Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Law Year of entry: 2026 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: multiple dates Part-time MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2026 Key facts School Edinburgh Law School College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study location Old College Accreditation Not available Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice engages with the complex problems raised by crime, social ‘harms’, justice, and injustice in our contemporary world. It gives you a solid grounding in the core and cutting-edge research and theory of this interdisciplinary field, and requires you to reflect on how to apply it to pressing questions of policy and practice. Throughout the degree you will have ample opportunity to interact with our academics’ research, which is both theoretical and empirical, and makes a difference to the world both locally and globally.This MSc is suitable both for those who have studied criminology at undergraduate level and for those who are new to the subject. Prospective students should, however, have a background in one of the social sciences or law for admission to the programme.As a student on this programme, you will be part of a vibrant community of active researchers, international visiting scholars, and local practitioners in criminology and criminal justice. You will be welcomed to, and encouraged to participate in, research events and activities based in the Law School, the wider University, and beyond. The Law School is a member of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research – both of which have international networks - which connects us, and our students, to the wider academic and policy environment.The programme provides top-quality training in criminological research methods and skills, essential both for the further study of criminology (we have a strong cohort of criminology PhD students, some recruited from this MSc) and for employment in the criminal justice field.Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) trackIf you are interested in continuing on to a Scottish Graduate School/Economic and Social Research Council funded PhD in Criminology you can take the ESRC track version of the degree (which focuses more on research methods).The University of Edinburgh is a partner university of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS). The SGSSS awards a number of studentships across Scotland each year through the student-led 'Open' competition. These studentships can be offered as MSc plus PhD (1+3.5) or PhD (3.5) awards depending on the experience of the applicant. In order to be eligible to immediately embark on the PhD you would have to have completed the ESRC track version of the degree.The aim of the ESRC track is to provide the extensive training in social science research methods required by the ESRC, alongside some criminology. It offers an excellent foundation for those interested in undertaking subsequent doctoral research and those who work (or intend to work) in the criminal justice system or related areas.Find out more about the SGSS: Student-led Open Competition Study options This programme can be studied full-time over one year, or part-time over two years subject to visa restrictions. Programme rankings 16th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Law 202521st in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Law and Legal Studies Programme benefits Angel studied the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice in the 2023-24 academic year, graduating in 2024. In this interview she talks about her experiences of studying for the MSc at the University of Edinburgh's Law School and life in Edinburgh. Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (1 year) tuition fees MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (1 year) tuition fees Part-time MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (2 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Costs Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.Living costs include:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.University postgraduate accommodation options and costs Funding opportunities Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Edinburgh Law School offers a range of scholarships for our on-campus MSc programmes. Edinburgh Law School funding opportunities Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in law or a social science subject.Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.In evaluating your application for postgraduate study, greater emphasis may be placed upon results of prior learning in subjects relevant to the intended degree programme.Supporting your applicationRelevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.Relevant professional qualifications will be considered.Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in writing and 23 in all other components. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 185 in writing and 176 in all other components. Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 8 in writing and 7 in all other components. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 155 in writing and 145 in all other components. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details What you will study You will complete 180 credits of study. 120 credits will be taken in compulsory and optional taught courses. The remaining 60 credits are taken in the form of a compulsory dissertation. You will be taught by, and study with, members of the Law School academic community.For the dissertation you will be allocated an academic supervisor from Law School staff. They will provide structure, guidance, and support for the process, but the purpose of the dissertation is to allow you to independently design and conduct a piece of research and analysis. The dissertation topic must connect to one of the taught courses that you have completed. Compulsory courses You must take these courses:Theoretical Criminology (20 credits, must be taken in Semester 1)Criminological Research Methods (20 credits, must be taken in Semester 1)Core coursesYou must take 20 credits of the following courses:Criminal Justice and Penal Process (20 credits)Global Crime and Insecurity (20 credits) Option courses You must take 60 credits of the following courses:Citizenship in Europe (20 credits)Current Issues in Criminal Law (20 credits)Cybercrime and Cyber Security (20 credits)Police and Policing (20 credits)Responding to Global Crime and Insecurity (20 credits)Sexual Offending and the Law (20 credits)Applied Criminological Research Methods (20 credits)Surveillance and Security (20 credits)Sentencing: International Perspectives (20 credits)Visual Criminology (20 credits)Full details of the programme structure and course options are available on the Law School's website.View programme structure and course options Disclaimer Courses shown above are scheduled to run in the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change in future academic years. Courses for the 2026-27 academic year will be confirmed by May 2026.Due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of demand for particular courses, we may not be able to run all courses as advertised come the start of the academic year. Teaching and assessment Teaching Most of our postgraduate courses are taught by way of two-hour interactive seminars. These normally take place weekly over the course of each semester.You are expected to actively participate in discussions and to prepare for classes in advance by reading the materials that have been assigned in advance of the seminar. Questions for reflection and discussion, or other exercises, will be provided in advance. Preparing effectively will allow you to engage fully and make the most of your seminars.You may also learn through lectures, class debates, individual presentations, or group exercises, depending on the subject being studied. Assessment Our postgraduate courses use a range of assessment formats, including:essaysreportsoral presentationsclass participation. These assessments are designed to help you develop writing, analytical, and legal research skills that will be essential in professional life after completion of your degree.Courses at postgraduate level are not assessed through written exams. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Where you will study Study location The Law School is based in the historic building of Old College. Law has been taught here for over 300 years, and with the highest courts in Scotland and the Scottish Parliament minutes away, it is ideally placed for students studying law.Old College was built between 1789 and 1827, with the iconic dome added later in 1887. In 2019 after an ambitious refurbishment project, the building was transformed into a 21st century campus for the School, reflective of our world-class teaching and research, while preserving the history of Old College. Academic facilities Teaching and study spacesDesigned for the way you study, our facilities include spacious seminar rooms, and dedicated student social and study spaces providing plenty of options for individual or group work.Classes will take place across a range of buildings in the University’s central campus including the Law School.The Law Library Edinburgh Law School is proud to house one of the largest Law Libraries in the UK and Europe. The Law Library saw one of the biggest changes as part of the School’s refurbishment project. It now occupies the entire northwest corner of Old College and boasts spectacular study and reading spaces such as the Senate Room.Social spaces The heart of the Law School features an open social space with a modern and bright cafe providing a space for students to meet. There is also a dedicated social space for postgraduate students on the lower level.Find out more about Edinburgh Law School Careers and further study Career opportunities Graduates from this MSc programme have gone on to a wide range of careers, including working with offenders and victims, and for various agencies including:police, prisons and correctional servicesgovernmental and non-governmental agenciesacademic and research institutionsRecent graduates have gone on to work as policy officers, researchers and asylum decision-makers. Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply ESRC track deadlinesStart dateApplication deadline14 September 202620 November 2025Deadlines for all other routes Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application deadlines as noted below.Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1.Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.Selection deadlinesRoundApply byReceive decision by1Monday 15 December 2025Thursday 19 March 20262Monday 4 May 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open. As this is not guaranteed, however, you are advised to apply by the application deadlines above. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.ReferencesYou do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (1 year)MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (1 year)MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (2 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh Our community During your studies you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, groups and societies alongside your studies.Mooting OpportunitiesEdinburgh Law School has a number of mooting teams and regularly takes part in mooting competitions. Mooting at Edinburgh Law School Edinburgh Law School Student SocietiesThere are a number of societies at Edinburgh Law School covering a wide range of subjects and interests across the study of law.Edinburgh Law School Student Societies University Societies and ClubsOur societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries If you have any questions about the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice please don't hesitate to contact us.futurestudents@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 650 2386
