MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
BASS Philosophy and Criminology
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The BASS Philosophy and Criminology program at the University of Manchester is an interdisciplinary course that combines two rich and dynamic fields of study: philosophy and criminology. The program allows students to engage deeply with key philosophical questions while simultaneously examining the social, legal, and ethical aspects of crime and criminal justice. This unique combination enables students to explore complex moral, ethical, and legal issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The program equips students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of social justice, human rights, and criminal behavior, preparing them for a wide variety of careers in academia, law, social work, public policy, and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BASS Philosophy and Criminology program integrates core courses from both disciplines, allowing students to explore fundamental concepts and theories in philosophy and criminology. In the first year, students gain an introduction to philosophical ethics, logic, and metaphysics, alongside core criminological theories, criminal justice systems, and sociological aspects of crime. As students progress, they delve into more specialized topics such as philosophical issues in criminal justice, criminological research methods, social control, and human rights. The program also offers flexibility, with opportunities for students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, whether in philosophical ethics, criminological theory, or contemporary criminal justice issues. Students also benefit from exposure to interdisciplinary modules, blending both philosophical reasoning and criminological analysis.
Research Focus: The research focus within the Philosophy and Criminology program at the University of Manchester is grounded in cutting-edge areas of inquiry, both in the field of philosophy and criminology. In philosophy, the department’s research is particularly strong in ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law, and moral philosophy. This research informs the philosophical approaches to criminal justice, punishment, and the ethical dimensions of crime. In criminology, the university's research is focused on areas such as crime and society, criminal justice policy, criminological theory, and violence prevention. Faculty members are involved in international research projects examining social inequality, criminal behavior, and justice systems, which enriches the curriculum and provides students with access to the latest developments in both fields.
Industry Engagement: The University of Manchester has strong links with both philosophical institutions and criminological agencies, ensuring that BASS Philosophy and Criminology students benefit from significant industry engagement. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, placements, and volunteer programs with criminal justice organizations, NGOs, policy think tanks, and government agencies. These experiences allow students to apply their academic learning in real-world contexts, particularly in areas related to criminal justice, rehabilitation, human rights advocacy, and legal reform. Additionally, the University’s careers service provides guidance on career pathways and helps students gain essential skills for roles in law enforcement, social work, public policy, and criminal law.
Global Perspective: The BASS Philosophy and Criminology program at the University of Manchester emphasizes a global perspective on both philosophical and criminological issues. Philosophy students are encouraged to engage with a variety of ethical systems, moral philosophies, and justice frameworks that extend beyond Western traditions, exploring global debates around human rights, global justice, and international law. In criminology, students examine crime from a global standpoint, considering issues such as transnational crime, international law enforcement, and the globalization of crime. The program fosters an understanding of the interconnection between local and global crime issues, preparing students to address global challenges like cybercrime, terrorism, and immigration-related crime. Through international case studies and cross-cultural perspectives, students gain insights into the diverse approaches to criminal justice and legal systems around the world.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- 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 70.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Undergraduate Scholarships: The university also offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students applying to programs such as law, business, engineering, and the humanities. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and help ease the burden of tuition fees. Some specific subject areas may have unique scholarships based on the department's needs and goals.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the BASS Philosophy and Criminology program at the University of Manchester have a broad range of career options available to them, thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the program. By combining philosophical inquiry with criminological analysis, graduates are well-equipped with a diverse skill set, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and an understanding of criminal justice systems.
Law: The strong focus on ethical theory, legal philosophy, and critical analysis makes BASS Philosophy and Criminology graduates well-prepared for careers in law. Many graduates pursue further studies to become solicitors, barristers, or legal researchers, working in areas such as criminal law, human rights law, or family law. The interdisciplinary approach helps develop the analytical and argumentation skills required for success in the legal profession.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement: With their understanding of criminology, graduates are well-suited for roles within law enforcement or criminal justice agencies. This may include careers as police officers, probation officers, correctional officers, or criminal investigators. Graduates may also work with community rehabilitation programs, focusing on crime prevention and offender rehabilitation.
Public Policy and Government: The program’s integration of philosophy and criminology prepares graduates to engage in public policy, particularly in areas related to criminal justice reform, social justice, and law enforcement policies. Graduates often work with government bodies, NGOs, and advocacy organizations, focusing on policy development, legal reforms, and human rights.
Social Work and Community Outreach: The ethical and criminological knowledge gained during the program makes graduates ideal candidates for careers in social work, especially in areas such as youth justice, addiction services, or mental health support. They may work in community outreach programs, helping to provide support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system or those at risk of offending.
Research and Academia: For those interested in further study, the program provides a strong foundation for pursuing a master’s degree or PhD in criminology, philosophy, or sociology. Many graduates go on to become researchers or academic lecturers, contributing to the ongoing development of criminological theory and philosophy in higher education.
Human Rights and International Development: The ethical grounding in social justice, along with an understanding of global criminal justice systems, positions graduates well for careers in human rights organizations, international NGOs, and development agencies. Graduates may work as human rights advocates, policy advisors, or project managers, focusing on global justice issues, such as refugee rights, conflict resolution, and gender equality.
Media and Journalism: With a critical understanding of societal issues, graduates are equipped to work in journalism, particularly in areas such as investigative journalism, crime reporting, or political commentary. They may write for news outlets, magazines, or online publications, providing insightful commentary on criminal justice issues, policy debates, or ethical concerns.
Consulting and Research Organizations: Graduates are also well-suited for roles in consulting firms or research organizations focused on criminology, public policy, and social justice. These roles may involve conducting criminological research, policy analysis, or data collection on issues such as crime trends, public safety, or criminal justice reform.
Victim Support Services: Graduates may choose to work with organizations that support crime victims, such as domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, or support hotlines. These roles may involve offering emotional support, helping with legal processes, or advocating for victims' rights in the criminal justice system.
Private Security and Risk Management: The criminological knowledge gained in the program can also lead to careers in the private security industry, where graduates can work in risk management, corporate security, or consulting. These roles may involve assessing and managing risks related to organizational security, cybercrime, or public safety.
