MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (full-time)
Overview
This is a nine month full-time programme which equips its graduates with an advanced understanding of crime and criminal justice. The degree comprises core courses in criminological theory and the study of criminal justice, provides training in research design and methodology, and offers students the opportunity to take optional courses in a wide range of subject areas, including policing, sentencing, prisons, the sociology of punishment, restorative justice, crime and the family, human rights, victims, youth justice, risk and security, border criminology and the death penalty.
Students also research and write a dissertation on a subject of their own choosing under the guidance of a supervisor. A stimulating and demanding programme, involving intensive learning in small groups, the MSc is suitable for those with an excellent first degree in sociology, law, politics, psychology, history or another subject relevant to criminology.
Course in brief
Components
- Two Compulsory Courses; Criminology Theories and Criminal Justice, and Research Design and Data Collection
- Five optional modules selected from a list of 15 or so. See the options here.
- A dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words researched and written independently under supervision
- Assessment through examination of core course modules, written assessments and assessed essays
Who should consider this course
Students wishing to develop an advanced understanding of crime and criminal justice.
Practical information
Official course overviews, application deadlines and application procedures can be found on the main Oxford University website.
The Centre for Criminology
The MSc is taught by the Centre for Criminology in the Faculty of Law
Course Structure
An induction programme is run in the two weeks before the start of the first term. This introduces students to the modules on offer on the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, along with introductions to the computing services and library facilities at Oxford. Students attend introductory lectures on criminological theory, an introduction to the ‘Structure of the English Criminal Justice System’ and an introduction to research methods session. A ‘What to expect’ session will be held by former MSc students giving further insight into the MSc course and you will be invited to join the welcome drinks reception to meet your cohort along with the tutors and other members of the Centre for Criminology.
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1. Criminological Theories and Criminal Justice (compulsory) |
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2. Research Design and Data Collection (compulsory) |
| 3. Optional course 1 |
| 4. Optional course 2 |
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5. Criminological Theories and Criminal Justice (compulsory) |
| 6. Optional course 3 |
| 7. Optional course 4 |
| 8. Optional course 5 |
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9. Academic CommunicationSkills (compulsory) |
| 10. Dissertation |
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Hear from the previous Director of the Centre and some of our previous students
The components of the course
The MSc is comprised of three components:
1. The two Compulsory Courses; Criminology Theories and Criminal Justice, and Research Design and Data Collection.
2. Five optional modules selected from a list of 15 or so
3. A dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words researched and written independently under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
Students are expected to spend at least 40 hours studying each week during term (and they will also need to do some study during vacations). During Michaelmas and Hilary Term students are advised to divide their time between the core course and their other courses in the following way:
- At least 10 hours preparation a week for the core course;
- At least 8 hours preparation a week for each option/compulsory course;
- 4.5 to 6 hours a week in seminars (ninety minutes for each course).
In Trinity term MSc students will work on their dissertation and attend the weekly Academic Communication Skills sessions.
You will note that this leaves very little time during the week for any paid employment. We appreciate that some students will have to work a few hours a week in the evenings or at weekends; the Faculty operates a rule that students may not work more than 8 hours per week or a reasonable average over the year.
Scholarships & Bursaries
Please see our Information for Student Applicants page
Other information about the course and the Centre for Criminology
Full-time students research and write up their dissertations in Trinity Term.
The Academic Communication Skills sessions are compulsory for all MSc students and they will also give a presentation based on their dissertation at the ‘MSc symposium’.
There is one examination of the core course modules. This is usually held in Week 0 of Trinity Term, date to be confirmed.
The research methods courses are examined by means of a 2,500-3,000 word assessment to be submitted in Week 10. These courses also have some term-time assignments which are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
Each option is examined by means of an assessed essay of 3,500-4,500 words for which time is set aside during the last three weeks of each term. Assessed essay titles are circulated on Friday of Week 7 and must be completed by Wednesday of Week 10 of Michaelmas and Hilary term.
The dissertation is between 12,000 and 15,000 words long on a topic of the student's choice, subject to the agreement of the Board of Studies. Students are expected to carry out the research independently, with only minimum guidance from their dissertation supervisor.
The degree of MSc shall be awarded to any candidate who achieves a mark of at least 50 per cent for (a) the five options and the ‘Research Design and Data Collection’ course, (b) the core course papers, and (c) the dissertation, as well as satisfactorily completes the continuous assessment element of ‘Research Design and Data Collection’, and, where relevant, those of ‘Quantitative Methods for Social Scientists’ and/or ‘Qualitative Methods’
Oxford is a collegiate university, which means it is made up of self-governing, independent colleges. All Oxford students are a member of a college. Colleges provide students with an ideal opportunity for interaction with peers from different academic disciplines, countries and backgrounds, as well as a place to get involved in clubs, sports and cultural activities, socialise, eat and sometimes live.
Although colleges are very important in admissions and teaching provision for undergraduate students, it is the Faculty that manages the admissions process and provides the teaching for graduate students.
Admission to a college happens after a candidate receives an offer of a place on the MSc Criminology. Receiving an offer of a place on the MSc Criminology guarantees the candidate a place at a college, but not necessarily the college of their choice.
The University and the Centre for Criminology condemn harassment as an unacceptable form of behaviour. Please see the university policy.
The MSc is taught by the Centre for Criminology in the Faculty of Law.
We also offer the MSc as a part-time course.