Program Overview

MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Practice

Course Summary

This course prepares students for a career in the criminal justice profession or enhances their knowledge of criminology and criminal justice. Students engage with criminal justice professions and academic communities in the UK and internationally, exploring real-world contemporary international issues in criminology and criminal justice.

How You Learn

Students are taught by tutors from a diverse range of professional, academic, and research backgrounds. Teaching is largely interactive, with a learning-focused approach enriched by real-world employers and research. Students collaborate with students, experts, and global organizations, preparing them to thrive personally, culturally, and professionally.

Modules

Final Year

Compulsory Modules

• Contemporary International Issues In Criminal Justice & Penology (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Contemporary International Issues In Criminology (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Critical Inquiry In Criminology And Criminal Justice (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Practical (100%)

Elective Modules

• Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Reform, Innovation And Change In Criminal Justice Practice (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Social Research Methods (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Work Related Project (60 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Future Careers

This course prepares students for careers in:

• The Police
• The Probation Service
• The Youth Justice Service
• The Prison Service
• The National Crime Agency
• Victim support organizations
• Various inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Third-sector organizations (victim support, criminal justice, and offender management and support roles)
• Further studies and academia

Equipment and Facilities

Students work with innovative digital teaching and learning platforms and apps, specialist software, data analysis packages, and data collection tools. The university is investing £250 million in new facilities over the next five years, providing students with access to new, innovative, and flexible spaces to study and relax.

Where Will I Study?

Students study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, as well as access to digital and online resources to support their learning.

Entry Requirements

• Typically a degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or international equivalent
• At least three years of relevant professional experience
• Applicants with a degree of less than a 2:2 (or equivalent) classification may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process
• If English is not the first language, an IELTS 6.5 score with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas or equivalent is required

Fees and Funding

• Home students: £10,620 for the course
• International/EU students: £17,725 for the course
• Postgraduate student loans: up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses

Additional Course Costs

• General course additional costs
• Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice (PDF, 141.3KB)