STUDY
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Institution code: | S82 |
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UCAS code: | N/A |
Start date: | September 2025 |
Duration: | One year full-time, two years part-time |
Location: | Ipswich |
Typical Offer: | Minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent. |
Institution code: | S82 |
---|---|
UCAS code: | N/A |
Start date: | September 2025 |
Duration: | One year full-time, two years part-time |
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Location: | Ipswich |
Typical Offer: | Minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent. |
Overview
The MA Criminology addresses contemporary issues within the study of crime, community safety and criminal justice.
It will enable you to develop specialist knowledge of the current trends and historical debates surrounding crime causation, crime control and regulation in the UK and internationally.
The course will offer you an exciting opportunity to study criminology at postgraduate level. A distinguishing feature of criminology at the University of Suffolk is the interplay of theory, policy and practice as the course is led and taught by professionals with crime and community safety backgrounds who apply criminological theory in the real world.
By studying at the University of Suffolk, you will attain comprehensive critical knowledge of explanations of crime and responses to them. You will actively engage in critical evaluation of the many theoretical, policy and organisational drivers shaping and informing responses to crime.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake detailed thinking about theoretical and policy issues relevant to your areas of interest and apply different methods and approaches to investigate them further.
This course is designed to enable progression in research, policy and practice roles within the crime and justice field. You will study and discuss issues pertaining to criminology in a dynamic, progressive environment and be encouraged to think beyond the obvious.
- Course taught by professionals with extensive expereince of the criminal justice and legal system
- Key focus on modern slavery, county lines and group offending
- Small study groups and supportive tutors.
Course Modules
Each of these modules include aspects of independent learning that foster student autonomy, allowing students to access materials at a time and pace that best suits them, and more synchronous collaborative learning experiences based on a shared time learning experience with other students and module tutors employing debates and discussion, problem solving activities and case studies and scenarios during the classroom sessions and using discussion boards, blogs and other interactive learning tools.
Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
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This module revisits classic and contemporary criminological theories, ranging from the Chicago School to Cultural and Green Criminology. It connects theory to real-world issues, helping students apply critical perspectives to current debates and policies. The module bridges academic theory and professional practice, enhancing students ’ability to think analytically and engage in informed policy critique
This module explores the complex nature of modern slavery, with a particular focus on criminal exploitation, group offending, and County Lines in the UK. You will critically examine the legal, social, and policy frameworks shaping national and international responses. Practical workshops develop skills in risk assessment, case management, and ethical decision-making, using real-world scenarios and lived experience to support vulnerable populations.
This module examines multi-agency collaboration in crime prevention, community safety, youth justice, and safeguarding. Drawing on UK, European, and North American models, it investigates inter-agency cooperation's strengths, challenges, and practical impacts. Case studies and frameworks such as MAPPA, MARAC, and MASH are analysed to equip students with the skills to lead and effectively assess partnership work
This module focuses on victims' experiences and rights and explores how social, political, and legal systems respond to victimisation and harm. You will examine inequalities in victimisation—such as those linked to gender, ethnicity, or class—and evaluate how victim-centred approaches are integrated into criminal justice systems in the UK and internationally. Practical exercises develop critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making.
You will engage in a self-directed research project, utilising criminological theory and research methods to investigate a topic of their choice. With the support of supervision and methods training, the dissertation enables you to cultivate original insights, apply theory, and generate a significant academic output relevant to criminology or related fields.
This work-based project allows you to apply criminological knowledge in a professional setting. You complete a placement in a relevant organisation, developing practical skills, reflecting on their professional growth, and producing a critical placement report. This capstone module connects academic study with career development in criminology.
Course Modules 2024
Each of these modules include aspects of independent learning that foster student autonomy, allowing students to access materials at a time and pace that best suits them, and more synchronous collaborative learning experiences based on a shared time learning experience with other students and module tutors employing debates and discussion, problem solving activities and case studies and scenarios during the classroom sessions and using discussion boards, blogs and other interactive learning tools.
Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
/prod01/channel_2/media/uniofsuffolk/website/content-assets/images/studentsx2fstaff-on-campus/studying-and-learning/course-images/criminology/shutterstock_579245569-2877X3648.jpg)
This module revisits classic and contemporary criminological theories, ranging from the Chicago School to Cultural and Green Criminology. It connects theory to real-world issues, helping students apply critical perspectives to current debates and policies. The module bridges academic theory and professional practice, enhancing students ’ability to think analytically and engage in informed policy critique
This module explores the complex nature of modern slavery, with a particular focus on criminal exploitation, group offending, and County Lines in the UK. You will critically examine the legal, social, and policy frameworks shaping national and international responses. Practical workshops develop skills in risk assessment, case management, and ethical decision-making, using real-world scenarios and lived experience to support vulnerable populations.
This module examines multi-agency collaboration in crime prevention, community safety, youth justice, and safeguarding. Drawing on UK, European, and North American models, it investigates inter-agency cooperation's strengths, challenges, and practical impacts. Case studies and frameworks such as MAPPA, MARAC, and MASH are analysed to equip students with the skills to lead and effectively assess partnership work
This module focuses on victims' experiences and rights and explores how social, political, and legal systems respond to victimisation and harm. You will examine inequalities in victimisation—such as those linked to gender, ethnicity, or class—and evaluate how victim-centred approaches are integrated into criminal justice systems in the UK and internationally. Practical exercises develop critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making.
You will engage in a self-directed research project, utilising criminological theory and research methods to investigate a topic of their choice. With the support of supervision and methods training, the dissertation enables you to cultivate original insights, apply theory, and generate a significant academic output relevant to criminology or related fields.
This work-based project allows you to apply criminological knowledge in a professional setting. You complete a placement in a relevant organisation, developing practical skills, reflecting on their professional growth, and producing a critical placement report. This capstone module connects academic study with career development in criminology.
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WHY SUFFOLK
2nd in the UK for Career Prospects
WUSCA 20243rd in the UK for spend on academic services
Complete University Guide 20254th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction
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Entry Requirements
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Career Opportunities
Whether you are a recent graduate, or a professional working with young people, the MA Criminology will enable you to gain both a critical understanding of contemporary criminological theory as it relates to young people, and the tools to conduct research in this, high profile and often contentious, field.
We aim to ensure that you develop the skills and competences that employers are looking for including: research and analysis; policy development and interpretation; independent thought; writing and presentation as well as time management and leadership skills.
This is facilitated by the fact that while you are here you will become fully involved in the professional research culture of the School.
Facilities and Resources
Whatever you choose to study, you will learn in state-of-the-art surroundings. We have invested across the University to create an environment showcasing the latest teaching facilities enabling you to achieve great things.
Every teaching room has state-of-the-art AV equipment enhancing students learning experience and spread across the open study areas there are approximately 50 iMacs. The dual function technology allows students to choose between Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac software, allowing students to utilise the technology that best supports their chosen field of study.
The Waterfront Building supports flexible learning with open study on all floors, where students can access networked computers.
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