MA Sociology and Criminology

The MA Sociology and Criminology course at the University of Essex is a postgraduate program that combines the specialist study of criminology with a broad approach to sociological questions. This course allows students to study crime, criminals, and criminal justice within wider social contexts.

Overview

• The course starts in October 2026 and is available in both full-time and part-time study modes.
• The full-time duration of the course is 1 year, and it is based at the Colchester Campus.
• The program is designed to understand crime and its prevention, punishment, and the role of society in shaping criminal behavior.

Course Structure

• The course is composed of several components, including core and optional modules.
• Core modules include:
  • Postgraduate Taught Project and Academic Skills (60 credits)
  • Sociological Research Design (20 credits)
  • Formative Debates in Criminology (20 credits)
  • Topics in Contemporary Social Theory (20 credits)
• Optional modules allow students to choose from a list of sociology and criminology options (20 credits each).

Teaching and Assessment

• Postgraduate students in the Department of Sociology and Criminology typically have 2 hours of contact time for each module per week.
• The course is assessed by coursework and a dissertation.
• The dissertation is 10,000 words and allows students to focus in-depth on a chosen topic under close supervision from academic staff.

Fees and Funding

• The home/UK fee for the course is ｣11,025.
• The international fee is ｣23,875.
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree or international equivalent in Humanities or Social Science is required.
• Applicants with a 2:2 degree in any discipline will also be considered if their degree includes at least two Humanities or Social Science modules.
• International and EU entry requirements vary, and the university accepts a wide range of qualifications.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all components.

Research Areas

• The course covers a wide range of topics, including:
  • Social divisions, inequality, and commercial culture
  • Culture, identity, and subjectivity
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Media and criminology
  • The analysis, politics, and prevention of crime
  • Globalization and various forms of crime
  • Security and the state
  • New criminological theory
  • Terrorism, counter-terrorism, surveillance, and human rights

Expert Staff

• The course is taught by a team of award-winning, internationally renowned scholars who are leading experts in their fields.
• Staff have worked with bodies including the Home Office, Amnesty International, and the United Nations.
• They are actively engaged in research and bring the latest developments and findings into the classroom.

Facilities

• The Centre for Criminology hosts expert speakers and practitioners.
• Dedicated postgraduate support facilities are available through a unique Student Resource Centre.
• The university has links with the Institute of Social and Economic Research and the UK Data Archive.
• A Sociology common room is open all day, Monday to Friday, and is stocked with daily newspapers, magazines, and journals.

Career Prospects

• The course provides excellent preparation for further academic study, and many postgraduates go on to successful academic careers.
• Others have established careers in non-governmental organizations, local authorities, specialist think tanks, government departments, charities, media production, and research organizations.
• The university works with the University's Careers Services to help students find work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.