Course description
The MSc in Crime, Justice and Psychology provides you with an in-depth understanding of the relationship between psychology, mental disorder, crime and law, enabling you to analyse its implications for the treatment and management of offenders.
You will consider the application of psychological theories to the investigation of crime and pursuit of justice, and subsequently to the management and rehabilitation of offenders. You will also critically explore debates regarding mental disorder and responsibility for crime.
The course has been prepared by lecturers who are at the forefront of research in this field. You will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of crime and its consequences, both theoretical and applied, with a particular focus on the psychology of offending.
This degree will develop your capacity for imaginative, rigorous and critical thinking. As well as gaining specific knowledge of the social processes of crime, criminalisation and the criminal justice system, you will strengthen your ability to understand and use different types of evidence. You will develop transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the ability to present and develop a cohesive argument, communicate information to academic and non-academic audiences, conduct research and identify solutions to theoretical and research problems.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars where you will have the opportunity to discuss and clarify ideas with lecturers and fellow students. Some modules will also involve practical skills workshops or online tasks and interaction.
Our assessment strategy is coursework-based and provides students with opportunities to both consolidate and strengthen academic skills through assessments such as short written pieces, annotated bibliographies, essays and research exercises; whilst also completing tasks which develop the skills required in future employment.
Careers and employability
Our MSc in Crime, Justice and Psychology will equip you with a whole host of skills that will give you a head-start in today’s competitive job market. We work closely with the University’s Career Development Service to alert you to relevant opportunities.
A postgraduate qualification from the University of Leicester is career changing. It can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career, or simply an aid to becoming more effective in your current role.
Our graduates most often seek and secure employment in statutory criminal justice agencies (police, prisons, probation, national criminal justice and security agencies), forensic health settings, third sector agencies, local and central government (nationally and internationally) and social/policy research institutes. Moreover, each year approximately 10% of the cohort either secure or begin to consider opportunities for doctoral studies. Doctoral work often leads to employment in a research-related area or in an academic environment.
If you are already in employment, enhancing your career by studying at postgraduate level gives a clear signal to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge and have studied to a higher level. Postgraduate education at Leicester is a rewarding and enriching experience that enhances personal development.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected July 2025
Start date
September 2025
University of Leicester
University Road,
Leicester,
Leicestershire,
LE1 7RH, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
The University of Leicester is currently home to over 4,000 international students, making it a wonderfully multicultural place to study.