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Course overview
Unlock new perspectives on crime and justice with our MA Global Criminology and Criminal Justice. This course challenges you to think critically about crime, deviance, and justice in a rapidly changing global world.
This course empowers you with critical insights and practical skills, preparing you to lead in criminal justice and social research. You will shape policy, advance justice, and drive meaningful change in global contexts.
Course Structure
This programme will be taught over a 12-month period if studying full-time, and over a 24-month period if studying part-time.
You will study core modules in Advanced Criminological Theory and Social Research and Analysis Skills and choose optional modules, as well as working on your Dissertation.
Course highlights
The MA Global Criminology and Criminal Justice course at Birmingham offers a unique blend of sociological, legal, and psychological approaches to criminology. You will engage with topical debates on crime control, human rights, and social justice, whilst exploring the relationship between power and criminal justice systems. You will graduate feeling prepared to be a leader in addressing the complexities of global crime challenges.
- Engage with a broad range of criminological theories from classical to critical perspectives.
- Benefit from an approach that links sociological legal, and psychological insights to help make real-world impact.
- Develop the crucial skills involved in contributing to debates on crime prevention, security, and justice on a global scale.
Prepare to lead in global crime and justice challenges with interdisciplinary expertise.
Course delivery
Our MA Global Criminology and Criminal Justice programme is taught through lectures, seminars and classroom-based discussions.
- Lectures - Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminars - Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Tutorial - Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
Module information
This 180-credit programme comprises of four compulsory modules (120 credits) and three optional modules (60 credits).
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Advanced Criminological Theory | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Advances in Criminology and Criminal Justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Social Research and Analysis Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must choose 60 credits from the following list:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Contemporary Issues in Punishment and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Crime and Justice in a Globalised World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Crime and Social Harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Sociology of race and racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
For entry onto the MA Criminology, applicants will normally have an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1.
Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis, i.e. if they have extensive related work experience.
International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
Applicants will be required to offer a relevant degree subject, and we will consider the following subjects: social policy, sociology, criminology, cultural studies, politics, international relations, generic social science degrees, human/social geography, media studies, law, psychology, art history, history and philosophy.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
This course develops essential employability skills like critical thinking, research skills, and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for navigating crime and justice systems. Graduates will be prepared for a diverse range of careers in criminal justice, policy-making, analysis, and academia, with opportunities in both the public and private sectors. No matter your chosen field, this course ensures you gain a profound understanding of complex social phenomena, empowering you to make a significant impact.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.