Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in Criminology

The MA in Criminology at University College Cork is a multidisciplinary program that examines a broad range of theoretical and applied approaches to understanding crime. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in the study of crime, including social deviance, morality, anti-social behavior, social regulation, legislation, criminal law, justice, prevention, rehabilitation, and punishment.

Course Outline

The MA in Criminology is offered on a full-time basis over 12 months or on a part-time basis over 24 months. The 90-credit program consists of three compulsory modules and four additional modules. The compulsory modules include:

• CR6012 Key Issues in Criminology (10 credits)
• CR6010 Research Design and Methods (10 credits)
• CR6006 Dissertation on Criminology (30 credits)

Students must choose at least one Law (LW) module, one Criminology (CR) module, and one Applied Social Studies (SS) module from the list of optional modules, which include:

• CR6000 Governmentality: Disciplines, Institutions, and Critiques (10 credits)
• CR6001 Terrorism and Organised Crime (10 credits)
• LW6544 Criminology (10 credits)
• LW6545 Penology (10 credits)
• LW6546 Juvenile Justice (10 credits)
• LW6560 Law of Cybercrime (10 credits)
• SC6627 Social Pathology, Civic Health, New Technology (10 credits)
• SC6638 Rethinking Borders: Sovereignty, Rights and Justice (10 credits)
• SC6639 Feminist Epistemologies: Feminisms, Sexuality and Society (10 credits)
• SC6641 Gender and Catastrophe (10 credits)
• SC6642 Social Theory and Climate Justice (10 credits)
• SS6315 Mental Health and Disability (10 credits)
• SS6316 Children and Young People (10 credits)
• SS6320 Conflict Transformation and Peace Building (10 credits)

Course Practicalities

The program is interdisciplinary in tone and character, organized by the Schools of Sociology, Philosophy, Law, and Applied Social Studies. Students are assessed on six taught modules and a dissertation module. Classes are typically two hours long, often later in the day to accommodate practitioners, and usually take a lecture-seminar format. Learning is primarily student-centered, and students are expected to make time to read and digest the literature for at least four hours a day.

Why Choose This Course

This course is aimed at providing students with a multidisciplinary grounding in the study of crime. The program encourages the development of key proficiencies such as critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills. Graduates with these capabilities have the option to work in many sectors associated with their degree and other related areas.

Requirements

Applicants must normally have obtained a minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent degree in sociology, law, politics, psychology, history, applied social studies, or another subject relevant to the study of crime. Applicants who hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) in an unrelated subject, or a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a related or unrelated subject, will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to a written expression of interest and/or interview.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Full-time: 8,100 Part-time: 4,700. The Non-EU fee for this course is 18,500.

How to Apply

To apply, check the opening and closing dates for the application process, gather supporting documents, and apply online through the UCC online application portal. A non-refundable 50 application fee applies to most courses. Additional information, such as professional or voluntary positions held, motivation and readiness for the program, and references, may be required as part of the application process.

Skills and Careers Information

Criminology graduates from the MA in Criminology at UCC are attractive to employers both inside and outside the criminal justice sector. Our program encourages the development of key proficiencies such as critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills; graduates with these capabilities have the option to work in many sectors associated with their degree and other related areas. Jobs directly related to this program include community development officer, Garda, prison officer, youth worker, victim liaison officer, researcher, civil servant, customs and excise officer, and fisheries officer. Other relevant roles include counselor, social worker, solicitor, addiction services employee, adult intervention services, PhD researcher/academic, journalism/media, teaching, and UN field office employee or NGO worker.