Strathclyde’s MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Law School

University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde University’s Law School is an ideal place to study criminology and criminal justice at postgraduate level. Not only does Strathclyde stand strongly within the top flight of UK Law Schools, it is one of the leading research establishments in Scotland. Attracting a diverse mix of graduates and criminal justice practitioners, our students say that it is a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, and a place where a range of exciting postgraduate programmes are offered in brand new facilities dedicated to postgraduate studies.

The MSc is available both part-time and full-time in the evening, and encourages experienced practitioners from different criminal justice agencies as well as recent graduates of related disciplines to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at postgraduate level. It is a flexible programme with exit points at Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate level for those who do not wish to complete the MSc.

Recognising the huge challenge for politicians, policy makers and practitioners in the criminal justice, and criminal law fields, the programme addresses the complex problems that crime poses for contemporary societies. Whether looking at recent cases involving offenders under supervision who have committed serious crimes, or the ongoing issues around developing better systems to tackle youth justice and anti-social behaviour, or to the problems of tackling corporate crime, state crime and terrorism – the need for fresh thinking, informed by the best available research, is apparent. The rationale behind the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice is that this kind of thinking can be encouraged by bringing together experienced practitioners from different criminal justice agencies and recent graduates of related disciplines.

Graduates, social workers and social work managers, prison governors or officers, police officers, lawyers and other professionals – all get the opportunity to learn about how different professionals and different criminal justice organisations think about and address current issues in crime and punishment. Moreover, they bring diverse and valuable real-world experience of criminal justice with which to interrogate the most recent developments in criminological theory and research.

Postgraduate study is a big commitment, so you’ll want to know you’re investing in the right course, at the right institution. In April 2008 Strathclyde Law School was ranked 10th out of 89 in the UK in both the 2009 Good University Guide, and the Times Good University Guide, and 14th out of 86 in the 2009 Guardian University Guide - positioning Strathclyde as one of Scotland's top three Law Schools.

As well as achieving the top rating of 5A in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, the Law School was awarded the highest grade by the Quality Assurance Agency. Their official independent review judged the School’s teaching, learning and assessment strategy as “exemplary”. This means that all of the Law School's academic staff is recognised as being among the top experts in their fields both nationally and internationally.

Academic expertise can be found in a wide range of specialisms. Beyond its postgraduate programme in Criminology, students may wish to consider postgraduate courses in Human Rights Law, Construction Law and Information Technology and Telecommunications Law (available by attendance and by online distance learning). Additionally, there are a variety of Master’s and doctoral level research opportunities.