Brayford Pool
September 2025
1 year
2 years
The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice challenges students to engage with contemporary issues faced by the criminal justice system from both a criminological and legal perspective.
In the 21st Century, the means by which we respond as a society to crime and victimisation is under greater scrutiny than ever before. How we respond to cases of historic sexual abuse, the use of imprisonment as a just and effective means of punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and the challenges posed by organised crime and international terrorism, mean criminological and legal scholarship are being brought to the forefront.
This course is designed to equip students with the conceptual tools needed to engage with such issues, imparting a broad range of cognitive, analytical, and general transferable skills including judging and evaluating evidence, interpreting data, generating and synthesising information, and formulating reasoned arguments.
The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice challenges students to engage with contemporary issues faced by the criminal justice system from both a criminological and legal perspective.
In the 21st Century, the means by which we react as a society to crime and victimisation is under greater scrutiny than ever before. How we respond to cases of historic sexual abuse, the use of imprisonment as a just and effective means of punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and the challenges posed by organised crime and international terrorism, cyber crime and legal scholarship are being brought to the forefront.
This course is designed to equip students with the conceptual tools needed to engage with such issues, imparting a broad range of cognitive, analytical, and general transferable skills including judging and evaluating evidence, interpreting data, generating and synthesising information, and formulating reasoned arguments.
Continuing career support after your course finishes
A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience
Teaching delivered by experts in the field
Emphasis on the development of professional and research skills
Complete a research project in a specialist area
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Students can engage with criminological knowledge and learn to approach the legal questions raised by this in a reflective and critical way. Drawing on staff expertise across both social science and legal disciplines, students are able to study and engage in research on theory, policy, systems and law, and many other issues of historic and contemporary relevance to criminologists and criminal lawyers.
Combining both a social science and legal education, the degree offers a rigorous programme enriched by research, scholarship, and knowledge exchange to prepare students for study and research at postgraduate level, and for the workplace.
Students on this programme are expected to complete six core modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation. During the course, students can take part in lecture and seminar sessions which can include group discussions and some group presentations.
Contact and Independent Study
Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study, but generally take the form of seminars, workshops, tutor meetings, and 1:1 support.
Postgraduate level study also involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in contact hours. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Students can engage with criminological and legal knowledge and learn to approach questions in a reflective and critical way. Drawing on staff expertise across both social science and legal disciplines, students are able to study and engage in research on theory, policy, systems and law, and many other issues of historic and contemporary relevance to criminologists and criminal lawyers.
Combining both a social science and legal education, the degree offers a rigorous programme enriched by research, scholarship, and knowledge exchange to prepare students for study and research at postgraduate level, and for the workplace.
Students on this programme are expected to complete core and optional modules, as well as a dissertation. During the course, students can take part in lecture and seminar sessions which can include group discussions and some group presentations.
Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study, but generally take the form of seminars, workshops, tutor meetings, and 1:1 support.
Postgraduate level study also involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in contact hours. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
This module covers the full breadth of the penal system in England and Wales. By drawing on a comparative methodology, it compares practice in England and Wales with other jurisdictions around the world. We begin by looking at a range of forward-looking and backward-looking approaches to penal theory and question why we sentence people in the way that we do. Building on this, we consider whether these traditional theories are still valid in light of other options, such as restorative justice. Finally, we consider the full range of penal options including, out of court disposals, financial penalties, community penalties and the use of imprisonment. We consider in detail the prison experience , taking into account issues such as race, gender and also age.
This module provides a critical introduction to the study of criminal justice institutions, practices, and participants. It will examine some of the main elements of the system, including law and policy, actors, and procedure. It will also focus on current developments and emphases in criminal justice practice. Critical analysis and evaluation of theory, policy, and practice will be embedded throughout the module.
This module deconstructs criminological theoretical explanations of ‘crime’ and ‘deviance’. It will address competing theories while exploring the socio-historical and ideological contexts. Theories challenged in this module include positivist, feminist, socio-cultural, socio-political, interpretative and interactionist accounts. Adopting such approaches allows for a thorough critical exploration of relevant debates and expands the application of such theories as a means to understand, critique and explore both contemporary and historical issues.
By addressing challenges to these theories, alongside practical application to specific themes, students will be encouraged to deconstruct ‘myths’ and establish a broader understanding. This core module aims to enhance and embed students’ critical thinking, application and grasp of core theoretical perspectives.
The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of criminology/criminal justice.
Students may develop ideas encountered in the taught modules or with other issues relevant to the degree. The completed dissertation will be an original and independent piece of work. It should, in the context of existing knowledge, demonstrate in-depth understanding, critical analysis and original thinking, as well as general academic and communication skills. Undertaking the necessary research and writing the dissertation will provide academic opportunities to apply the research skills and presentation techniques developed during the programme.
This module introduces students to research methods in social and political sciences, with particular emphasis on qualitative approaches and survey design. It provides a crucial foundation for all students to understand debates around research methods and methodologies. Students gain familiarity with qualitative research strategies and survey design methods, and develop the ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of applying these methodologies to different research projects. The module prepares students for independent studies and equips them with transferable qualitative and survey research skills applicable across disciplines.
This module requires the student to undertake 60 hours of work-based learning in a criminal justice or criminal justice related organisation. If the student is already employed in a relevant organisation, on a paid or voluntary basis, these 60 hours can be part of their normal working hours. If the student is not already employed in the sector, then they will need to find an organisation that is willing to accommodate them on a paid or voluntary basis. The University may be able to help with securing these opportunities, but this is not guaranteed.
This module aims to provide a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concept of dangerousness and the ways in which those who are defined as ‘dangerous’ are managed and treated by the criminal justice system. A distinctive feature will be to understand how those working in criminal justice agencies assess offenders as well as to ask broader questions about matters of justice, equality and human rights in the operation and implementation of public protection policies and practices.
This module deconstructs the interrelationships between gender, crime, deviance and society. It will explore gender through a criminological lens and aims to introduce students to ‘gendered’ explanations of crime and deviance. The significance of gender in the various agencies of the criminal justice system will also be explored, as will its presence a range of discourses around victimhood and offending. The ways in which ‘justice’ can be gendered will be identified and critiqued. The module will also aim to critically engage with notions of harm, dangerousness and risk, and unpick the arguments found within feminist criminologies.
This module provides the opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of the idea of international criminal justice. The module aims to address the key issues and concepts in and policies underlying the enforcement of international criminal law considering the legal and political environment in which international criminal courts and tribunals operate. The principle focus will be the international crimes which come within the jurisdiction of the current international courts and tribunals – that is war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression– and analysing whether these institutions are effective for the pursuit of justice and peace within the international system.
This module explores the powers of the police in England and Wales and further afield. It looks at the ways in which the police forces are organised and the different national agencies that operate in the area (such as the Serious Fraud Office, and the Serious Organised Crime Agency). Students are then taken through the various stages of policing from stop and search to charge. The various procedures that can be used to obtain evidence, including questioning, search of premises, DNA analysis, are examined. The effect of terrorism threats on police powers is discussed. The module concludes with a consideration of the ways in which police powers can be challenged, including complaints, civil action and exclusion of evidence.
The label ‘terrorism’ is applied erratically with little clear precision or exclusivity to its use and failing to clearly differentiate those labelled 'terrorists'. The long and contested histories of diverse political and ideological struggles in respect of securing the legitimacy of this label, and/or the resistance to it, are often made unclear by the cultural significance the label itself.
The aim of this module is to provide a critical understanding of these heated debates focusing on past and current management strategies, their relative strengths and weaknesses, the problems with conceptualisation and their various proponents from the worlds of academia/counter insurgency studies, political and criminal justice/military ‘experts’.
In this module, you can explore victimisation through the lens of violent and organised crime, modern slavery, and cyber offences. There may be opportunities to examine present notions of victimology as well as the wider victim experience, particularly the changing relationship between victims of crime, offenders, and the state. Representations of victimisation can be challenged, alongside popular discourses of the victim and victim status attribution.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
This module covers the full breadth of the penal system in England and Wales. By drawing on a comparative methodology, it compares practice in England and Wales with other jurisdictions around the world. We begin by looking at a range of forward-looking and backward-looking approaches to penal theory and question why we sentence people in the way that we do. Building on this, we consider whether these traditional theories are still valid in light of other options, such as restorative justice. Finally, we consider the full range of penal options including, out of court disposals, financial penalties, community penalties and the use of imprisonment. We consider in detail the prison experience , taking into account issues such as race, gender and also age.
This module provides a critical introduction to the study of criminal justice institutions, practices, and participants. It will examine some of the main elements of the system, including law and policy, actors, and procedure. It will also focus on current developments and emphases in criminal justice practice. Critical analysis and evaluation of theory, policy, and practice will be embedded throughout the module.
This module deconstructs criminological theoretical explanations of ‘crime’ and ‘deviance’. It will address competing theories while exploring the socio-historical and ideological contexts. Theories challenged in this module include positivist, feminist, socio-cultural, socio-political, interpretative and interactionist accounts. Adopting such approaches allows for a thorough critical exploration of relevant debates and expands the application of such theories as a means to understand, critique and explore both contemporary and historical issues.
By addressing challenges to these theories, alongside practical application to specific themes, students will be encouraged to deconstruct ‘myths’ and establish a broader understanding. This core module aims to enhance and embed students’ critical thinking, application and grasp of core theoretical perspectives.
The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of criminology/criminal justice.
Students may develop ideas encountered in the taught modules or with other issues relevant to the degree. The completed dissertation will be an original and independent piece of work. It should, in the context of existing knowledge, demonstrate in-depth understanding, critical analysis and original thinking, as well as general academic and communication skills. Undertaking the necessary research and writing the dissertation will provide academic opportunities to apply the research skills and presentation techniques developed during the programme.
This module explores the powers of the police in England and Wales and further afield. It looks at the ways in which the police forces are organised and the different national agencies that operate in the area (such as the Serious Fraud Office, and the Serious Organised Crime Agency). Students are then taken through the various stages of policing from stop and search to charge. The various procedures that can be used to obtain evidence, including questioning, search of premises, DNA analysis, are examined. The effect of terrorism threats on police powers is discussed. The module concludes with a consideration of the ways in which police powers can be challenged, including complaints, civil action and exclusion of evidence.
This module introduces students to research methods in social and political sciences, with particular emphasis on qualitative approaches and survey design. It provides a crucial foundation for all students to understand debates around research methods and methodologies. Students gain familiarity with qualitative research strategies and survey design methods, and develop the ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of applying these methodologies to different research projects. The module prepares students for independent studies and equips them with transferable qualitative and survey research skills applicable across disciplines.
This module requires the student to undertake 60 hours of work-based learning in a criminal justice or criminal justice related organisation. If the student is already employed in a relevant organisation, on a paid or voluntary basis, these 60 hours can be part of their normal working hours. If the student is not already employed in the sector, then they will need to find an organisation that is willing to accommodate them on a paid or voluntary basis. The University may be able to help with securing these opportunities, but this is not guaranteed.
This module aims to provide a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concept of dangerousness and the ways in which those who are defined as ‘dangerous’ are managed and treated by the criminal justice system. A distinctive feature will be to understand how those working in criminal justice agencies assess offenders as well as to ask broader questions about matters of justice, equality and human rights in the operation and implementation of public protection policies and practices.
This module deconstructs the interrelationships between gender, crime, deviance and society. It will explore gender through a criminological lens and aims to introduce students to ‘gendered’ explanations of crime and deviance. The significance of gender in the various agencies of the criminal justice system will also be explored, as will its presence a range of discourses around victimhood and offending. The ways in which ‘justice’ can be gendered will be identified and critiqued. The module will also aim to critically engage with notions of harm, dangerousness and risk, and unpick the arguments found within feminist criminologies.
This module provides the opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of the idea of international criminal justice. The module aims to address the key issues and concepts in and policies underlying the enforcement of international criminal law considering the legal and political environment in which international criminal courts and tribunals operate. The principle focus will be the international crimes which come within the jurisdiction of the current international courts and tribunals – that is war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression– and analysing whether these institutions are effective for the pursuit of justice and peace within the international system.
This module introduces students to quantitative data analysis in social and political sciences. It provides a crucial foundation for understanding the principles and practice of quantitative data analysis, with an emphasis on practical competence with statistical software and the interpretation of quantitative findings. Students develop the ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different analytical approaches and to work confidently with quantitative data. The module prepares students for independent studies and equips them with transferable quantitative data analysis skills applicable across social science research.
The label ‘terrorism’ is applied erratically with little clear precision or exclusivity to its use and failing to clearly differentiate those labelled 'terrorists'. The long and contested histories of diverse political and ideological struggles in respect of securing the legitimacy of this label, and/or the resistance to it, are often made unclear by the cultural significance the label itself.
The aim of this module is to provide a critical understanding of these heated debates focusing on past and current management strategies, their relative strengths and weaknesses, the problems with conceptualisation and their various proponents from the worlds of academia/counter insurgency studies, political and criminal justice/military ‘experts’.
In this module, you can explore victimisation through the lens of violent and organised crime, modern slavery, and cyber offences. There may be opportunities to examine present notions of victimology as well as the wider victim experience, particularly the changing relationship between victims of crime, offenders, and the state. Representations of victimisation can be challenged, alongside popular discourses of the victim and victim status attribution.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
The Lincoln Centre for Crime and Justice is a research group which unites academics and practitioners from a range of disciplines to investigate and improve crime and justice outcomes through research, consultancy, and knowledge exchange. Our research covers four core themes: health and wellbeing, violence and harm, data and technology, and reducing offending.
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The way students will be assessed on this course will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a dissertation or essay, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work or presentations, and production of a research proposal.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
The way students will be assessed on this course will vary for each module. It might include coursework, such as a research proposal, dissertation or essay, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work or presentations. As technology advances, we aim to keep up-to-date with changes where possible, as such, our methods of assessment evolve when necessary.
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Criminology graduates can pursue work in a variety of different areas including the civil service, police, academia, and the National Probation Service, although the combination of both criminological and legal analysis covered by the course offers graduates a wide array of different career choices.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
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First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject such as Criminology, Law, Social Policy, Politics, Sociology, and Psychology.
We are also happy to consider applications based on work or personal experience .
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject such as Criminology, Law, Social Policy, Politics, Sociology, and Psychology.
We are also happy to consider applications based on work or personal experience .
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
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To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
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For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Chloe Wilson: ChloeWilson@lincoln.ac.uk