Curious about studying MSc Criminal Justice & Securityat Cardiff Metropolitan University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Cyncoed Campus
Part Time
Sep 2026
2 Year
The MSc Criminal Justice & Security degree at Cardiff Met is an immersive and dynamic Master’s programme designed to provide a deep and critical understanding of modern issues in crime, law, security policy, and criminal justice. By integrating diverse methodological approaches, theoretical frameworks, and global perspectives, the programme explores both personal and global security, addressing international peace, the use of force, and the protection of vulnerable groups. Beginning with a thorough examination of criminal justice policy-making and system operations, you will delve into the core aspects of the discipline, covering the UK criminal justice system alongside international perspectives. Key topics include international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, as well as serious miscarriages of justice and Honour Based Violence against women and girls. The programme also emphasises international peace and security within the broader context of global justice. A central module on research methods equips you with the skills needed for your dissertation projects, enhancing your knowledge of research techniques. Given the ever-evolving nature of criminal justice, the programme introduces a wide array of topics to help you cultivate your areas of interest, aiding in the selection of dissertation subjects. The dissertation component allows for in-depth investigation into topics of personal interest, supported by a dedicated dissertation supervisor. Throughout this Master’s Degree, you will develop essential employability skills, such as presentation, critical thinking, reflective practice, and other practical skills. You will also gain valuable skills through scenario-based role plays relevant to the criminal justice sector, ensuring practical, real-world applications for workplace settings.
This module establishes the intellectual and policy foundations of the degree. You will critically examine criminological theory, the development of criminal justice policy in England and Wales, and the operational realities of the criminal justice system. The focus is not simply on how the system is meant to work, but how it functions in practice including structural pressures, reform debates, and institutional limitations.
This module confronts large-scale harm and systemic exploitation across borders. You will analyse international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression, alongside transnational exploitation including human trafficking, organ trafficking, organised crime networks, illicit drug markets, terrorism, and environmental and maritime harm. The module situates these issues within international human rights law and global justice mechanisms, critically assessing how states and international institutions respond to atrocity and mass harm.
This research-intensive module develops advanced methodological skills in qualitative and quantitative research, ethics, and critical evaluation of evidence. You will learn how to design robust research projects, assess policy impact, and apply evidence-based reasoning directly preparing you for your dissertation and for analytical roles within criminal justice and security professions.
This specialist module examines wrongful convictions and systemic failures within England and Wales, with international comparison. You will explore forensic misuse, cognitive bias, disclosure failures, investigative error, and legislative weaknesses. The module evaluates reform mechanisms designed to strengthen procedural fairness, accountability, and public trust in justice systems.
Central to the degree’s focus on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), this module examines abuse linked to faith, belief systems, and cultural practices. Topics include gender-based abuse, so-called honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation. These issues are examined within the wider global context of gender-based violence, safeguarding policy, and the criminal justice response to vulnerability and protection.
This module explores international peace and security through the institutions and legal frameworks that shape global accountability. You will examine the work of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the United Nations Security Council, alongside issues such as the lawful use of force, prosecution of international crimes, and peaceful dispute resolution in international law.
The Dissertation provides the opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth research project aligned to your professional interests. Supported by structured teaching and expert supervision across Semesters 2 and 3, the Dissertation allows you to apply advanced criminal justice and security knowledge to a contemporary issue of national or global significance.
4.3Cardiff Metropolitan University offers a wide range of full-time and part-time taught postgraduate, research and profess...
