, think tanks, or NGOs where they research, assess, and recommend policies related to crime prevention, criminal justice reform, and law enforcement strategies.
Criminal Justice Practitioner: Students with an interest in practical application of criminological research can pursue careers in the criminal justice system. This includes roles in probation services, correctional facilities, youth justice, or rehabilitation programs, where they can apply research findings to improve outcomes in crime reduction and offender rehabilitation.
Forensic Psychologist: The program's focus on criminological theory and research methods can lead to a career in forensic psychology. Graduates can work with law enforcement agencies, criminal justice institutions, or as consultants, assisting in criminal investigations or evaluating offenders.
Policing and Law Enforcement Roles: With criminology expertise and research training, graduates can pursue various roles within law enforcement agencies, including positions in police research units, policy development, and operational strategy analysis.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates can contribute to NGOs focused on crime prevention, victim support, or human rights. Many NGOs require criminologists to design and evaluate programs aimed at reducing crime and supporting marginalized communities affected by crime.
Public Sector Researcher: Graduates can find roles in public sector organizations such as local authorities or public health agencies, where their research skills are applied to social issues like crime prevention, substance abuse, and youth delinquency.
Social Research Consultant: Many graduates of the program become consultants who provide expertise in criminological research methods to private sector organizations, government departments, and academic institutions.
Teaching and Academia: With their advanced research training, graduates can pursue teaching roles in higher education institutions, contributing to criminology programs or interdisciplinary studies in social sciences.
International Criminal Justice Careers: The global perspective incorporated in the program prepares graduates for international roles, such as working with international organizations, United Nations agencies, or multinational law enforcement networks that address cross-border crime and justice issues.
