Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading institution for student employability, with a strong focus on supporting students' success. The university has risen 11 places in THE's REF 2021 ranking, confirming its position as a leading research university.

Postgraduate MA in Criminology

The Postgraduate MA in Criminology at the University of Kent is a full-time program that explores critical approaches to the criminal justice system, debates key issues in criminology, and compares international perspectives. The program evaluates the effectiveness of responses to crime and provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in statistical analysis, focusing on the General Linear Model (GLM) and Causal Analysis.

Course Structure

The program involves the sociological study of crime and its application to criminal justice and social policy, with a strong emphasis on the cultural context of crime. Students take all compulsory modules and then choose three from a list of optional modules.

• Compulsory modules currently include:
  • Critical and Global Criminology
  • Design of Social Research
  • Dissertation
• Optional modules may include:
  • Advanced Data Analysis in the Real World
  • Intersectionalities and Crime
  • Social Justice Debates
  • Understanding Global Harms

Entry Requirements

A good honours degree in criminology, sociology, social policy, law, or other related social science discipline, or substantial experience in social or political research or a relevant profession. All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Fees and Funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:

• UK: £10,000
• EU: £19,300
• International: £19,300 Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of the course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

Career Support

The University of Kent provides career support to help students achieve their ambitions. The university's friendly team is on hand to help with any queries, and students can access a range of resources, including a prospectus and guides, to support their career development.

Research Areas

The university has a range of research areas, including:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Social Policy
• Law
• Research Methods
• Statistical Analysis

Academic Schools

The University of Kent has a range of academic schools, including:

• Kent Business School
• Kent Law School
• School of Arts and Architecture
• School of Computing
• School of Economics, Politics and International Relations
• School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
• School of Humanities
• School of Natural Sciences
• School of Psychology
• School of Social Sciences

Graduate School

The Graduate School ensures that the academic and social interests of postgraduate students are provided for within the university. It works alongside academic schools to support and develop internationally distinctive, exciting, and innovative programs of study that combine academic excellence with an exceptional student experience and appropriate learning resources.

Additional Information

The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services, and other matters may be subject to change. For more information, see the university's terms and conditions.