The MSc in Criminology offers a unique insight into cutting-edge criminological theory and current real-world phenomena related to crime and punishment. The programme is open to graduates of various social science disciplines, and provides a multidisciplinary platform from which to engage with the complexity of contemporary criminology and to understand and critically assess the political, economic, social and cultural forces that affect crime and its control.

The programme will appeal to you if you have a keen interest in crime and criminal behaviour and wish to better understand the key issues facing criminal justice today. Not only will you gain advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary criminological theory, you will also have the opportunity to specialise by pursuing one of four pathways, and learn cutting-edge research methods to enable you to complete a substantial, original research project.

Depending on your choice of pathway, you will be awarded an MSc Criminology (Criminology and Criminal Justice), MSc Criminology (Global Criminology), MSc Criminology (Gender, Sexuality and Criminal Justice) or MSc Criminology (Race, Crime and Justice).

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates can pursue a career in law enforcement or corrections, policy analysis and policy making, in non-governmental organisations, international research institutions and think-tanks (e.g. UNODC), within various government departments and ministries, and in the media and criminal justice system more broadly.

Read Joanna Perry, Hate Crimes Officer at the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), explaining how a Birkbeck Master's degree in law helped her build a successful career in criminal justice.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.