STUDY

Postgraduate

MA Criminology

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Institution code: S82
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
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. 

Postgraduate Open Evening

Considering postgraduate study? Join us on Wednesday, 30 April for our open evening where you will have the chance to discuss postgraduate study with our course leader and academic support services. Campus tours available upon request, and light refreshments provided throughout.

Find out more about our PG Open Evening Book your place today
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The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

2nd

in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction for Criminology

Guardian University Guide 2023

2nd

in the UK for Graduate Prospects for Criminology

The Times Good University Guide 2023

1st

in the UK for Spend per Student in Criminology

Guardian University Guide 2023

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.

Yellow crime scene tape

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.

Waterfront Building reflecting in the marina

WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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Inside the Waterfront Building
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The Waterfront Building on Ipswich Marina
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The Library
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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. 

Your Course Team

David James

David is Head of Law and Social Sciences, and sees himself as an educator dedicated to helping students to learn effectively within the social sciences.

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Dr Isabella Calder

Dr Isabella Calder is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology whose research includes work around the use of top-up shops and justice and security.

Dr Duncan Weaver

Duncan is the Course Leader MA International Relations, Course Leader Criminology

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Dr Paul Andell

Dr Paul Andell has more than 25 years of experience of working in the criminal justice field, and is now Associate Professor in Criminology at Suffolk.

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Dr Cristian Dogaru

Dr Dogaru is the course leader for MRes Social Sciences and Humanities. He is a paediatrician-turned-social scientist with 20 years of experience in his field.

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Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,150

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,525*

per 30 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,210

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer University of Suffolk Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Postgraduate Funding Alumni Loyalty Scheme International Students

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Apply Now Postgraduate Study
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"The University of Suffolk empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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