Overview
There is an increasing focus on the reform of criminal justice systems. This is causing a growing demand for experts who can shape the future of criminology policy (Research.com, July 2025).
Our MSc Criminological Research course will equip you with important research skills. You'll be able to inform the policies that underpin crime prevention and justice reform.
As you study this Criminological Research Masters you’ll learn:
- the strategies and methods used in criminological research;
- how to collect, analyse and report on different kinds of data, using software such as Strata and NVivo;
- the theory behind criminology research;
- how the research you conduct can shape criminology policies;
- to shape your dissertation study on a criminological research topic of your choice.
Learn from the experts
You’ll benefit from our membership to the Scottish Centre for Crime and Criminal Justice Research (SCCJR). This multi-university group has links to policymakers, experts and criminology professionals. The work of this influential group feeds directly into what you’ll be learning on the MSc Criminological Research. You can also attend regular events scheduled by the SCCJR.
A reputation for excellent research
Stirling is one of the best places to study Criminology. We rank 1st in Scotland and top 15 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). Our research in Social Work and Social Policy is ranked in the top 25 in the UK. 100% of our research environment is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
The research skills you gain on the course will not only prepare you for career opportunities in criminological research, but a wide range of other researcher roles. The course also meets the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) guidelines for undertaking a PhD in the social sciences.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
The course is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in the social sciences. As such, prospective students are eligible for the 1+3 studentship, providing you with funding for a one year research training Masters linked to a three year PhD.
The course is supported by staff from the Scottish Centre for Crime and Criminal Justice Research – a multi-university body with international influence and links to academics, policymakers and practitioners around the world.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Faculty facilities
Students taking this course are affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences. Scheduled classes use University teaching spaces such as lecture, seminar and lab venues when relevant.
Research overview
When you study Criminological Research at the University of Stirling, you’ll be introduced to pioneering empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment.
Underpinning the expertise of our staff, the University of Stirling scored highly in the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 – a UK-wide assessment of universities’ research output. In the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment, we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Enhance your research skills and open up future opportunities in criminology with this versatile Masters degree.
Modules
Teaching
The MSc Criminological Research comprises taught core modules and a dissertation. Alternatively, you can graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma by completing the taught modules but not the dissertation.
You’ll participate in lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer based workshops and group work. Teaching methods are tailored for each module to help you acquire new skills in critical thinking, research methodologies, communication and analytical thinking.
You can study the course full-time or part-time:
Full-time: one year, typically studying three modules per semester.
Part-time: two and a half years, typically studying one or two modules per semester.
Assessment
You'll be assessed via a combination of modes including essays, book reviews, research proposals, presentations, critical review essays, open-book class tests, and the research dissertation.
Classroom hours
During Autumn and Spring semesters, most modules run one morning or one afternoon of scheduled teaching sessions each week. Timetabling is coordinated whenever possible, and in most circumstances, classes will not be run on more than two different days per week throughout a semester (although other optional activities may sometimes be available on other weekdays).
There are not normally any scheduled classes that run in the Summer semester, though you will usually arrange to meet your dissertation supervisor on a few occasions within that period.
Course director
Professor Paul Lambert, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Fully funded places
Fully funded places are available on this course through the ESRC. See more details on the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science website.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Our Masters in Criminological Research is the perfect foundation for a range of criminology jobs. You’ll be well qualified for roles that involve research, research management or commissioning research.
Roles within organisations like the Crown Prosecution Service, Civil Service, Police Scotland and other similar services in the UK or across the globe are all relevant for an MSC Criminological Research graduate.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:
- The Scottish Government
- Alcohol Focus Scotland
- Bielefeld University
- University of West of Scotland
- eBay
Specific job roles of former students include:
- Social Science Researcher
- Research and Outreach Officer
- Social Equity and Non-Profit Evaluator
- Policy and Research Manager
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Compliance Officer
Other graduates from the course have gone on to further study, such as the Applied Social Research (Doctorate) or PhD.
Starting salaries at researcher level typically range from £22,000 to £30,000. You're likely to earn between £35,000 and £60,000 as a senior social researcher with significant experience. Salaries at manager/director level can rise to over £70,000, depending on the sector (Prospects).
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