Criminology - MA
Canterbury Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Criminology
University of Kent
Criminology
Program Overview: MA Criminology at the University of Kent
The MA Criminology at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to investigating all aspects of crime, criminal behaviour, policy, and justice systems in both UK and international contexts. Founded by the renowned criminologist, the late Professor Jock Young, this program has a long and distinguished tradition rooted in the Crime, Culture and Control research cluster.
You will study issues at the cutting edge of current criminological debate with a strong emphasis on the cultural context of crime, advanced criminological theory, and research methods as applied to crime and criminal justice. The program is delivered within the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR), recognised as one of the top four institutions of its kind in the UK.
A distinctive feature of this MA is participation in the Common Study Programme in Critical Criminology, a biannual student-centred conference held in collaboration with leading European and international partner universities. This provides you with a unique opportunity to present papers, exchange ideas, and build an international academic network with peers and scholars from institutions across Europe and beyond.
Key Program Highlights
- Ranked 3rd in the UK for Criminology in the Times Higher Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- Winner of the first National Award for Excellence in Teaching Criminology from the British Criminology Society in 2012
- Access to the biannual Common Study Programme in Critical Criminology with partner universities across Europe and the USA
- Taught by internationally renowned scholars and researchers with strong publication records in leading criminology journals
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Criminology curriculum combines compulsory core modules with a selection of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests. You take all compulsory modules and then choose three from a list of optional modules, completing the program with a dissertation on a research topic of your choice. Assessment is by six coursework essays and the dissertation.
Critical Criminology
Core ModuleExplores the broad, multi-disciplinary tradition studying the complex relationships between crime, control, and power. You examine various theoretical perspectives including new deviancy theory, Marxism, Foucauldian thought, left realism, abolitionism, social harm perspectives, and cultural criminology.
Criminological Research Methods
Core ModuleDevelops your capacity to independently design and conduct research, preparing you to become a research-minded practitioner capable of undertaking research in practice settings and supervising others in such work.
Dissertation
Core ModuleProvides the opportunity to independently carry out an in-depth inquiry investigating a research question of your choice, producing a coherent literature review, logical discussion, and clearly communicated set of conclusions.
Globalisation, Crime and Control
Core ModuleExamines how processes of globalisation give rise to new understandings of crime, power, and control, linking the global to the local through the emerging sub-discipline of global criminology.
Harms, Risks and Social Justice
Optional ModuleDrawing from interdisciplinary perspectives including criminology, sociology, psychology, political science, and law, you critically analyse case studies, empirical research, and theoretical frameworks to develop a nuanced understanding of harm-based phenomena and strategies for prevention and intervention.
Urban Dynamics and Criminological Research
Optional ModuleExplores the interplay of urban dynamics and criminological research, examining how urban environments shape crime patterns, social control, and community responses to criminal behaviour.
Optional Modules
Admission Requirements
The University of Kent considers applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications. All applicants are assessed on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account. To begin your application, contact Uni4Edu for guidance and support throughout the process.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationA good honours degree (typically 2:1 or above) in criminology, sociology, social policy, law, or other related social science discipline
- Professional ExperienceSubstantial experience in social or political research or a relevant profession may be accepted in lieu of formal qualifications
- Individual AssessmentAll applicants are considered on an individual basis with additional qualifications and professional experience taken into account
- International QualificationsEquivalent overseas qualifications are accepted; contact Uni4Edu for country-specific entry requirements
- ReferencesAcademic and/or professional references supporting your application and suitability for postgraduate study
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBT95 overall (minimum 25 in Reading, 24 in Writing and Speaking, 22 in Listening)
- Pre-sessional EnglishPre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes are available through Kent International Pathways if you need to meet the language condition
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support international postgraduate students. These awards can significantly reduce the cost of your studies. Contact Uni4Edu to explore which scholarships you may be eligible for and to receive guidance on your application.
International Scholarship for Taught Masters Students
GBP 6,000A competitive scholarship worth GBP 6,000 towards tuition fees, open to international students assessed as overseas fee payers. Selection is based on academic achievement, your reasons for study statement, and references provided as part of your program application.
Kent Future Students Global Scholarship
GBP 2,000A tuition fee reduction of GBP 2,000 available to newly admitted full-time postgraduate taught students from eligible countries. This scholarship is applied automatically once eligibility criteria are met and the tuition fee deposit is paid by the deadline.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Full tuition, airfare and living costsAvailable to students from eligible Commonwealth countries, this scholarship covers tuition fees, return airfares, and living costs for a one-year taught Master's programme. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree at UK first-class level equivalent and meet residency requirements.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
A postgraduate degree in Criminology from the University of Kent is a valuable qualification that opens doors to many exciting opportunities and professions. The program places considerable emphasis on developing specialist knowledge alongside core transferable skills including research and analysis, policy development, independent thought, writing and presentation, time management, and leadership.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Kent is a well-established public research university consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom. Its Criminology program is particularly distinguished, with a strong research reputation and nationally recognised teaching excellence within the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Criminology (Research Excellence) | THE REF | #3 in the UK |
| Social Sciences & Public Health | EduRank | #34 in the UK |
| Law | QS World by Subject | Top 150 Globally |
| Social Sciences | Guardian | Top Subject at Kent |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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