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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate MSc
Criminology
Explore the world of crime and themes such as victimisation, race and gender as taught by experts in the field.
Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
21 Sep 2026
Designed in consultation with statutory, charitable and voluntary crime-related agencies in the region, this course will allow you to explore current issues in criminology and criminal justice and reflect upon the related themes of race, ethnicity, gender, state power, and war.
As part of your course, you'll:
- Study theoretical approaches in criminology and their methods of criminological research
- Develop an advanced understanding of the dimensions of social divisions and social diversity
- Understand local, national, and international contexts of crime, victimisation and punishment, and responses to crime and deviance
- Apply your knowledge in a dissertation aligned to your personal interests or career ambitions
You’ll study a range of interesting, innovative and challenging modules taught by academics who are actively engaged in publication and research. You’ll have a choice of options in the field of administrative criminology and criminal justice system, critical criminology and social justice, and aspects of international security, crime and justice.
As well as developing key critical and analytical skills, your course will give you the skills and knowledge to work with the victims of crime, in the rehabilitation of offenders, in crime prevention and in the shaping of crime policy. Depending on your choice of options, you can supplement these skills with knowledge applicable for jobs in the non-governmental sector, as well as jobs in the international field of crime and justice.
Why study Criminology at Leeds Beckett University...
- Opportunity to specialise in your areas of interest
- Engage with charity and public sector crime related organisations
- Research-led teaching
- Guest lectures and speakers from industry, the voluntary sector and practising researchers
- Part-time study option available
MSc Criminology MSc Criminology student David Hesford talks about his experiences at Leeds Beckett.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Specialise in a chosen area of advanced criminological research through workshops and independent study, resulting in a 15,000 word dissertation.
Gain in-depth understanding of the key contemporary issues in the UK criminal justice system. This module will focus on the history and development of contemporary criminal justice and the emergence of the state police. You’ll explore contemporary policing, punishment and sentencing, prison and youth justice agencies. Through analysing the construction of both the offender and the victim and inequalities in criminal justice pertaining to race, class and gender, you’ll appraise the concept of justice. You’ll address some of the challenges posed by social and political developments for the future of criminal justice including, risk, globalisation, privatisation, and the rise of the digital age.
What you'll learn
Gain an advanced critical understanding of the key concepts and contemporary theoretical approaches to policing. This module will provide you with in-depth knowledge of the social, historical and economic development of policing within national and international contexts. We’ll explore myths around the ‘golden age’ of policing and the move towards more coercive, militarized forms of policing. You’ll then analyse issues of race, gender and patriarchy in this context and critically examine police powers, weaponry, technologies and culture.
Analyse and assess the connection between research, policy and practice within the areas of punishment, rehabilitation, desistance and recovery from substance misuse. The real-world application of this module will enhance your employability as you develop knowledge and skills related to this sector. You’ll study both governmental institutions (prison) as well as non-governmental agencies working in rehabilitation.
Explore major topics and debates relating to gender, crime and victimisation by undertaking an in-depth analysis of the development of feminist criminology.
Gain a deeper understanding of the power dynamics behind contemporary crime control policies of national and global reach. You will be able to identify and critically analyse discourses, narratives and policies of crime control and security, and develop an insight into how these impact the changing relationship between the individual and the state in its latest neo-liberal modification.
Critically explore acts of war, political violence and 'crimes of aggression' through the lens of criminological discourse. You will gain an in-depth critical understanding of war and its relationship with 'crime'; by critically evaluating the role of individual states, international communities, as well as victims, bystanders and known perpetrators or combatants.
Fees and funding
£9,830
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £9830. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£9,830
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £9830. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research projects or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that doesn't have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner). A typical day trip for fieldwork in the North of England would cost £20-40. An average two-day stay to use an archive or conduct interviews in London would cost £200-300 depending on travel times.
Optional Costs
- There are no compulsory trips or visits related to the course. You may be invited to attend educational visits organised by the course team. The details and location will vary. if there is a cost for you to pay it could include travel, accommodation and subsistence. A typical trip in Leeds would cost less than £20.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research projects or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that doesn't have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner). A typical day trip for fieldwork in the North of England would cost £20-40. An average two-day stay to use an archive or conduct interviews in London would cost £200-300 depending on travel times.
Optional Costs
- There are no compulsory trips or visits related to the course. You may be invited to attend educational visits organised by the course team. The details and location will vary. if there is a cost for you to pay it could include travel, accommodation and subsistence. A typical trip in Leeds would cost less than £20.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course will give you the opportunity to focus on the international, voluntary or criminal justice sectors, and develop knowledge and expertise in your chosen area of interest. On completion, you will have the skillset to work across the criminal justice sector such as youth justice, police and prison system, visa and immigration office, victim support and crime prevention; or the voluntary sector and non-governmental organisations in roles related to issues such as wide as rehabilitation of offenders, domestic violence, homelessness, services for refugees. You could also choose to pursue a career in fraud and investigations in the private sector and jobs at international institutions dealing with security, crime, and post-war transitional justice. You will be primed for roles such as police officer, prison officer, probation officer, community worker, crime reporter and immigration officer.
I started my MSc in Criminology in 2019 after completing BA Criminology with Psychology at Leeds Beckett. I can honestly say that the course team here are some of the most committed and passionate people I've ever met. They truly care about their students and the work they do. While I have my own reasons for choosing my career, my tutors inspired me to follow a path into the Probation Service, advocating for rehabilitation and supporting people who've lost their way. They helped me find the drive and confidence to pursue working as a probation officer."
Rachel Greene
Alumni, working as a Probation Officer
This course develops an in-depth critical criminological understanding of contemporary crime and justice issues in local and international contexts. It builds advanced skills for working in the relevant voluntary, governmental and international sectors, or for pursuing further doctoral research."
Dr Katerina Gachevska
Principal Lecturer
I've always been fascinated by criminology and wanted to enhance my knowledge and career. My course was a great opportunity to do this, providing me with a deeper insight into the criminal justice system, which I now use to help people through various justice processes, including court, emotional support and police liaison."
Adam Scott
Senior Lecturer
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
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