MA Criminal Psychology and Criminal Justice
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
Why study this course with LJMU?
- Develop an advanced understanding of the psychological theories that explain criminal behaviour
- Explore how psychology influences policing, sentencing, rehabilitation and criminal justice policy
- Learn from academics with expertise across criminal psychology, criminology and justice studies
- Hear from guest speakers working across policing, probation, rehabilitation and related sectors
- Build advanced research skills through an independent dissertation
- Tailor your studies through a choice of specialist option modules
- Graduate with the analytical, communication and research skills valued across criminal justice professions
- Part-time study option
About this course
Gain the advanced knowledge and practical research skills to explore why people offend and how psychological evidence informs criminal justice policy and practice.
Crime is rarely explained by a single factor. This programme explores how psychological, social and environmental influences interact to shape criminal behaviour and responses to crime.
You'll critically evaluate theories of offending, examine contemporary criminal justice issues and investigate how research informs policy and professional practice. Throughout your studies, you'll develop the ability to analyse complex evidence, evaluate competing perspectives and apply psychological knowledge to real-world criminal justice challenges.
The programme places a strong emphasis on independent thinking and evidence-based practice, preparing you for professional roles or further academic research.
You'll study a combination of core and optional modules that provide both a broad understanding of criminal psychology and opportunities to specialise in areas that match your interests. Go to the module section for full module details.
The MA Criminal Psychology and Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University combines criminal psychology, criminology and criminal justice to help you develop a critical understanding of crime, offending behaviour and the responses of the justice system. You'll examine contemporary issues through research-informed teaching, hear from experienced practitioners and undertake your own independent research project.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Criminal Psychology and Criminal Justice Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
This module will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of a specific criminal behaviour and/or criminal justice issue. You will construct a sustained and coherent assignment at length, to show your critical ability to apply appropriate research methods.
Key Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
20 credits
20 credits
This module advances knowledge of criminal justice in England and Wales, covering theoretical relevant perspectives and key topics such as policing, courts, probation, prisons, and more, and an insight into how societal issues influence the criminal justice system.
Research Methods for Criminal Psychology and Criminal Justice
30 credits
30 credits
This module will help to prepare you for your compulsory dissertation on the Criminal Psychology and Criminal Justice masters programme. This will enable you to develop an advanced and critical knowledge of the key ontological, epistemological and methodological issues that impact upon research into criminal behaviour and criminal justice.
Within this module, you will consider and demonstrate a critical appreciation of the particular research theories and methods of data collection and analysis, which researchers use to study criminal behaviour and criminal justice. In doing so, you will examine and demonstrate advanced and critical understanding of issues relating to the politics and ethics of crime and criminal justice research. This will help you to examine and demonstrate advanced and critical understanding of practical issues which can affect research into particular aspects of criminal behaviour and criminal justice.
Criminal Psychology
30 credits
30 credits
This module provides students with a comprehensive and critical guide to both the theory and practical applications that currently exist within practice using criminal behaviour models. It will use case examples, published journals, some that have been authored by the staffing team, to illustrate the application of these models and how they are applied by professionals
Optional modules
Drugs, Alcohol and Criminal Justice
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of drug and alcohol use within contemporary society. It deconstructs the drug and alcohol status quo so you can acknowledge the complexities and contradictions that exist within this sphere. It aims to:
- provide a broad critical understanding of the different paradigms and perspectives on substance (mis)use and relevant policy in relation to crime and criminal justice
- set a critical socio-cultural scene for you to build up a comprehensive picture of drug and alcohol use within contemporary capitalist society
- develop your understanding of drug policy and critically consider the rationale and motivations that mould policy developments within this sphere
- develop your knowledge of how drug and alcohol users are responded to within a criminal justice context
Advanced Critical Criminology
20 credits
20 credits
This module is designed to examine the social construction of crime. It aims to:
- provide a balance between theoretical perspectives and empirical, practical knowledge about the power imbalances in society
- critically examine the relationship between these imbalances and crime (reported and unreported), as well as the criminal justice system's responses to them
- equip you with the skills required to demonstrate a critical understanding of crimes involving the abuse of social and/or individual power
Delivering Rehabilitation
20 credits
20 credits
This module critically evaluates, at an advanced level, the role and function of the prison and probation services in relation to the delivery of state punishment and rehabilitation. It aims to:
- critically reflect on the values and principles that underpin the delivery of contemporary penal policy through the creation of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
- scrutinise the extent to which contemporary penal policy and practice actually delivers a more systematic approach to the management of offenders
Youth Justice
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to give you a critical, theoretically-informed and socially-orientated grounding in the study of youth justice. It enables you to:
- develop an analytical approach to understanding the treatment and experiences of young people within, and at the hands of, the criminal justice system
- consider the historical basis of the youth justice system and how political influence has played a significant role in the current development of youth justice policy
- critically compare youth justice policy and practice in England and Wales
The Sociology of Policing
20 credits
20 credits
This module seeks to critically explore the complex and dynamic relationship between policing services/agents and members of the diverse public these organisations serve. It will help you develop a critical appreciation of the historical and conceptual development of modern policing forms, evaluate contemporary policing structures/methods/networks, and explore future challenges for service provision.
International Crime, Justice and Human Rights
20 credits
20 credits
The module aims to develop students' understanding of criminal offences which form part of international criminal law; issues affecting international, transnational and transitional justice. The module will also develop students' ability to apply theoretical insights and values to issues affecting international, transnational and transitional justice.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching is designed to encourage critical discussion, independent thinking and professional development.
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops and guided independent study, supported by experienced academic staff whose teaching is informed by current research and professional practice.
Guest lectures from practitioners provide valuable insight into the realities of working within criminal justice organisations and help connect academic learning with contemporary practice.
Work-related learning
The curriculum has been developed to reflect the changing nature of criminal justice practice nationally and internationally.
Guest speakers from across the criminal justice sector share their professional experience and provide insight into current policy and operational challenges. Assessments encourage you to apply your learning to contemporary issues, while your dissertation offers the opportunity to investigate an area with direct relevance to professional practice.
Study hours
Typically, students attend teaching on two or three days per week. Days of attendance vary according to timetabling requirements.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment methods are designed to develop the skills expected of postgraduate graduates and criminal justice professionals.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essays
- Research reports
- Presentations
- Applied coursework
- Independent dissertation
Rather than relying on traditional examinations, assessments encourage you to demonstrate critical analysis, problem-solving, communication and advanced research skills.
Where you will study
The School of Law and Justice Studies is based in Redmonds and John Foster Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. Redmonds Building is shared by Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries and Liverpool Business School making for a rich blend of student learning experiences. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, a mock courtroom, social spaces, and a café. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Mount Pleasant Campus Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies.
Course tutors
Dr Helena Gosling is Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University, where she has worked for over ten years. Her research focuses on the relationship between higher education and the criminal justice system, with a strong commitment to supporting students who have experience of the criminal justice system in their learning journeys.
This masters aims to provide students with a course that considers the influences and profiles of criminal offending and victimisation, as well as how this is applied and experienced through the criminal justice system. Through our expert Criminal Justice Team with their experience of working with Behavioural Investigative Advisors on serious offences, probation, magistrate and prison work, along with expert guest speakers from around the world, we bring a modern, interactive learning experience to help develop your expertise and career prospects
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Graduates will be well prepared for careers across the criminal justice sector, including roles within:
- Police and law enforcement
- Probation services
- Rehabilitation and offender management
- Youth justice
- Victim support services
- Government and public policy
- Charities and third-sector organisations
- Criminal justice research
- Higher education and doctoral study
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £9,940
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Fee:
- £17,750
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
A degree from a recognised University or equivalent awarding institution at upper second class honours level or above; or - a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to the above; or - an award which the University has agreed to accept as equivalent to a degree.
All candidates must be able to demonstrate an ability to benefit from and contribute to the programme. Given the general nature of assessment, candidates will normally match the entry criteria above.
Alternative qualifications considered
Where a candidate does not fulfil the standard entry qualification the Programme Leader reserves the right to interview the person to determine their suitability for the Programme. This process would be used where the applicant has no relevant degree or professional qualification, but does have relevant professional experience relevant to the programme, or where the undergraduate degree award criteria above have not been met. The Programme Leader would conduct an interview with another member of the programme team. Interviews would be based around the applicant's suitability for the programme, which is also measured by the completion of a written piece of work by the applicant, which is discussed at the interview.
Further information
-
Deferred Entry Allowed
Yes
International requirements
Other international requirements
The programme is taught entirely in the English language, and, due to the participatory nature of its delivery, and the need to complete reading, assignments and written work (along with participants contributing to group discussions), overseas students will normally need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
Further information
-
Deferred Entry Allowed
Yes
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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