Masters in criminology in UK enables an individual to understand the criminal mindset, get into the mind of the criminals and ameliorate the frequency of crimes. Candidates require a minimum of 6 in IELTS to be eligible in most universities. The average annual tuition fees for international students at the top UK universities offering Master's degree programs in Criminology and related arenas range from £20,000 (INR 2039705.07) to £30,000 (INR 30,59,557.60). After successful completion of a Masters in Criminology program in the top UK universities, an individual can expect an annual salary of £25,000 (INR 25,50,351.97). The top universities include University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Essex and many more.

Masters in Criminology in UK Highlights

Course Name Masters in Criminology in UK
Duration 1 year
Eligibility 3 – 4 year Bachelor’s degree + English language proficiency test scores
English Proficiency Scores IELTS: overall 6 to 7.5
TOEFL: 90 to 110
Tuition fees GBP 15,500 - GBP 30,000 (INR 16,18,227 - 31,32,054)
Average Salary GBP 25,000 (INR 26,10,045)
Top Recruiters Central and local government

The police

Prison and probation services

The court services

Security services

1 GBP = 104.40 INR, dated 23 Jun, 2023

Why Study Masters in Criminology Course in the UK ?

The UK is home to numerous globally recognised Criminal schools. Thousands of international students apply each year because of outstanding links of the Universities with the employment sector and their state-of-the-art infrastructure.

  • The employment percentage is 65% while others usually go for further studies
  • Protective service occupations (15%) are the most common jobs reported by criminology graduates 15 months after graduation.
  • High return on investment since the jobs are in various sectors
  • Masters degree in criminology provides 34% higher salary than undergraduate degree.
  • Government secured jobs for the candidates which gives them stability

Masters in Criminology in UK vs Masters in Criminology in Canada

The difference between Masters in Artificial Intelligence in UK and MS in Data Science in UK are tabulated below:

Parameters Masters in Criminology in UK Masters in Criminology in Canada
Course Duration 1 year 2-3 Years
English Proficiency Score IELTS 6-7.5

TOEFL iBT: 95-100

 IELTS 6.5

TOEFL iBT: 100
Average Tuition Cost GBP 15,500 - GBP 30,000 (INR 16,18,227 - 31,32,054) 20,000 CAD- 55,000 CAD (INR 20,88,036 - 57,42,099)
Average Salary GBP 25,000 (INR 26,10,045) 70,000 CAD (INR 73,08,126)

1 GBP = 104.40 INR, dated 23 Jun, 2023

Top Universities for Masters in Criminology in the UK

The Masters in Criminology and similar programs offered by the best UK universities are summarized below:
 

Institute Name Relevant courses Annual tuition fees
University of Oxford MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice GBP 27,460 (INR 28,66,873)
University of Cambridge Applied Criminology and Police Management (Police Executive Programme) GBP 15,500 (INR 16,18,228)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) MSc Criminal Justice Policy GBP 26,120 (INR 27,26,975)
University College London (UCL) MSc Crime Science, GBP 32,100 (INR 33,51,297)
University of Sheffield MA International Criminology GBP 21,400 (INR 22,34,198)
University of Essex Two years (approx) Part Time Online MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology GBP 12,428 (INR 12,97,505) (All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.)
University of Edinburgh MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice GBP 27,100 (INR 28,29,288)
Queen Mary University of London LLM in Criminal Justice GBP 27,500 (INR 28,71,049)
Durham University MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice GBP 25,000 (INR 26,10,045)
University of Manchester MA Criminology GBP 23,500 (INR 24,53,442)

1 GBP = 104.40 INR, dated 23 Jun, 2023

Admission Process

The entire admission procedure, for an international student for a Masters in Criminology and other relevant programs in the top UK universities is quite elaborate. The steps are:

  1. Visit the University website from time to time to keep an eye on the opening of application portals for the desired intake.
  2. Complete the online application and submit the requisite application fees (and any other requisite fees) before the admission deadlines end.
  3. Upload the mentioned documents keeping the specifications in mind. One needs to upload the references of the referee or provide their contact details (as per the University requirement).
  4. Keep an eye on the official University website for any application update and keep checking the email for the letter of acceptance from the University.
  5. Confirm the letter of acceptance and pay the tuition fees to reserve your seat.
  6. Once your seat is confirmed by the University, proceed with your student visa application.

Admission Documents Required

The aspiring student must keep the following documents handy while applying to selected Masters in Criminology programs at the desired University:

  • Personal information, Statement of Purpose, Research proposal for Research-based programs, CV/Resume
  • Academic history, detailed grades (transcripts)
  • ELP test scores
  • Letters of Recommendation (with contact information of the referee)
  • Copy of Passport

Admission Deadlines

The application deadlines for the top UK universities offering Masters in Criminology programs are:

University Admission deadline
University of Oxford Closed to applications for entry in 2023-24
University of Cambridge Closed (Applications for 2024 open Monday 4th September 2023)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) No deadline; rolling admission process
University College London (UCL) June 30, 2023 5:00 PM UK time
University of Sheffield September 2023 entry: August 28, 2023

February 2024 entry: Friday 12 January 2024
University of Essex At least one week before the starting date of the program

Starting dates are

  • 25 July 2023
  • 5 September 2023
  • 24 October 2023
University of Edinburgh Round 5: June 30, 2023.
Queen Mary University of London January 2024: Friday 1st December 2023

September 2023: Late September/Early October.
Durham University 31 July 2023
University of Manchester No official closing date.

Application Fee

The application fee is required in almost all the top universities in UK for Masters in Criminology. The Masters in Criminology application fees details are:

University Application Fee
University of Oxford GBP 75 (INR 7830)
University of Cambridge Lent or Easter Term 2023: GBP 75 (INR 7830)
Michaelmas Term 2023: GBP 50 (INR 5220)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) GBP 80 (INR 8352)
University College London (UCL) GBP 90 (INR 9,396)for online applications (INR)

GBP 115 (INR 12,006) for paper applications (INR)
University of Sheffield No application fee
University of Essex GBP 2000 deposit (INR 2,08,803)
University of Edinburgh GBP 1,500 deposit (INR 1,56,409)
Queen Mary University of London No application fee
Durham University GBP 100 (INR 10,440)
University of Manchester GBP 1000 deposit (INR 1,04,401) 

1 GBP = 104.40 INR, dated 23 Jun, 2023

Admission Requirements

An applicant must make sure to meet the minimum eligibility criterias laid down by the concerned University before applying for their desired Masters in Criminology program. The admission requirements for the top MPA programs in UK universities are as follows:
 

University Educational qualifications English Language Proficiency Requirement
University of Oxford A three (four) years Bachelor's degree in Law, Sociology, Politics, History, Social Policy and Psychology among others from a recognised Indian university with 65%/70% (60%/70%) grades from a National Institute of Importance/other institute; Masters degree holders will also be considered. IELTS (Academic) overall score of 7.5 with no component below 7

TOEFL (iBT) overall score of 110 with at least 21 in Listening, 24 in Reading and Writing and 25 in Speaking.
University of Cambridge Three/four year Bachelor's degree from ECCTIS-accredited/well recognised University with at least 7.3 CGPA or 70% grades. Not Available
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) A three/four years Bachelor's degree in Law, Social Science or other fields with "relevant practitioner experience" with at least a CGPA of 3.3/4, 5/7, 6/8, 7/9 or 8/10 or overall grade of 65%. An IELTS (Academic) overall score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in Reading and 6.5 in the other components

TOEFL (iBT) 100 with at least 22 in Listening And Speaking, 24 in Writing And 25 in Reading.
UCL A Bachelor's degree in disciplines having Science subjects sucbas Chemistry, Forensic Science, Psychology among others having secured 7.75/10, 6.25/8.0, 5.75/7.0, 4.25/6.0, 3.3/4.0, or 60% grade in the relevant field as per program specifications. IELTS (Academic) minimum 6.5

Overall TOEFL (iBT) minimum 92.

Pearson Test of English (Academic): Minimum 75
University of Sheffield Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law or related Social Science subject with 55% - 60% marks. Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with ni component below 6

TOEFL (iBT) overall score of 88 with at least 19 in Listening and Writing, 20 in Readings and 22 in Speaking.

Pearson Test of English: Minimum 61
University of Essex Either an Undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK Honors degree or relevant professional qualification

OR,

Three years of relevant work experience.

 English Proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 or completion of an Online English test by the University.
University of Edinburgh A Bachelor's degree with 60% grades or CGPA of 8/10 in Law or Social Science. IELTS (Academic) overall score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in Writing and 6.5 in other components

TOEFL (iBT) score of 100 with at least 25 in Writing and 23 in other components.

PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 70 in writing and 62 in all other components.
Queen Mary University of London A Bachelor's degree in Law or other discipline with substantial legal content having secured 60% - 70% (50% - 60% grades with sufficient legal experience) grades . IELTS overall score od 7.0 with at least 7.0 in Writing and 5.5 in other components

TOEFL (iBT) overall score of 100 with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking and 27 in Writing.

PTE: 76 overall including 76 in Writing, and 59 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.
Durham University Upper Second-class (60-70%) degree in Social Sciences (desirable) or other disciplines. 5.5 (5.5 in reading and writing, minimum of 5.0 in all other skills)
University of Manchester At least a three year Bachelor's degree with First Class in any discipline; generally students with 60% - 80% marks are considered.

For MSc Financial Crime and Compliance in Digital Society, completion of the ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Crime Compliance or ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance is mandatory.

 IELTS overall score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in Writing and 6.5 in other components

TOEFL (iBT) overall score of 100 with at least 25 in Writing and 22 in remaining sections.

Cost of Living in the UK

The monthly cost of living for an Indian (International) student in London, UK is summarized as follows:

University Cost of Living
University of Oxford GBP 22,080 (INR 23,05,191)
University of Cambridge GBP 11,480 (INR 11,98,532) 
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) GBP 16,800 (INR 17,53,950)
University College London (UCL) GBP 18,006 (INR 18,77,543) (Includes Accommodation, Course materials,Food, Utility etc)
University of Sheffield GBP 14,357 (INR 14,98,896)
University of Essex GBP 16,727 (INR 17,46,328)
University of Edinburgh GBP 23,208 (INR 24,19,972) (Includes Accommodation, Transportation,Food, Utility, Entertainment, Groceries, Clothes)
Queen Mary University of London GBP 9,323.88 (INR 9,72,230) (Includes energy and water costs, cleaning, Wi-Fi, and personal possessions insurance.)
Durham University GBP 15,588 (INR 16,27,415)
University of Manchester GBP 15,355 (INR 16,03,089)

1 GBP = 104.40 INR, dated 23 Jun, 2023


Masters in Criminology in the UK course Scholarships

The scholarships available to a students pursuing Masters in Criminology programs in the UK are:
 

University Scholarship Name Scholarship Eligibility Scholarship Amount
University of Oxford Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Citizens from developing Commonwealth countries GBP 14,832 (INR 15,53,893.76)
University of Cambridge Gates Cambridge Trust Performance Based Varies based on subject
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) The Inlaks Foundation Indian students to read at top-rated American, UK, and European institutions in a full-time Masters, MPhil, or Doctoral programme. GBP 100,000 (INR 1,04,40,180)
University College London (UCL) Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship Merit Based Scholarships Varies
University of Sheffield International Postgraduate Scholarship 2023 Region based scholarship GBP 2,000 (INR 2,08,803)
University of Essex Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship Tier 1 55% or CGPA 6/10 or CGPA 2.4/4 4,000 (INR 4,17,607)
University of Edinburgh GREAT Scholarships 2023 Based on performance and merit GBP 10,000 (INR 10,47,504.56) for a single academic year
Queen Mary University of London Chevening Awards Any full-time 1-yr Master's course. full overseas tuition fees, as well as providing a stipend for living costs, air-fares, and a variety of other expenses.
Durham University International Scholarships Must be from India GBP 5,000 (INR 5,22,009) per year tuition fee discount
University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship Applicants must be applying for direct first year entry in 2023 and have, or be working towards, one of the following qualifications:

A-levels (including international and Sri Lankan A-levels);

IB Diploma;

Indian Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat boards only).

 GBP 5,000 per year (INR 5,22,009)

1 GBP = 104.40 INR, dated 23 Jun, 2023

Jobs after Masters in Criminology in the UK

The best jobs available after a Masters in Criminology program in the UK are tabulated as below:
 

Job Profile Average Annual salary
Detective GBP 24,964 (INR 26,01,805)
Director of Development, non-profit organization GBP 40,410 (INR 42,11,636)
Junior Data Analyst GBP 22,132 (INR 23,06,705)
Police Detective GBP 27,722 (INR 28,89,225)
Paralegal/Legal Assistant GBP 25,534 (INR 26,61,232)

Top Recruiters for Masters in Criminology course in the UK

Approximately, 65.3% of Masters in Criminology graduates are employed and another 13.3% are studying and working.

The top recruiters for Criminology graduates include:

  • Central and local government
  • The police
  • Prison and probation services
  • The court services
  • Security services
  • Non-profit-making organizations, including the NHS and charities that work with young offenders or victims of crime

Post-Study Work Permit in the UK

A student having completed a Masters in Criminology program in UK, can apply for a Graduate Visa (i.e, a post-study work permit) via the graduate route which would enable them to stay back in the UK for upto two years (three years for students completing a Doctoral program at an UK university) and can gain work experience, undertake an internship or work as a freelancer in the UK.

Any international student residing in the UK, having a Student Visa (or a tier-4 (General) student visa), who has completed their Undergraduate or Postgraduate program about which their "education provider" (the University) has made an affirmation to the Home Office is eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa.

The student will have to entail an application charte of 715 GBP and a Health Surcharge of 624 GBP for each year of their stay in the UK. Thus, UK universities are a first choice for international aspirants for Masters in Criminology courses.

ROI for Masters in Criminology

The return on investment is what all candidates look for. The higher the return, the better the college. Here, the colleges that provides best return on investment are:

  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Essex
  • Queen Mary University of London
Institute Name Annual tuition fees Cost of Living Total Expense Annual Salary ROI %
University of Oxford GBP 27,460 (INR 28,66,873) GBP 22,080 (INR 2305191) GBP 49,540 (INR 51,72,065)

GBP 25,000 (INR 26,05,525)

 50%
University of Cambridge GBP 15,500 (INR 16,18,227) GBP 11,480 (INR 11,98,532) GBP 26,980 (INR 28,16,760) 92%
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) GBP 26,120

(INR 27,26,975)

 GBP 16,800

(INR 17,53,950)

 GBP 42,920 (INR 44,80,925) 58%
University College London (UCL) GBP 32,100 (INR 33,51,297) GBP 18,006 (INR 18,79,858) GBP 50,106 (INR 52,31,156) 49%
University of Sheffield GBP 21,400 (INR 22,34,198) GBP 14,357
(INR 14,98,896)		 GBP 35,757 (INR 37,33,095) 69%
University of Essex GBP 12,428 (INR 12,97,505) GBP 16,727 (INR 17,46,328) GBP 29,155 (INR 30,43,834) 85%
University of Edinburgh GBP 27,100 (INR 28,29,288) GBP 23,208 (INR 24,22,956) GBP 50,308 (INR 52,52,245) 49%
Queen Mary University of London GBP 27,500

(INR 28,71,049)

 GBP 9,323.88 (INR 9,73,429) GBP 36,824 (INR 38,44,491) 67%
Durham University GBP 25,000 (INR 26,10,045) GBP 15,588 (INR 16,27,415) GBP 40,588 (INR 42,37,460) 61%
University of Manchester GBP 23,500 (INR 24,53,442) GBP 15,355 (INR 16,03,089) GBP 38,855 (INR 40,56,531) 64%

The masters in criminology in Uk universities provide multiple opportunities to the candidates. It helps them grow their skills and gain experience in the related field. Multiple scholarships helps the candidates reduce the tuition cost also.

FAQs

Ques: What is the duration of a Master's program in Criminology in the UK?

Ans: Typically, a full-time Master's program in Criminology in the UK lasts for one year, while part-time options may be available for students who prefer a longer duration.

Ques: What are the admission requirements for a Master's in Criminology in the UK?

Ans: The specific requirements vary between universities, but generally, you'll need a bachelor's degree (in any discipline) with a minimum grade equivalent to a 2:1 or above. Some institutions may also consider relevant work experience.

Ques: Can international students apply for a Master's in Criminology in the UK?

Ans: Yes, international students are welcome to apply. However, they may need to provide proof of English language proficiency by taking tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Ques: What are the potential career options after completing a Master's in Criminology in the UK?

Ans: Graduates with a Master's in Criminology can pursue careers in various fields, such as law enforcement agencies, criminal justice organizations, research institutions, policy-making bodies, academia, and non-profit organizations.

Ques: Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available for international students?

Ans: Yes, many universities in the UK offer scholarships, grants, or funding options specifically for international students. You can check with the individual institutions for details and eligibility criteria.

Ques: Do I need to have a background in Criminology to apply for a Master's program?

Ans: No, a background in Criminology is not always required. Some universities accept applicants from various academic backgrounds. However, having relevant coursework or work experience may strengthen your application.

Ques: Are there opportunities for practical experience or internships during the Master's program?

Ans: Some universities may offer opportunities for internships, work placements, or research projects as part of the program. It's best to inquire about specific institutions' offerings before applying.

Ques: Can I pursue a Master's in Criminology on a part-time basis?

Ans: Yes, many universities offer part-time options for Master's programs in Criminology, allowing students to study while working or balancing other commitments. The duration of part-time programs may vary.

Ques: Are there any specialized areas or concentrations within Criminology that I can focus on during my Master's studies?

Ans: Yes, various universities may offer specialization or elective modules in areas such as criminal justice, forensic psychology, crime prevention, penology, victimology, or counterterrorism. Check with individual institutions for available options.

Ques: What are the research opportunities available in Criminology at the Master's level?

Ans: Master's programs in Criminology often include research components, and some universities may encourage students to undertake independent research projects or dissertations in their areas of interest within the field of criminology.