The MSc Criminology & Social Policy at the University of Strathclyde offers you a critical perspective on the complex social and political forces shaping criminal justice and penal policy. This postgraduate degree is designed for those seeking to understand the root causes of crime, the effectiveness of justice systems, and the societal impacts of punishment. You will explore contemporary debates in criminology, criminal justice, and social policy, developing a nuanced understanding of how theories inform practice and policy-making. This course is ideal if you are looking to deepen your academic knowledge or prepare for a career in research, policy, or practice within the criminal justice sector.
You will engage deeply with core areas such as the contexts of criminal justice research, contemporary issues in criminology, and the critical analysis of prisons, power, and punishment. This full-time, on-campus Masters programme, typically completed over one year, will equip you with essential qualitative research methods, preparing you for independent academic inquiry. A significant component is your dissertation, where you will conduct a substantial piece of original research, drawing on the skills and insights gained throughout your studies. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for roles in criminal justice agencies, policy development, research institutions, and further doctoral study.