MPhil in Criminology

The Cambridge Institute of Criminology offers two one-year, full-time MPhil programmes: the MPhil in Criminology, and the MPhil in Criminological Research. Both programmes have a high national and international standing and together regularly recruit around 40 students each year from around the world. The MPhil in Criminology runs from 1 October to 30 June.

The basic aims of both MPhil programmes are:

• to offer up-to-date and high-quality degree courses, introducing students to some of the most important theory, methods and research in criminology;
• to offer a sound academic foundation to those who aspire to undertake a PhD or a career in teaching and research in criminology or related fields; and
• to provide a sound foundation of knowledge and methodological skills to those who wish to work in a wide range of criminal justice agencies, the legal profession, or other professional or voluntary organisations.

The MPhil in Criminological Research provides a foundational education in prominent criminological theories, research methods, and areas of criminological knowledge. Compulsory modules on criminological theories and research methods familiarise students with historic and contemporary criminological thinking and research. A variety of optional seminars are on offer each year covering a wide range of criminological topics. What is on offer varies by year, but in recent years has included topics such as criminal justice: players and processes, policing, organised crime, the sociology of prison life, victims and injustice, socio-critical perspectives on criminal justice, history of violence, global perspectives on violence, characters, crime and criminal careers, and neurocriminology.

The MPhil in Criminology does not require empirical research as part of the final dissertation and therefore does not include the practical training in analytical and advanced research methods through the Social Sciences Research Methods Programme (SSRMP).

Learning Outcomes

Core knowledge

Students should acquire:

• an understanding of core criminological and criminal justice theories;
• a critical awareness of current problems and debates within the field;
• skills to critically evaluate theoretical and empirical literature relevant to criminological and criminal justice research;
• the ability to synthesise and apply criminological knowledge in new contexts or to new issues;
• the ability to use theoretical knowledge creatively and independently to guide their work; and
• skills in communicating criminological knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Research methods

Students should acquire:

• a comprehensive understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in criminology;
• the ability to use acquired knowledge to propose new hypotheses and identify and address research problems;
• the ability to critically assess research designs;
• the ability to apply research competencies to practical issues;
• the ability to independently acquire and interpret additional knowledge relating to research; and
• an understanding of the quality of work required to satisfy peer review.

Continuing

The Institute strongly recommends that students who aim to progress to a PhD apply for the MPhil in Criminological Research in the first instance.

Continuation to the PhD programme involves a separate application process, undertaken during the MPhil year. Prospective PhD students are encouraged to discuss their plans with their MPhil supervisor as early as possible during the MPhil year. Please visit the Institute of Criminology website to view a list of current supervisors.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.