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MA CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (BLENDED)
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH77J
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 30 August 2027
Overview
Criminology is the study of crime, people who commit crime and criminal justice.
This blended Masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice is exclusively tailored to professionals working in or adjacent to criminal justice such as members of An Garda Síochána, the Irish Probation Service, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the DPP, criminal law legal practitioners and those working in the third sector.
The programme provides a blended, more flexible way to study criminology that will provide students with the tools to critically examine the criminal justice process, reflect on their practice and examine innovative approaches to issues relating to crime and disorder.
Teaching will be delivered by our expert academic team in a blended way. Per semester this involves 16 hours (four x four-hour lecture blocks) of face-to-face teaching on campus that will likely take place on a weekday evening. This will be accompanied by asynchronous online content delivery, allowing students to work at their own time and pace.
The programme retains a criminology/social science theme throughout which means that students will learn about core theories and research methods but with a focus on real-world examples.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part time
The blended Criminology and Criminal Justice programme allows students to choose from a range of criminological modules.
Students must complete 90 credits in total: 20 credits from the optional modules, plus the compulsory modules Researching Criminal Justice (15 credits), Justice Innovation (15 credits) and Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice (10 credits). Students must also complete the compulsory Dissertation module (30 credits).
Students should register for 10 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Not all modules offered will run every year. Offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints.
The blended nature of delivery means that full time students will receive 16 hours of face-to-face teaching (four x four-hour lecture blocks) per semester or a total of 32 in-person contact hours over the course of the programme.
The face-to-face teaching will be complemented by asynchronous online content delivery which allows students to work at their own time and pace.
Students can elect to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of an MA, if they find that they are unable to complete the dissertation.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
This blended Criminology and Criminal Justice programme is exclusively tailored to professionals working in or adjacent to criminal justice.
The programme provides opportunities to network, gain enhanced critical thinking and specialized research skills as well as advanced insights into innovative responses to crime and harm. The programme also serves as a rigorous foundation for doctoral studies (PhD) should you wish to pursue a career in academic research or university-level teaching.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in Criminology, Law, or a cognate discipline such as Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Social Policy, Social Studies or Political Science.
This course is aimed at professionals employed within, or adjacent to, the criminal justice system or relevant organisations. This includes those who have retired from such a role. Applicants should currently hold or have previously held a role in a relevant organisation.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information. Eligible candidates may be invited to interview.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made through the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- An academic reference OR a professional reference
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.