Program Overview

MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy is a postgraduate degree that explores how laws, policies, and practices shape criminal justice outcomes. The programme draws on interdisciplinary insights from criminology, sociology, law, and psychology.

Introduction

This programme tackles pressing questions such as the significant drop in crime in Western nations, the role of prisons in contemporary society, and the impact of reduced spending on the police. Students will gain theoretical, empirical, and analytical tools to engage with current debates within criminology and criminal justice.

Preliminary Readings

Extensive background reading is not essential, but some reading is advisable before commencing the programme. Recommended texts include:

• A Liebling, S Maruna, and L McAra, The Oxford Handbook of Criminology , 6th Edition, (Oxford University Press, 2017)
• Newburn, T. Crime and Criminal Justice Policy , 2nd edition (Longman, 2003)
• Sanders, A. Young, R. and Burton, M. Criminal Justice , 4th edition, (Oxford University Press, 2010)
• Nelken, D. Comparative Criminal Justice: Making Sense of Difference (Sage, 2010)
• Carrington, K. Hogg, R., Scott, J., Sozzo, M. and Walters, R. Southern Criminology (Routledge, 2018)
• Roberts, A. Gendered States of Punishment and Welfare: Feminist Political Economy, Primitive Accumulation and the Law (Routledge, 2016)
• Alexander, M. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colourblindness(The New Press, 2010)
• Melossi, D. Crime, Punishment and Migration (Sage, 2015)
• Reiner, R. Crime: The Mystery of the Common-Sense Concept(Polity, 2016)

Key Information

• Study mode/Programme availability: Home full-time students (12 months), Home part-time students (24 months), Overseas full-time students (12 months)
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: None – rolling admissions

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science or law, or a degree in another field with relevant practitioner experience.
• English language requirements: Higher

Programme Content

• Year 1: Core courses and a dissertation, with optional courses from an approved list across the Departments of Social Policy, Law, and Sociology.
• Courses:
  • SP477: Half unit, Crime, Justice and Social Policy
  • SP401: Half unit, Understanding Policy Research
  • SP498: One unit, Criminal Justice Policy - Long Essay
  • Courses to the value of two units from a range of options

Why Study with Us

• The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy.
• Rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2026)
• Awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021)

Your Application

• We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
• No fixed deadline, but funding deadlines apply.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £19,650
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,750
• Fee reduction for LSE alumni
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans available

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study
• Teaching methods: Lectures, classes, seminars, and individual supervision
• Assessment: Formative coursework, summative assessment, and examinations

Graduate Destinations

• Most students move into careers in the criminal justice professions, academic or policy research in criminology and criminal justice, and policy work in governments or charities.
• Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating: £33,500
• Top 5 sectors our students work in:
  • Government, Public Sector and Policy
  • Education, Teaching and Research
  • Consultancy
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism

Career Support

• CV workshops
• Careers fairs
• Information and support to help you make the step from education into work
• LSE Careers website for further details

Related Programmes

• LLM, Master of Laws
• MSc Public Policy and Administration
• MSc Human Rights
• MSc International Social and Public Policy
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Development)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Research)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations)