MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice University of Sussex

Explore an exciting blend of criminology and criminal justice subjects and address key contemporary questions and debates. By studying criminological theory and policy you’ll see how conceptual frameworks can be applied to thinking about crime and society.

Our MA is underpinned by our research expertise. You’ll be taught by experts who shape the field of criminology and criminal justice studies.

Our criminology research has focused on topics such as:

• Sexual violence
• Capital punishment
• Restorative justice
• Cultural criminology
• Existential criminology

Our course also draws on expertise from the Sussex Law School, which will enable you to develop an interdisciplinary perspective. You’ll study in a lively intellectual environment, giving you the advantage of a wide-ranging knowledge set.

"Criminology is all about questioning the world through studying crime, deviance, social control and punishment, which makes it a great subject to teach and learn.”



Dr Lizzie Seal
Reader in Criminology

The University of Sussex is located at Falmer on the outskirts of Brighton and is the only UK university surrounded by a national park. Brighton is one of the top-10 city beach destinations in the world (Lonely Planet), an hour away from Central London by train and 30 minutes from London Gatwick, one of the UK’s major international airports.

You’ll gain practical abilities as well as critical and problem-solving skills valued in contemporary job markets. You will be able to apply your analytical skills to a range of careers in the criminal justice system as well as the public, private and voluntary sectors. The MA can also provide a strong foundation for further academic study or a career in research.

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part-time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below.

For details about the part-time course, please contact us.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Criminology in Theory and Method
• Issues in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice

Spring and summer teaching

• Criminology Dissertation

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Spring teaching

• Anthropological Perspectives on Mind, Madness, and Mental Health
• Crimes of Violence
• Hate Crime and Sexual Violence
• International and Transnational Offending
• Restorative Justice: Domestic and International Approaches
• Terrorism and the Internet
• The Existential Self: Chaos, Meaning and Human Potential