Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: MSc Indicative duration: 2 years
Start date:
Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Higher Education UK For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

 

Develop your skills in leading complex criminal investigations, improve your skills in making reasoned arguments and rational decisions, and deepen your understanding of a range of key criminological theories, practices and perspectives in order to improve your potential impact within a policing, prison, probation or other criminal justice setting.

Our criminology Masters helps you take advantage of the new opportunities available within psychology, as well as making you aware of how new and growing challenges can be addressed. You’ll delve into a range of specialist topics such as:

  • the sociological approach to crime, criminology and criminological theory
  • the role of forensic psychology in managing mentally disordered offenders
  • the status of the victim throughout the criminal process
  • the historic relationship between psychology and policing, and what this means for modern policing
  • critical assessment of complex criminal investigations in accordance with national standards.

Towards the end of your degree, you will produce an original piece of research on the topic of your choice within criminology and criminal psychology, conducting research retrieval and thorough analysis of the issue and presenting it effectively. Throughout the course you will debate course content with fellow professionals, improving your skills in critical reasoning, communication and leadership, all of which will enhance your potential in future roles related to criminology.

Why we’re great

  • Course content is drawn from cutting edge research at the University of Essex’s leading Centre for Criminology.
  • Modules have been developed by a former Detective Chief Superintendent from the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team in one of the UK’s largest police forces.
  • Each student is supported by a dedicated team of Student Advisers, who act as their mentor and guide from admission through to graduation.

Course structure

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Optional modules: choose one.

Explore criminology from a sociological perspective, as this exciting module covers the history of crime and investigates various crime theories – including psychological positivism and control, crime policing and punishment, and labelling. This will give you a unique insight into sociological criminology, as well as how to explain and control criminal behaviour.

Gain a deeper understanding of why people offend and how individuals can become victims through this thought-provoking module. Learn the factors associated with crime and victimisation, examine how offending behaviour develops across the lifespan and discover how psychological research can inform and effect crime prevention. 

Combining both theory and practice, this informative module gives you a solid understanding of the research approaches commonly adopted in criminology and criminal psychology. You’ll complete the module with a sound knowledge of research methodologies and how to construct a literature review – as well as essential skills in data handling within quantitative research.

What problems can investigating crime pose and how do you apply your learning in real-life situations? Find out in this comprehensive module, which brings together academic research and professional practice. From homicides to riots, you’ll explore a variety of crimes and the way they’re specifically investigated – while also considering miscarriages of justice, pitfalls and the role of the coroner.

Advance your knowledge of research approaches and techniques to be able to prepare for the MSc Psychology Dissertation. The focus is on critical thinking where you’ll be encouraged to think critically about the different approaches to research design and the kinds of knowledge that can be gained. 

Discover how psychology shapes every stage of the criminal justice process – from police investigations and courtroom decision-making to sentencing, rehabilitation and crime prevention. This engaging module will help you develop a critical understanding of the psychological factors influencing key criminal justice actors, while exploring how psychological research can be applied to effective interventions. 

From investigation to prosecution, the role of the victim in the criminal process is paramount. That’s why this engaging module is designed to help you develop a strong understanding of victimology, the theories of repeat victimisation strategies and victimisation from a ‘gendered’ perspective.

Prepare to consolidate the knowledge you have gained across your studies. With the support of your supervisor, you’ll compose a 12,000-word thesis on a topic of your interest within criminology or criminal psychology. This gives you ample opportunity to demonstrate the research, presentation, analytical and critical thinking skills you’ve developed throughout your degree.

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) – this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) – time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards.  

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and we’re registered with the Office for Students (OfS).  

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Your future

Upon completion of this course, like many of our criminology graduates you may wish to enter a senior role within the criminal justice system. Alternatively, you could go on to become a police officer; work in offender support, probation, prison and victim services, or security; or even work in the National Crime Agency.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least three years’ relevant work experience

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee:

£13,206 UK / £13,884 International (2026-27) Δ

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
  • Pay in full upfront to secure your total tuition cost with no future fee increases or choose flexible monthly payment options to spread the cost.
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
  • Global scholarships of up to 15% for international students residing in specific regions out the UK.
Please note that a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here.
Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.
We want to give everyone the opportunity to experience a University of Essex Online course. We think you’ll love it, but if within the first 21 days you decide it’s not for you, you’ll receive a full refund.
Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.

 

Our expert staff

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology are experts in the fields of criminology and psychology.

What our students say

testimonials

Angeline Guarin -MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology

I’m planning a career in criminal justice and victimology.

As a first-generation immigrant, I never imagined I'd be a successful university graduate. However, I studied my undergraduate degree in Arizona, where I majored in Public Policy and Public Service with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. I then chose to study with the University of Essex Online because it offers remote studying and a wide range of student support. I’ve been studying for over a year now and can say the staff genuinely care about student success.  I was happy to see other students like me...

Read more

Hei Chan -BSc (Hons) Psychology

I’m undergoing an exciting career change. While a 9-to-5 office job is the norm in Hong Kong, I realised it wasn’t right for me and decided to switch career paths during the pandemic. It was a tough decision but I felt it was time to explore other options. After analysing myself using the Ikigai framework – a Japanese concept of finding purpose in life – I discovered studying psychology would allow me to turn my strengths and passions into a career that would also help others. It made sense for me to study online since most education providers were shifting to online learning due to Covid-19 and I didn’t want to wait any longer. I chose to study BSc Psychology with the University of Essex Online as the course is fully accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS) and provides opportunities to collaborate and interact with tutors and peers – just like an offline...

Read more

Related Courses

PG Dip Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Study mode:

Part-time

Location:

Online

Indicative Duration:

16 months
PG Cert Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Study mode:

Part-time

Location:

Online

Indicative Duration:

8 months
MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Study mode:

Part-time

Location:

Online

Indicative Duration:

2 years

window.unibuddySettings = {
uni_id: ‘university-of-essex-online’,
colour: ‘CD202C’,
filterKey: ‘degreeId’,
filterValue: ‘5eff3e39a3f28a0d30c40fc4’,
domain: ‘https://popcard.unibuddy.co/’,
title: ‘Unibuddy Popcard’,
align: ‘left’,
};