Master in Criminology

The application deadline for Master in Criminology is Aug 31, 2027. The tuition fee is 11,675 GBP per year.

Why do societies label certain actions as criminal, and how do these definitions shift across historical, cultural, and global contexts? This module invites students to move beyond surface-level understandings of crime, encouraging a critical interrogation of the presuppositions we hold about offenders, social harm, and the function of justice. By positioning criminology as a broad, inter-disciplinary field, the programme provides the intellectual tools to examine crime not merely as a legal violation, but as a complex social and cultural phenomenon.

Students are encouraged to reflect on their own position within the global order, using this awareness to challenge dominant narratives surrounding crime and punishment. The curriculum explores the tension between crime as a social problem and crime as an inevitable reflection of social order. It covers a vast intellectual landscape, ranging from the classical and positivist foundations of the discipline to contemporary debates on state crime, transnational trafficking, and the existential dimensions of deviance.

Developing a Criminological Imagination

The module is particularly well-suited for those who wish to bridge the gap between abstract criminological theory and institutional reality. Whether you are studying as an individual module or as part of the LLB, you will engage with the institutional frameworks of law enforcement, evaluating the philosophy of punishment—from deterrence and treatment to restorative models—against the reality of modern state systems.

The University of London, founded in 1836 and headquartered in one of the world’s leading capitals, offers a broad and flexible higher-education environment through its federated colleges and institutes. Serving around 170,000 students with some 50,000 international learners, the University of London is notable for its global reach, diverse academic programs and long tradition of research excellence. Its structure lets students choose from a wide range of disciplines while benefiting from the prestige and resources of constituent colleges.

Academics span arts and humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, business and STEM fields across roughly 100 programs, supported by extensive research networks and partnerships. Students can access world-class faculty, libraries and laboratory facilities hosted by individual colleges, while interdisciplinary initiatives enable cross-college collaboration. The university’s scale also provides abundant extracurricular opportunities, professional development services and pathways to internships and research placements.

London’s international setting offers unmatched cultural and career resources: global firms, cultural institutions and start-up ecosystems are within easy reach. International students benefit from tailored support services, language preparation options and strong alumni networks across sectors and countries. Whether seeking rigorous research training or industry-aligned professional degrees, the University of London provides flexible routes, strong employability outcomes and the vibrancy of studying in a global city.