MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA Criminology and Criminal Justice
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time postgraduate program commencing in September 2025. It is tailored for students with a background in social sciences or humanities, aiming to explore contemporary issues in criminology and criminal justice. The program emphasizes critical engagement with criminological theories and policies, fostering analytical skills applicable to real-world challenges.
Curriculum: The course structure includes core modules that provide a solid foundation in criminological concepts and research methodologies. Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their studies to specific interests, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and restorative justice. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic under expert supervision.
Research Focus: The MA program is underpinned by the latest research conducted by faculty members specializing in areas like sexual violence, terrorism, prisons and punishment, cultural criminology, and existential criminology. This research-led approach ensures that students are exposed to contemporary debates and methodologies in the field.
Industry Engagement: Students benefit from networking opportunities with professionals, practitioners, and activists globally. These interactions provide practical insights and can be instrumental in shaping career trajectories post-graduation. The university's Careers and Employability Centre offers support through internships, consultancy projects, and career development programs, enhancing employability in various sectors.
Global Perspective: The MA program attracts a diverse student body, fostering a multicultural learning environment. This global perspective enriches classroom discussions and broadens understanding of international criminal justice systems. Graduates are well-equipped to address legal issues in a global context, making them valuable assets in international organizations, NGOs, and cross-border legal practices.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
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 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The University of Sussex, a globally recognized institution located in the United Kingdom, offers an esteemed MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice designed to develop critical thinkers and professionals in the field of crime, law enforcement, and justice policy. This postgraduate program equips students with a nuanced understanding of criminal behavior, justice systems, and the socio-political contexts that shape them. It also prepares graduates for a broad range of career opportunities, both in the UK and internationally.
Criminal Justice Agencies: Graduates often pursue careers within the core institutions of the criminal justice system, such as the police, probation services, youth offending teams, and prison services. Roles may include probation officers, rehabilitation coordinators, or criminal justice caseworkers. These positions allow professionals to work directly with offenders and victims, contributing to societal safety and justice.
Policy and Government Roles: The analytical and research skills developed during the MA program make graduates strong candidates for positions within local, national, and international government departments. Many find roles in policy development, crime analysis, and public safety strategy, where they can influence how crime is managed and prevented at a systemic level.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Charities: Graduates are well-prepared for roles in NGOs that focus on social justice, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Common career paths include advocacy, program management, and outreach coordination, where professionals support vulnerable populations, promote reform initiatives, and ensure accountability within justice systems.
International Agencies: With a global curriculum and diverse student body, the program prepares students for international careers. Graduates may work with bodies like the United Nations, Amnesty International, or INTERPOL, engaging in research, advocacy, or policy work that addresses global crime issues such as trafficking, terrorism, and transnational organized crime.
Academia and Research: Many graduates choose to further their academic journey by pursuing a PhD or engaging in academic research. Universities, think tanks, and criminological institutes provide platforms for continued exploration into areas like criminal justice policy, comparative criminology, and emerging crime trends.
Social Work and Community Services: Professionals with a criminology background are also highly valued in social services roles. These include working with at-risk populations, managing offender rehabilitation programs, or supporting restorative justice initiatives that aim to rebuild community trust and reduce reoffending.
Legal Sector: Although the MA is not a qualifying law degree, graduates frequently work in supportive legal roles such as paralegals, case officers, or legal researchers. These positions are often within firms or advocacy groups focused on criminal law, human rights law, or youth justice.
