The Masters in Criminology introduces the theoretical and conceptual resources relevant to the study of crime, criminal justice and crime policy. It provides advanced training in social research methods.

Programme overview

• MRes: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time

The four core courses and two optional courses provide you with in-depth knowledge of current criminological issues and refine your social research abilities. For the MRes you will apply your analytical and research skills to a specialised topic and produce a dissertation.

Core courses

• Understanding and explaining crime and social control
• Research and enquiry in crime and criminal justice
• Social science statistics 1
• Qualitative research methods.

Optional courses

At least one must be taken from the following

• Criminal justice: global challenges
• Rehabilitation and desistance from crime 
• Penology and punishment 
• Crime, media and popular culture 
• Crime and community safety
• Criminological perspectives on security 
• The global criminal economy.

Career prospects

The MRes is an ideal pathway towards a PhD and a career in academia. It will also prepare you for a career in research or policy development; especially with those public agencies and voluntary organisations concerned with crime prevention and community safety.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MRes

PgDip