Loughborough University

What you'll study

The programme combines core theoretical perspectives with applied modules and a substantial independent research project. You will study the historical and contemporary development of criminological theory, comparative criminal justice, and the social contexts of crime, alongside training in qualitative and quantitative research methods tailored to criminological inquiry.

• Core topics: advanced criminological theory, social and cultural perspectives on crime, punishment and penality, criminal justice institutions and policy.
• Research methods: research design, qualitative methods (interviews, ethnography, thematic analysis) and quantitative methods (survey design, basic statistics, data interpretation), and mixed-methods approaches.
• Applied modules: crime prevention and community safety, youth justice, restorative justice, offending, desistance and rehabilitation, and the use of evidence in policy and practice.
• Dissertation or major project: an independent piece of research or an applied consultancy-style project working with an external organisation or workplace partner, supervised by academic staff.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and applied sessions; assessment uses essays, policy briefs, research reports, oral presentations and the final dissertation. Students can expect opportunities for practitioner talks, skills workshops and, where available, short placements or project collaborations with criminal justice agencies and third-sector organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically hold a good honours degree in criminology, sociology, social policy, law, psychology or a closely related discipline. Candidates with relevant professional experience in criminal justice, probation, policing, youth work or the voluntary sector may also be considered, particularly where their experience is supported by prior academic study.

All applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in academic English to a level appropriate for postgraduate study. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to provide a research proposal or writing sample.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in the criminal justice and wider public and third sectors. Typical roles include research analyst, policy officer, roles in probation and offender management (subject to professional qualifications), youth justice practitioner, caseworker in victim and offender services, and positions in NGOs and charities focused on crime prevention and rehabilitation.

Many graduates progress to doctoral study or research roles in universities and think-tanks. The programme’s focus on research skills and applied policy work also equips students for careers in government departments, criminal justice agencies, consultancy and organisations involved in data analysis, programme evaluation and evidence-informed practice.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough offers a research-informed postgraduate environment with strong emphasis on employability and applied learning. Students benefit from small-group teaching, supervisory support for independent research, and access to campus facilities that support learning, collaboration and wellbeing.

The university has established links with practitioners and organisations in the criminal justice and voluntary sectors, creating opportunities for guest lectures, practitioner-led workshops and applied projects. Loughborough’s careers and professional development services work with postgraduate students to develop CVs, interview skills and sector-specific networks to support the transition into work or further research.