Program Overview

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Criminology and Criminal Psychology, MSc

This master’s degree equips you with a deep understanding of the concepts, theories, methods and principles central to criminology and criminal psychology.

By studying Criminology and Criminal Psychology, you'll learn about the changing nature of psychology, law and criminology, and how to apply your knowledge in the forensic and legal arenas. The course will develop your ability to relate theory to practice with its broad coverage of criminological, forensic and psychological approaches to crime. Specific modules include criminal investigative psychology, crime theory, social forensic psychology, and crime, terrorism and the state.

The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology will open a diverse range of career paths. Once you graduate, you will be well-placed for employment in public, private, and/or criminal justice work, or criminal, legal, and forensic psychological work.

School

Law and Criminology

Location

Greenwich Campus

Duration

• 1 years full-time
• 2 years part-time

Start month

September

Home /international fees 2025/26

• £11,325 /£17,975

What you should know about this course

• You’ll learn about the changing nature of psychology, law, and criminology, and their professional applications.
• Your optional modules help you gain insights into areas of your choice.
• It is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) because the primary focus is criminology. It is not a Master’s in Psychology.
• The course does meet the British Criminology Society benchmarks for postgraduate taught courses.

What you will study

Full time

Part time

• Full time
• Part time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Social Forensic Psychology (15 credits)
• Criminal Investigative Psychology (15 credits)
• Psychology, Development and Crime (15 credits)
• Criminology Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits)
• Sexuality, Culture and Criminality (30 credits)
• Comparative Criminological Research Methods (15 credits)
• Crime Controversies and Critical Theory (30 credits)

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Psychology, Development and Crime (15 credits)
• Sexuality, Culture and Criminality (30 credits)
• Comparative Criminological Research Methods (15 credits)
• Crime Controversies and Critical Theory (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Social Forensic Psychology (15 credits)
• Criminal Investigative Psychology (15 credits)
• Criminology Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry requirements

If you are a UK citizen or have permanent residency from outside the UK

• An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in Criminology, or a relevant subject.
• Applicants without a degree that have professional qualifications or relevant professional experience may be considered.

International entry requirements

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

How you will learn

Teaching

In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. You'll be able to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller group sessions. Contact hours are likely to fall between 9am and 9pm but this depends on your elective courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

Lectures are usually attended by larger groups and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.

Independent learning

Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll need to dedicate time to independent study to prepare for coursework, presentations and exams. Our Stockwell Street library and online resources will support your further reading and research.

You can also join a range of student societies, including the student Criminology Society which holds debates and social events.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc.), independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion to the number of modules you are studying.

Assessment

On this course, students are assessed by coursework and presentations. Some psychology modules may also include exams. There are also practice assessments, which help you to monitor your own progress and make continual improvement.

Feedback summary

We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.

Dates and timetables

The academic year runs from September to June.

Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please use our contact form.

Fees and funding

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
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Home | £11,325 | £1,887 per 30 credits | N/A
International | £17,975 | £2,996 per 30 credits | N/A

Accommodation costs

Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.

The Greenwich Bursary

This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.

EU Bursary

Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.

Careers and placements

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Many of our graduates already have careers, but some seek promotion or change roles within the same organisation. Others join the criminal justice system (police, courts, probation, prisons), work in security, intelligence, research or for a charitable or commercial organisation.

Do you provide employability services?

Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.

The University's Employability and Careers Service (ECS) provides support when you are preparing to apply for jobs. Support includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.

Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the sector and who may be able to provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.

Accommodation

Greenwich

Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life. With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich , you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.

Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London. Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.

Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.

Support from the department

The School of Law & Criminology provides pastoral support throughout your studies with us. Students have a personal tutor and access to training in study skills, dissertation preparation, methods and ethics and can have access to advice on employability and careers.

Additionally, joining societies such as the University's student Criminology Society or initiatives such as the Innocence Project London can build skills and present new opportunities.