This exciting, stimulating and topical postgraduate degree programme in Criminology and Criminal Justice is taught by internationally-recognised scholars and researchers who offer students a wide introduction to the study of crime and criminal justice in contemporary society. The programme is also unique insofar as it draws upon Northern Ireland’s experiment in overhauling its criminal justice system (police, prisons and restorative justice) as part of the political settlement reached in 1998. As such students are introduced to ‘what works’ in criminal justice reform with police reform in particular becoming a burning issue in many jurisdictions currently. Key research strengths of the teaching staff lie in the following areas:
-Community Safety and Crime Prevention
-Policing
-Prisoner Reintegration
-Restorative Justice
-Sex Offending
-Victimology
-Anti-Social Behaviour
-Crime and the Life Course
The LLM in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to appeal to prospective students with an academic or professional interest in criminology or criminal justice. It enables students to understand the motivations for offending as well as the practical operation of criminal justice and how the state responds to criminality and victimisation. This degree will be of considerable relevance and interest to those who are already employed in criminal justice-related work in fields such as legal practice, government, non-governmental organisations, as well as equipping those who have just completed undergraduate degrees to develop the knowledge and skills to pursue criminal justice-related careers or undertake advanced level study.
Criminology and Criminal Justice highlights
Student Experience
The LLM Criminal Justice programme has an international focus and taught by leading academics and practitioners in the field. Queen's has a long history of criminology and criminal justice teaching & research and was the first University on the island of Ireland to provide graduate studies in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 1994 and at the time was one of only a handful of UK universities to do so also. Queen’s offers one of the only Criminology and Criminal Justice programmes internationally that deals specifically with reform of the criminal justice system in a post-conflict environment (e.g. restorative justice, prisons and policing). Research and teaching is carried out under the auspices of the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice (ICCJ) based within the School. The ICCJ organises an active, annual speaker and conference series, with talks by academics and practitioners.
At Queen's you will be part of a thriving postgraduate culture built on teaching excellence, leading-edge research, innovation, collaboration and engagement. These components are woven together in our Graduate School. It is here you will develop new skills and increased personal effectiveness that will enable you to stand out in the crowded and increasingly competitive global job market. Life at Queen's is not just about the degree. We offer our students the opportunity to really enrich their studies. Whether you're into student societies, sports, music, dance, or just a coffee with your friends, Queen's has exceptional facilities to cater for all interests.
Career Development
We are dedicated to student employability and have strong connections to civil society organisations, criminal justice bodies and agencies, international institutions and networks. We have a strong record placing students in professional employment both inside and outside Northern Ireland. For example, three of the most senior officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland studied our LLM. Law was ranked Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2024).
Internationally Renowned Experts
Law at Queen's is taught by world-leading experts in the area of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Our staff have close research links with the professions, government and Civil Society. Law at Queen's is in the top 150 Law Schools worldwide and we are ranked 18th in the world for international outlook. Research in Law was ranked 8th in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2021).
World Class Facilities
Our facilities at Queen’s include a state-of-the-art Law building with superb teaching facilities, a moot court and study spaces. Queen’s has one of the most modern campuses in the UK, including the award winning McClay Library, one of the finest libraries in the world and home to 1.2 million volumes and over 2,000 reader places.
Our Physical Education Centre was used as a training camp for the 2012 Olympics. Our Queen’s Elms Student Village and city centre student accommodation (built in 2018) are located within easy walking distance of the University.
Student Testimonials
"An amazing experience! The study of criminology at Queen’s offered intense challenges and debate about crime – its nature, scope, causes, consequences from multiple perspectives including ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability and sexual orientation. I was deeply engaged with the academic staff and students during the entire course."
Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Students must complete six core modules (80 CATS points), two optional modules (40 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).
The Masters is awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules (120 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).
Compulsory Modules
Theoretical Criminology
Key Debates in Criminology
Criminal Justice Processes
Dissertation (Maximum 15,000 words)
(Students who secure a summer work placement of at least 8 weeks can complete a Dissertation in Practice Module including 12,000 word dissertation and 3,000 word reflective journal of the learning experience)
Course Details
The LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice Programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime and justice and draws on original staff research. Modules are rooted in relevant theoretical frameworks with a strong criminological focus and provide students with methodological training in addition to supporting the development of critical analysis and other transferable skills. Through the dissertation, students can explore a wide variety of criminological and criminal justice topics. Students are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of the criminal justice process and the practical operation of criminal law in a domestic and comparative context, and are given the opportunity to explore in-depth a particular criminal justice-related issue through the submission of a dissertation.
The programme is delivered through a series of taught modules and culminates in the submission of the dissertation on an original topic.
Methodology Mini-Modules
Approaches to Legal Research
Criminal Justice & Criminology Methods 1
Criminal Justice & Criminology Methods 2
Optional Modules
Restorative Justice
Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice
Prisons, Punishment & the Legacy of Conflict in NI
Climate, Justice and Human Rights
Please note this is not an exclusive list of the optional modules available. Optional modules are reviewed each year and subject to staff availability and student numbers
8 (hours maximum) In addition to 6-8 hrs of teaching per week, students should set aside 10-12 hours per module for reading and preparation to engage meaningfully in classroom discussions, group work and other forms of active engagement.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Learning Opportunities
The Law School at Queen's has approximately 1,000 undergraduate students, 200 postgraduates, 70 PhD students and over 60 members of academic staff. You will be taught by scholars from all over the world, many of whom have international reputations in their fields and all are committed teachers and researchers. Students will also have access to an excellent law section in the library and extensive IT facilities.
The School operates a proactive system of student support. Programme Co-ordinators are allocated to each degree programme tasked to guide and support you throughout your time with us, together with the School's experienced and helpful administrative staff. We place considerable emphasis on facilitating good communication between staff and students. To this end, a Student Voice Committee, comprised of elected student representatives, the Director of Graduate Studies and other members of academic staff, meet at regular intervals throughout the academic year. This Committee provides students with a forum in which to raise matters of concern to them and also enables the School to keep students informed about matters affecting the School and wider university.
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enables our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, life-long learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
- E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the programme through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in project- based work etc.
- Seminars: Seminars provide information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Seminars also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
- Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s Law student when important private reading and research, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
What motivates legal research? In addition to the principles and methods that guide the design and implementation of a specific research project, we also ought to have some sense of the broader ‘research programme’ or ‘theoretical framework’ that animates our work. Students will be introduced to several important theoretical frameworks and research programmes from which they might draw some helpful inspiration.
Legal scholarship is no longer limited to the analysis of legal doctrine. Many legal scholars engage in empirically-oriented research that investigates how law interacts with other social phenomena. Legal scholars hope to illuminate the causal connections between law and other aspects of the social world. Legal research of this kind is rewarding but it also comes with special methodological challenges. This module will introduce students to some fundamental principles of research design and methodology, covering both ‘qualitative’ and ‘quantitative’ social science methods.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to
• critically evaluate the merits and weaknesses of various theoretical frameworks and approaches to legal scholarship
• critically evaluate empirical academic research in terms of its methodology
Skills
• reading and synthesizing academic work
• academic writing
• social science methodology
• designing an empirical research plan
This module is intended as a core for students undertaking the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme. The module is designed to offer a critical insight and overview into four of the main aspects of the criminal justice process that are engaged in the control, management and regulation of crime. The module is structured into four distinct components that consider (1) aspects of policing, policing and policework and their relationship to crime control and prevention; (2)critical decisions in the sentencing process and the ways that these impact on crime control (3) competing legal and policy discourses around crime preventionand the role of governmental and non-governmental agencies that are tasked withimplementing these, and finally (4) the operation of the prison system and whatimprisionment / punishment is intended to achieve. The content of this module isbased on the research interests of teaching staff. The focus of the module willprimarily be on developments in the UK and Ireland but international comparisonswill be drawn where appropriate.
The broad thematic content of the module can be outlined as follows:
1.What do the police do: crime control or order maintenance?
2.The police of the state: governance, oversight and regulation
3.Policing social division: the impact of ‘cop culture’ on the practice of policework
4.Policing beyond the police: the extended policing family
5.The politics of crime prevention
6.Situational crime prevention and target hardening
7.Social crime prevention and early intervention programmes
7.Critical decisions in the sentencing process.
8.Sentencing as crime control.
9.The theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of penology.
10.The experiences of imprisonment.
11.The impacts and consequences of imprisonment.
12.Restorative justice and community offender management.
Learning Outcomes
1.Demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension of the operation of a numberof key agencies concerned with crime and criminal justice issues from acriminological and criminal justice standpoint.
2.Demonstrate that they can apply this knowledge to the actual operation ofcriminal justice agencies and the political economy of crime and to situate thiswithin various theoretical perspectives drawn from law, criminal justice andcriminology.
3.Analyse the effectiveness of criminal justice agencies and crime preventionpolicies in reducing, controlling and managing crime in contemporary society.
4.Synthesise a range of data from interdisciplinary studies to make an evidence-based and informed judgement to assess the impact of criminal justice policies oncrime control within the UK but also within a comparative international framework.
5.Use their evaluative skills to make an overall assessment of the efficacy andeffectiveness of crime control strategies and to identify areas of best practicenationally and internationally.
Skills
Each student will be in a position to distinguish between relevant and irrelevantinformation in developing a critical understanding of current problems in theregulation and management of crime and to demonstrate an awareness of thewider socio-political and economic context within which crime occurs.
Each student will be in a position to critically analyse, evaluate, interpret andapply conceptual information to crime and its management using soundconceptual and methodological frameworks.
Each student will be in a position to problem-solve the linkages between crimeand broader issues in relation to social exclusion and marginalisation withinsociety more generally.
Each student will have the ability to evaluate complex policy and legal evidencein relation to the control and management of crime in contemporary society.
Each student will be in a position to assimilate a range of policy and statisticalinformation around crime and criminality and to draw conclusions and makeassessments on this.
Each student will have the ability to apply complex theoretical frameworksincluding those developed from law, sociology and criminology in the subjectarea.
Each student will be in a position to develop effective oral communication skillsduring class and group discussion.
Each student will be in a position to develop advanced written skills in theformal assessment.
Each student will be encouraged to develop skills around self-directed learningand to exercise initiative in the learning process.
Each student will be in a position to think critically, creatively and holisticallyabout the core precepts of the module.
The chief aims of the module are: (1) to provide an overview of the aims and values of criminal justice processes, policies and practices; (2) to provide knowledge and understanding of the law, policy and practice relating to particular aspects of the criminal process; (3) to demonstrate the issues and tensions that confront the wide range of participants in the criminal justice process; and (4) to encourage an appreciation of the political context in which criminal justice processes operate. The focus of the module is on criminal justice in England & Wales and in Northern Ireland, though students are also expected to engage in comparative analysis in their evaluation of domestic law, policy and practice. The content of each seminar will allow for analyses of specific aspects of the criminal process. Key aspects of the criminal process, from the point of police investigation through to post-appellate review, will be examined in detail throughout the course of the module.
Learning Outcomes
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the law, policy and practice relating to specific aspects of criminal justice processes.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the major debates and tensions which underlie criminal justice processes.
• Understanding of the political context in which criminal justice processes operate and an appreciation of the impact of political interests on the development of the law and policy relating to the criminal process.
• Knowledge of comparative approaches to criminal justice processes.
Skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage in independent study and research.
• Ability to engage in critical analysis and evaluation of the law, policy and operation of specific aspects of the criminal justice process.
• Ability to synthesise relevant and directed readings with independent research, and present findings both orally and in written format.
On completion of this twelve-week module each student should be conversant with the dominant paradigms in western Criminology, and will be able to demonstrate the insights that can be gained from such theories and their application to specific criminal justice problems and to apply such theories to practical situations. Through a critical and evaluative exposition of criminological theory, students will be shown that that concepts such as ‘crime’, ‘criminality’ ‘policing’ and ‘punishment’ do not have any universal or general relevance, but rather can be said to be contingent upon a range of historical, political, social and cultural factors. The module will also demonstrate how an applied use of criminological theory can be used to deconstruct the ‘commonsensical’ and often media-inspired explanations for a range of contemporary social problems, and accounts of criminality.
Learning Outcomes
(a) to provide a critical overview of the dominant theories of Western criminology.
(b) to demonstrate the insights that can be gained from such theories, as applied to specific criminal justice problems.
(c) to demonstrate the relationship between theory and practice in the development of an academic criminology that has professional relevance.
Skills
Students taking Theoretical Criminology are required and expected to apply a range of theoretical tools to the study of crime and deviance.
The first of two 5-credit modules for the Criminal Justice PGT programmes, this session focuses on foundational issues in qualitative social science research. After an overview of research methods relevant to studies in criminal justice and criminology, the module will cover a range of the following topics: the use of case studies; comparative research; critical social research; ethnography; interviews; documentary and discourse analysis; use of surveys and crime data; longitudinal studies; socio-legal; and mixed methodological approaches.
The module aims to:
• provide a foundation for effective methodological work and a framework for the critical appraisal of criminological and social science research.
• introduce students to a variety of approaches and techniques used in criminological/ social science research, facilitate proficiency in research design and encourage methodological appraisal and critique. • develop reading and writing skills and the capacity to critique secondary and primary research. • interpret the manner in which the measurement of crime leads to the social construction and casting of deviance.
• locate the experiential realities of individuals and communities (agency) within their historical, structural and reproductive contexts (structure).
Learning Outcomes
• Knowledge and understanding of methodological issues and the application and suitability of various methods in research studies;
• Knowledge and understanding of criminal justice and criminology as subject areas; understanding of official data sources and secondary sources;
• The ability to critique research methods and their application.
• The capacity to determine what is ethical research.
Skills
• A detailed knowledge of the application of various methodologies;
• An advanced appreciation of various methodologies applied by criminologists and those who have studied criminological issues;
• Ability to study and understand complex issues and problems in the subject area from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Ability to evaluate complex policy and other evidence.
• Ability to critique and make use of primary and secondary resources.
• Ability to think critically, creatively and holistically
The second of two 5-credit modules for the criminology and criminal justice programmes, this session will continue with coverage of the topics introduced in LAW8258. In addition the module will consider a number of the following issues as they arise in criminological research: the politics of research, ethical issues, and practical challenges to researching in a criminal justice environment.
Learning Outcomes
Student should gain a foundation for effective methodological work and a framework for the critical appraisal of criminological and social science research.
They should understand a variety of approaches and techniques used in criminological and social science research, be competent at designing a research project, and have the capacity to critique secondary and primary research.
Skills
-Ability to critically assess research designs, the use of methodological approaches and specific methods, and conclusions made by researchers in the fields of criminal justice and criminology.
- Advanced reading and writing skills.
- Detailed knowledge of the application of various methodologies.
- The capacity to determine what is ethical research.
- The ability to study and understand complex issues and problems in the subject area from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Ability to critique and make use of primary and secondary resources.
- Ability to think critically, creatively, and holistically.
Restorative Justice: Principles, Issues and Debates
Overview
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a unique approach that has been recently put forward as an alternative method of dealing with offending behaviour. Instead of focusing on inflicting harm upon the offender, emphasis is on repairing the harm caused by encouraging the victim, the offender and the community to work together in dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Some of the key principles of RJ include providing a platform for the victim to express the impact of the offense, providing an opportunity to the offender to apologise to the victim and offer some form of reparation and the reintegration of the offender back into the community.
RJ’s popularity has increased in various criminal jurisdictions around the world and its use has been extended in the resolution of conflicts in schools, places of employments and other situations where conflict occurs. However, despite the growing interest in RJ theory, it remains a subject of debate in both academic and non-academic circles, particularly on whether it has a role in the criminal justice process. This module intends to explore the theory and practice of RJ as well consider the various sides of the debate on its application.
Learning Outcomes
• Critically analyse the main principles of RJ theory
• Evaluate evidence relating to theoretical and empirically based arguments and data about RJ
• Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the parties in a RJ process and the benefits they can derive from participating
• Understand the complexities involved in implementing RJ whether within a traditional criminal justice system or externally
Skills
• Develop the ability to present written reasoned arguments based on research evidence and academic texts
• To present persuasive oral arguments that are logically structured and supported with evidence via active participation in seminar groups.
This course will be presented in three parts:
a) Theories of Global Justice in the Anthropocene
i.Law and the Anthropocene
i.Planetary and Social Boundaries
ii.Human Rights and Responsibilities
iii.Law, Cyborgs and the Trans-human
b) Climate Justice and Human Rights
i.Climate Change and Human Rights (a)
ii.Human Rights, Human Limits (b)
iii.Human Rights and the Biocentric Turn
iv.Law and the Commons
c) Climate Change Law & Practice:Negotiation Simulation
i.World Climate Negotiation Simulation
ii.Climate Change and Systems Thinking
iii.Live Negotiation Simulation
iv.Negotiation Debrief and Group Assessment
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this Module, students will have:
a.A critical understanding of the implications of climate change for law and humanrights.
b.An ability to problematize law and human rights in the context of climate change(and wider societal changes associated with the Anthropocene)
c.An understanding of climate change law from a number of perspectives, includingthe law of the commons and systems thinking.
d.A first-hand critical understanding of simulated climate change negotiations, usingreal-time online simulation tools at www.climateinteractive.org
e.An understanding of some of the implications of the Anthropocene for law, thelegal profession, and human rights practice
Skills
On completion of this Module students will acquire a number of skills associated with Climate Change and Human Rights practice, including:
a.Critical reflection on individual and group dynamics in negotiating contexts
b.Communicating complex ideas, making links between climate science, societyand law
c.Climate Change negotiation
d.Systems Thinking
e.Integrating human rights into climate change science and negotiation practice
The module covers key areas in youth justice including theories on causes of offending. The emergence of a separate response over time to young people who come into conflict with the law is critically explored. Current system and practice orientations such as prevention and early intervention are explored, as are interventions for young people who are processed through the youth justice system. Here students will learn about different philosophies, orientations and legal frameworks towards youth justice in local and international contexts. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect upon the merits and demerits of the panoply of different approaches towards youth and justice from restoration to responsibilisation, towards risk orientation and welfarism
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Critically discuss the main theories relating to youth crime;
• Critically assess the impacts and outcomes of institutional and policy responses to youth crime;
• Critically apply an understanding of theories to contemporary youth justice contexts.
Skills
Students will be engaged in processes allowing them to:
• Understand how theory relates to policy and practice development;
• Develop skills in the critical evaluation of youth justice policy and practice;
• Develop research and organisational skills by using library resources and electronic resources;
• Develop and enhance skills in critical thinking and analysis;
• Develop oral skills through participation in workshops and group work tasks.
This module is designed to allow students to engage in independent research and to develop independent study, analysis and methodological skills, in the context of a placement or internship with non-governmental, legal, commercial or governmental organisations that operate in arenas that are relevant to their LLM research.
NOTE: students are encouraged to explore internship options independently with relevant entities. Any particular placement must be approved by the module and/or programme convenors.
Learning Outcomes
1. Ability to reflect critically on personal practice/engagement in the fields relevant to the LLM while working in collaboration with relevant host organisations
2. Ability to undertake an extended research Dissertation based on tasks/learning undertaken while on placement;
3. Enhanced communication, presentation and networking skills.
Skills
• Advanced writing skills
• An advanced knowledge of and ability to understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in the chosen area of law
• An advanced awareness, critical understanding of and engagement with legal and policy debates, building on scholarship already undertaken in the course of studies
• An advanced capacity to synthesise relevant primary and secondary literatures in the area and to use those literatures to formulate new arguments
• An advanced ability to design and engage in self-managed, self-directed and intellectually independent research, to reflect on one’s own learning, to solve problems, make decisions, to develop work both as an individual and in collaboration with others as appropriate and to offer evidenced conclusions addressing complex actual or hypothetical problems.
• Advanced ability to judge critically the merits of methodologies from different disciplines, and to make reasoned choices between different positions and approaches
• Advanced ability to use, present and critically evaluate information, ability to synthesise and identify central issues from a large amount of complex legal information and information from other disciplines and to draw on scholarship encountered in the course of one’s LLM
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of research ethics and ability to mainstream ethical considerations with research as appropriate to the project
• Advanced ability to engage with, manage and respond to supervision
• Engagement with one’s own personal and professional development and academic integrity
This module is designed to allow students to engage in independent research and to develop independent study, analysis and methodological skills.
Learning Outcomes
1. A detailed knowledge and understanding of a chosen subset of the programme themes
2. Capacity to build a detailed and sustained argument around a research question
3. Advanced knowledge of available research methodologies in the study of law and in the social sciences.
4. Understanding of the skills required in order to carry out research in law and the social sciences.
5. Detailed knowledge and understanding of core issues regarding the current challenges for criminology/criminal justice.
Skills
• Advanced written skills
• Ability to learn independently
• Ability to use information and communication technologies.
• Ability to think creatively and holistically and to make critical judgements
Prisons, Punishment and the Legacy of Conflict in NI
Overview
An introduction to punishment, imprisonment and justice in society generally but also set within the context of a post-conflict/transitional society. The module will examine, in particular, the role and function of imprisonment during the conflict in Northern Ireland (1968-1998) and residual impact on punishment and criminal justice policies since the signing of the peace agreement. The module will generally explore philosophies / ideologies of punishment; the history and emergence of approaches to imprisonment, the effects of imprisonment during times of incarceration and post release. The module also explore the legacy of conflict on approaches to punishment and impact on those in contact with the criminal justice system. The module also considers the effectiveness of different forms of punishment and critiques of incarceration along with a discussion on alternative approaches to punishment within the context of a post conflict/transitional society.
Learning Outcomes
The principal objectives of this module are to:
1. Provide students with an in-depth understanding of punishment, imprisonment and justice and their relation to the formulation of policy and strategies used during and after the Northern Ireland conflict.
2. To facilitate a critical evaluation of diverse nature of approaches to punishment and role and operation of current day penal institutions and their historical background.
3. To provide a thorough understanding of the diversity of experience, response and adaptation within the penal context (locally and internationally) and assess the utilisation and impact of penal sanctions.
4. Understand and critically evaluate contemporary debates on the impact of punishment, imprisonment and justice.
5. Develop an understanding of the legacy of conflict on approaches to punishment and impact on those in contact with the criminal justice system.
6. Provide an understanding of alternative approaches to punishment within the context of a post conflict/transitional society.
Skills
1. To demonstrate a thorough understanding of the diversity of experience, response and adaption within the penal establishment and assess the utilisation and impact of penal sanctions.
2. To demonstrate informed and independent critical judgement upon theoretical discussions on punishment, imprisonment and alternative responses to those in contact with the criminal justice system.
3. To locate contemporary debates on imprisonment within relevant theoretical frameworks locally, nationally and internationally.
4. To communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
5. To enhance independent research utilising library resources including online databases for research and knowledge enhancing purposes.
6. Develop team and group-working skills via class discussion and group work.
Applicants with a primary degree in a relevant/cognate subject: Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with a minimum of 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities or a cognate discipline.
Applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with below 55% in a cognate discipline (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) along with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be considered.
Applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate 2 years relevant experience.
Exemption from these requirements may be considered for those applicants who hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University).
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 29th August 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered for this course. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information. http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
*Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Some criminology and criminal justice graduates use this degree as a basis for further study towards a research degree such as a PhD, which may in turn lead to an academic career. Others pursue criminology and criminal justice-related careers in the legal, public, private or voluntary sectors. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
