MSc, Criminology and Criminal Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

The MSc Criminology & Criminal Psychology at the University of Greenwich combines criminological theory with psychological insights to examine crime, criminal behaviour, investigation, and the justice system. It is ideally suited for students who wish to work in criminal justice, forensic settings, law, or research by developing both theoretical understanding and practical analytical skills.

Curriculum structure:
Students spend their year immersed in both core and elective modules that bridge criminology and psychology. In Criminal Investigative Psychology, they examine how psychological theory informs criminal investigation and profiling. The Psychology, Development & Crime module explores how developmental and social factors contribute to criminal behaviour. Through Comparative Criminological Research Methods, students master research design and methodological approaches specific to crime and justice contexts. The course’s Crime Theory module helps them critically analyse different theoretical frameworks used to explain crime. In addition, in Social Forensic Psychology or Crime, Terrorism & the State (depending on elective choice), students dive deeper into how social and political dynamics shape criminal activity. The programme culminates in a Criminology Postgraduate Dissertation, where learners produce an original piece of empirical or theoretical research.

Focus areas:
“crime theory; investigative psychology; social forensic psychology; developmental crime; research methods; terrorism & state crime”

Learning outcomes:
“critically apply criminological and psychological theory to crime, design and conduct rigorous research, understand developmental and social drivers of criminal behaviour, and translate this knowledge into justice-system and policy contexts”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Reputation (employability rankings):
Greenwich holds a Gold rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting high standards in teaching and student outcomes. Graduates are well positioned for careers in policing, probation, prisons, research, intelligence, and third-sector criminal justice roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical investigative and analytical skills through applied research projects and engagement with criminal justice practice. They utilise the university's specialist facilities and have opportunities for professional development in criminal justice settings. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in criminology or criminal psychology
Facilities: Access to criminology and psychology research resources
Professional Skills: Development of offender profiling and risk assessment techniques
Applied Focus: Training in criminal investigative methods and policy analysis
Practical Methods: Experience with criminal justice research methodologies

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Greenwich MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology program are well-prepared for diverse careers in criminal justice, legal, and forensic psychological work. Typical roles include Criminal Investigator, Forensic Psychologist Trainee, Probation Officer, and Research Analyst. The program integrates criminological theory with psychological perspectives on offending and victimisation, developing practical and research skills relevant to the forensic and legal arenas.

Key employability and progression details:

University career services provide personalised employability support including tailored placements with police, probation services, courts, and charities, alongside CV workshops and interview coaching.
Employment data shows many graduates secure work across the criminal justice system and related sectors, with typical early-career salaries ranging from £22,000 to £32,000.
The University collaborates with criminal justice agencies, NHS forensic services, and research institutions, facilitating applied learning and professional networking.
While not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the course meets British Society of Criminology standards, offering valuable specialist knowledge in criminology and criminal psychology.
Graduates report strong development in critical thinking, forensic research methods, ethical judgement, and applied investigative skills.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue doctoral research (PhD) in criminology, forensic psychology, or law, or professional training in forensic psychology to advance expertise and career opportunities.