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2nd

Best University in The UK*

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MA in Criminology and Social Policy

Educational aims of the programme:

  • To enable students to develop an advanced understanding of cutting-edge developments in the fields of criminology and social policy, with a particular focus upon their intersection through the processes of criminalisation and the workings of institutions of (in)justice.
  • To enable students to develop a critical awareness of the theoretical and empirical relationships between power and social divisions as they relate to the fields of criminology and social policy.
  • To help students develop a critical understanding of the social, political and historical processes that affect the ways in which crimes and harms are perpetrated and responded to locally, nationally and internationally.
  • To prepare students to develop critical discussion and analysis of complex concepts and to work independently and with some originality.
  • To present students with the opportunity to engage in a sustained piece of in-depth research work which demonstrates an advanced understanding and application of methodology, method and analysis.
  • To enhance the critical, analytic, research and employability skills of students working within or aspiring to work within Criminology and Social Policy related professions.

INDICATIVE START DATES FOR THE YEAR:

Unicaf offers a flexible rolling admissions model with multiple start dates for each programme throughout the year
15/01, 19/02/, 18/03,15/4, 20/5, 17/6,15/7, 19/8, 16/9, 14/10, 18/11 and 16/12.

*Start dates for university programmes may be subject to change. Students are advised to regularly check their student profile for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding programme commencement dates.

Duration: 2 - 5 years

Study mode: Online learning

Financing: Scholarships Available


Programme Pathway
Foundation Courses
Name Code
Induction Module LJMU-IND-M-100
Postgraduate Certificate Level
Name Code
Critical Criminology and the State: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives LJMU-7515CSPUC
Conceptualising Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Policy LJMU-7512CSPUC
Postgraduate Diploma Level
Name Code
Advanced Research Methods for Social Science LJMU-7510CSPUC
Globalisation and Comparative Social Policy: Crime, Harm and (in)justice LJMU-7511CSPUC
Postgraduate Award Level
Name Code
Dissertation LJMU-7517CSPUC

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for admission are:

  • An accredited UK Honours degree with minimum 2.2 classification or recognised international equivalent. Some professional qualifications may also be acceptable. Extensive professional experience may also be considered in exceptional cases.
  • Official transcripts from all universities, colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of at least 6.0 (and no individual component lower than 5.5) or equivalent English language qualifications. Students who do not hold the above English language qualifications are required to take the online Academic English Placement Test. This is an IELTS-type test (Reading & Writing) where an overall score of 6.0 (with no individual component lower than 5.5) is required.
  • Personal Statement (minimum 500 words) explaining how the programme of study will benefit the student’s career progression.
  • Up to date CV
  • Two references (academic or professional) listed on CV stating referee’s full name, contact details, and relationship to the applicant.

Applications from non-standard applicants are welcome and will be considered individually.

* Entry requirements may vary depending on the programme of study.

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