QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST · UNITED KINGDOM
LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS Q75
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 3rd in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Law (Complete University Guide 2026)Career Prospects
- Top 150 Law Schools worldwide and Top 10 in the UKGlobal Ranking
- Research ranked 8th in the UK (Research Assessment Exercise 2021)Research Excellence
- First university on the island of Ireland to offer postgraduate Criminology and Criminal JusticePioneering History
- Focus on criminal justice reform in post-conflict environmentsUnique Specialisation
- Modern campus facilities including award-winning library and state-of-the-art Law buildingWorld-Class Facilities
This LLM programme offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of crime and criminal justice in contemporary society, taught by internationally recognised scholars. It uniquely examines criminal justice reform, using Northern Ireland's post-conflict experience as a case study, particularly focusing on policing. The degree is designed for students with academic or professional interests in criminology or criminal justice, aiming to deepen understanding of offending motivations, the practicalities of the justice system, and societal responses to crime. It is relevant for those already working in legal practice, government, or non-governmental organisations, as well as graduates seeking to advance their knowledge and skills for careers in criminal justice or further academic study. The programme is delivered by experts in fields such as community safety, policing, prisoner reintegration, restorative justice, victimology, and youth justice, with research strengths in these areas. Please note that this LLM is not a qualifying law degree. A Diploma awarded from this programme is also not a qualifying law degree.
Curriculum
The LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice is a Master's degree requiring the completion of 180 CATS points. Students can study full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The programme includes six core modules (80 CATS), two optional modules (40 CATS), and a research dissertation (60 CATS). Optional modules are subject to staff availability and student numbers.
- Year 1 (Full-time) / Years 1 & 2 (Part-time)
- Theoretical Criminology
- Key Debates in Criminology
- Criminal Justice Processes
- Approaches to Legal Research
- Criminal Justice & Criminology Methods 1
- Criminal Justice & Criminology Methods 2
- Dissertation (Maximum 12,000 words)
- Dissertation in Practice Module (including 10,000 word dissertation and 2,000 word reflective journal)
- Optional Module 1
- Optional Module 2
Careers
The programme is designed to enhance employability in criminal justice-related fields. With strong connections to civil society organisations, criminal justice agencies, and international institutions, Queen's has a successful track record of placing graduates in professional roles.
- Legal Practice
- Government roles
- Non-governmental organisations
- Criminal justice careers
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme?
- You need a minimum of a 2.2 degree classification or equivalent from a recognised university. This programme is not a qualifying law degree.
- What is the tuition fee for this programme?
- Please check the university website for current tuition fees.
- How long does the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme take to complete?
- The programme can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
- What are the career prospects after completing this LLM?
- The programme is designed to enhance employability in criminal justice fields, with graduates often finding roles in legal practice, government, and non-governmental organisations.
- How do I apply for the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme?
- Applications are submitted online via the Queen's Portal. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and gather necessary supporting documents before the application deadline.
- What is the application deadline for September 2026 entry?
- The application deadline for September 2026 entry is 30 June 2026.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA minimum of a 2.2 degree classification or equivalent from a recognised university.
This programme is not a qualifying law degree.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please check the university website for current tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Please check the university website for current tuition fees.
LivingEstimated cost of living details are available on the university website.
How to apply
1. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the Queen's Portal (go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply).
2. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and any other specific requirements for the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme.
3. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, and potentially references (check specific requirements).
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your online application before the deadline.
5. Await DecisionThe admissions team will review your application and notify you of the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme?
+
You need a minimum of a 2.2 degree classification or equivalent from a recognised university. This programme is not a qualifying law degree.
What is the tuition fee for this programme?
+
Please check the university website for current tuition fees.
How long does the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme take to complete?
+
The programme can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
What are the career prospects after completing this LLM?
+
The programme is designed to enhance employability in criminal justice fields, with graduates often finding roles in legal practice, government, and non-governmental organisations.
How do I apply for the LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice programme?
+
Applications are submitted online via the Queen's Portal. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and gather necessary supporting documents before the application deadline.
What is the application deadline for September 2026 entry?
+
The application deadline for September 2026 entry is 30 June 2026.