Unlock a world of possibilities with the MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Dive into critical debates on crime and justice, while exploring themes of inequality and social divisions. Tailor your journey through flexible modules and real-world placements, all while gaining essential skills for impactful careers in policy and criminal justice.
This dynamic, globally oriented programme critically examines the complex intersections of crime, justice and power in an ever-changing world. Through core modules such as Thinking Criminologically and Beyond Criminal Justice, you’ll delve into pressing issues like inequality, social divisions and international responses to crime, all while fostering a strong sense of social justice.
Designed with your future in mind, this MA equips you with essential skills in critical thinking to digital fluency, preparing you for careers in policy, criminal justice and beyond. You’ll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through industry placements and impactful research projects, such as collaboration with the Interchange charity to drive positive change in local communities.
What truly sets our programme apart is the flexibility it offers. You can tailor your studies with optional modules like Gender-Based Violence and Criminal Justice, and Migration, Trafficking and Modern Slavery, aligning your education with your career goals and interests.
Delivered through interactive workshops, this distinctly critical programme fosters collaboration and practical learning, ensuring you graduate with the skills and insights needed to make a difference in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
You can also study Criminology and Criminal Justice as a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
This master’s is suitable for graduates in the social sciences or related fields. The programme provides excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue a career in areas such as the government sector, civil service, criminal justice institutions and related organisations, third sector organisations, research positions, policy making and journalism. It is also an excellent step for those wishing to undertake postgraduate study at MPhil and PhD levels, or to become independent or career social researchers.
The PGDip and PGCert qualification options are ideal for practising professionals or graduates seeking an advanced qualification to inform their work or support career progression, without the time commitment required for a full master’s degree.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In Semester 1, all modules are compulsory, contributing to a total of 60 credits.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BEYOND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (SOCI542) | 20 |
| THE POLITICS AND PRACTICES OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (SOCI500) | 20 |
| THINKING CRIMINOLOGICALLY: PERSPECTIVES AND APPROACHES (SOCI541) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In Semester 2, you chose up to 60 credits of optional modules. You may take either 60 credits of subject-based modules, or 40 credits of subject-based modules with 20 credits of research methods-based modules.
Subject-based modules: SOCI543, SOCI544, SOCI546, SOCI548 and LAW585.
Research methods-based modules: SOCI523, SOCI528, SOCI531, SOCI536 and SOCI537.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You must take either the Dissertation module or the Extended Interchange Project module, both worth 60 credits each.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| EXTENDED INTERCHANGE PROJECT (SOCI530) | 60 |
| DISSERTATION (SOCI403) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of large group seminars/tutorials, small group workshops, one to one tutorials and research supervision meetings. You’ll also carry out project work and private study.
Teaching is delivered in an interactive, participatory and inclusive way, with extensive support of small group teaching and online learning platforms.
You’ll be assessed through a variety methods that mirror real-world challenges, giving you the opportunity to showcase your knowledge in ways that matter. Coursework will allow you to dive deep into research, critically analyse complex issues and explore cutting-edge criminology and criminal justice approaches. You’ll also sharpen your communication skills by producing authentic outputs like essays, reports, blogs, and even podcasts. Group presentations and collaborative projects will help you build confidence, leadership and teamwork, while reflective assessments will encourage you to actively engage with your own learning journey. These assessment methods will equip you to confidently articulate your ideas to a range of audiences—whether pitching to government, presenting at conferences, or sharing insights with the public.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
The Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology is one of the UK’s leading centres for sociology, social policy and criminology and has been for over 100 years. Our shared pursuit of research-based knowledge supporting social justice sets this department apart from most of its contemporaries in the UK and beyond.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
This programme is designed with your future in mind, focusing on the skills that employers need today and tomorrow. We align our curriculum with key industry demands, ensuring you’re prepared for the evolving job market. You’ll develop a blend of hard and soft skills, from critical thinking and research to collaboration, responsibility and cultural empathy.
Our strong connections within various sectors will support you in building a wide range of transferable experience, which is essential for diverse career paths. You will have opportunities to work directly with industry through our Interchange modules. Here, you’ll translate theory into practice, gain insight into the key challenges faced by different sectors, and explore how you can contribute to addressing them.
This programme prepares you for a wide range of careers and further study, across areas such as:
It also equips you with the knowledge and skills to progress to postgraduate study, including doctoral research.
Throughout the programme, you will also build valuable knowledge and your skills through:
You’ll also benefit from the University’s extensive skill-based resources, such as specialised training sessions offered by the library, and exciting extra-curricular research events hosted by the School of Law and Social Justice.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Students undertaking Interchange placement or research activities may incur some travel costs when attending partner organisations. However, travel will be in the local area and some activities may take place online. This means any additional costs are likely to be minimal, with some students may not incurring any costs beyond their usual travel to and from the university. The estimated cost is around £65, based on a day ticket for travel around Merseyside at £5.40 per day for 12 weeks.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The School of Law and Social Justice is awarding three scholarships to study for a master's in the department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a social science subject. Candidates with relevant professional qualifications – for example Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW), Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), Youth Justice Professional Certificate in Effective Practice (PCEP), Police Sergeant’s Examinations – will be considered in cases where such qualifications are accompanied by substantial work experience in a relevant field. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| INDIA Standard XII | – National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 20 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions