Program Overview

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MA Leadership in Criminal Justice

The MA Leadership in Criminal Justice program is designed to develop leadership and management skills for professionals and aspiring leaders across the entire criminal justice spectrum, including probation, police, prisons, youth offending, and security.

Overview

This course is designed to develop leadership and management skills for professionals and aspiring leaders across the entire criminal justice spectrum. You'll explore current challenges and threats impacting criminal justice and policing, incorporating cutting-edge criminological research. Through experiential learning and realistic assessments, you'll gain a deep understanding of national and international criminological and penological theory, criminal justice policy and practice, and leadership theory, alongside practical skills.

Course Content

You'll take three core modules in Semester 1. One core module in Semester 2 and two option modules from the list provided. You'll also choose whether to take an academic or applied dissertation.

Modules

• Challenges to Criminal Justice Policy and Practice
• Advanced Policy Analysis
• Leadership: Theory and Practice
• Social and Ethical Leadership

Option Modules

You will also study two option modules. Examples include:

• Continuity and Change in Organisations
• International and Comparative Research Methods
• Social Policy in Global Context
• The Political Economy of Welfare
• Global Perspectives on Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
• Law and Social Control
• Working in the Criminal Justice System

Dissertation

• Dissertation in Criminal Justice Leadership (Academic)
• Dissertation in Criminal Justice Leadership (Applied)

Learning Outcomes

Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.

Learning outcomes for this course:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the legal and policy landscape within criminal justice and the current challenges within the sector.
• Apply ethical frameworks and principles to complex decision-making scenarios in criminal justice, demonstrating a commitment to fairness, equity, and social justice.
• Implement and evaluate strategic plans and initiatives within criminal justice organizations, demonstrating advanced knowledge of leadership theories and their practical application in diverse settings.
• Utilize data analysis and research methods to identify problems, evaluate programs, and make evidence-based decisions in criminal justice settings.
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills when addressing challenges of working in criminal justice.
• Work independently and take initiative, with an awareness of their own strengths and development needs.

Fees and Funding

Annual Tuition Fees for 2026/27

• Study mode:
  • UK (home): £12,000
  • International and EU: £27,250

Fees Information

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student.

Funding Information

Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.

• UK government Masters loans
• Funding for UK students
• Funding for international students
• Chevening Scholarships

Teaching and Assessment

You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.

Teaching Format

You'll be taught through a combination of hands-on workshops, lectures and seminars.

Teaching Location

You'll be based in the School for Business and Society in the Church Lane Building on Campus West.

Assessment and Feedback

Your assessment will be continuous and based mainly on essays and reports. You will receive written feedback on all assessed work.

Careers and Skills

The programme will equip you with knowledge needed for leadership roles in criminal justice and related sectors. Combining theory and practice, you'll develop expertise in organisational management, policy analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Career Opportunities

Typical career paths in crime and criminal justice systems include:

• Police
• Solicitor or barrister (via Law conversion courses)
• Probation officer
• Prison service
• Courts service
• Government departments and agencies
• Youth offending teams

Transferable Skills

• Communications skills
• Critical thinking
• Data analysis
• Time management
• Project management
• Independent study and research
• Teamwork skills

Entry Requirements

Qualification

• Undergraduate degree: 2.2 or equivalent in criminology, sociology, psychology, business, law, education, another cognate discipline or equivalent suitable experience.
• Other international qualifications: Equivalent qualifications from your country

English Language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

• IELTS (Academic and Indicator): 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component
• Cambridge CEFR: B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component
• Oxford ELLT: 7, minimum of 6 in each component
• Oxford Test of English Advanced: 136, minimum 126 in each component
• Duolingo: 120, minimum 105 in all other components
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 with 33/50 in each component
• LanguageCert Academic: 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component
• Kaplan Test of English Language: 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components
• Skills for English: B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
• PTE Academic: 61, minimum 55 in each component
• TOEFL: 87, minimum of 21 in each component
• Trinity ISE III: Merit in all requirements

If You Haven't Met Our English Language Requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.