MSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Studying the MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology gives you the opportunity to expand your subject knowledge and build on the skills you’ve gained during your undergraduate studies. You'll develop valuable knowledge and practical skills in leading complex criminal investigations. This 100% online Masters offers an advanced qualification that’s designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of important topics within criminology and criminal psychology such as the role of forensic psychology in manging mentally disordered offenders, the status of the victim throughout the criminal process, and the historic relationship between psychology and policing, and what this means for modern policing. The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

• Applied Forensic Psychology (20 credits)
• Crime, Causation and Criminological Theory (20 credits)
• Complex Criminal investigation (20 credits)
• Practical Psychology for Policing (20 credits)
• Advanced Research Methods (20 credits)
• Criminology and Criminal Psychology Thesis (20 credits)
• Optional modules (choose one)
• Criminal Victimisation (20 credits)
• Policing: Leadership, Policy & Partnerships (20 credits)

Shorter awards are available for this course; the 16-month postgraduate diploma (PG Dip) at 120 credits and the 8-month postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) at 60 credits. On successful completion of your degree course, you’ll receive a degree validated by the University of Essex and be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus.

Online learning environment This course is delivered 100% online, part-time, providing you with the flexibility to fit your studies around work and other commitments. You’ll receive access to a cutting-edge virtual learning platform, where you can access core learning materials, lectures and seminars, as well as interact with tutors and other students.

Assessment This programme is assessed entirely by written coursework, which means there are no exams to sit. You’ll also benefit from seeing your provisional mark from the beginning of the course, which helps to evaluate your study approach and identify areas to improve.

University of Essex Online offer 100% online and part-time degree courses to both UK and international students. They’re one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025). All University of Essex Online degrees are awarded and validated by the University of Essex. This means you’ll get to benefit from world-class research, ground-breaking teaching, and become part of a truly global community.   We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education. Our students benefit from a flexible approach to learning while receiving the same dedicated support. Whether you're a professional looking to enhance your career or a school leaver who wants to boost their CV, online study is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible way to get ahead.

At University of Essex Online, we believe everyone should be able to access education. That’s why we take both academic and work-based experience into account when deciding if a student is eligible for a course.  All our potential students are assessed individually by a dedicated Admissions team who’ll determine whether they’re right for either our academic, open or work experience entry route onto our courses. Academic entry route

• an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree; or a relevant professional qualification

Work experience entry route

• three years’ relevant work experience

English language requirements As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of the countries listed on our website.

• Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
• Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
• Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.
• Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
• 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships.

Upon completion of this course, like many of our criminology graduates you may wish to enter a senior role within the criminal justice system. Alternatively, you could go on to become a police officer; work in offender support, probation, prison and victim services, or security; or even work in the National Crime Agency. Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024 Career and Employability Survey showed:

• Over 80% of postgraduates saw a salary increase
• 3 in 5 postgraduate alumni said their degree helped them gain a promotion
• 2 in 5 students feel ready to make a career change
• 90% of students felt better prepared for their career after studying with us