skip to content

Institute of Criminology

 


Overview

The MPhil in Criminological Research provides a foundational education in prominent criminological theories, research methods, and areas of criminological knowledge. Compulsory modules on criminological theories and research methods familiarise students with historic and contemporary criminological thinking and research. A variety of optional seminars are on offer each year covering a wide range of criminological topics.

The MPhil in Criminological Research requires empirical research as part of the final dissertation and therefore includes practical training in analytical and advanced research methods through the Social Sciences Research Methods Programme (SSRMP).


For further information contact the the Graduate Administrators: Ms Charlotte Dove and Mrs Faith Payne.


Course Information

Aims of the MPhil in Criminological Research

This course aims to:

  • Offer an up-to-date and high quality degree course, introducing students to some of the most important theory, methods and research in criminology
  • Offer a sound academic foundation to those who aspire to undertake a PhD or career in teaching and research in criminology or related fields

Core knowledge students will acquire:

  • An understanding of core criminological and criminal justice theories
  • A critical awareness of current problems and debates within the field
  • Skills to critically evaluate theoretical and empirical literature relevant to criminological and criminal justice research
  • The ability to synthesize and apply criminological knowledge in new contexts or to new issues
  • The ability to use theoretical knowledge creatively and independently to guide their work
  • Skills in communicating criminological knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audience.

Research methods students will acquire:

  • A comprehensive understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in criminology
  • The ability to use acquired knowledge to propose new hypotheses and identify and address research problems
  • The ability to critically assess research designs
  • The ability to apply research competencies to practical issues
  • The ability to independently acquire and interpret additional knowledge relating to research
  • An understanding of the quality of work required to satisfy peer review

Study

The MPhil in Criminological Research is structured around two teaching terms (Michaelmas and Lent), in which students attend:

  • Two core courses: Criminological Theories and Criminological Research Methods; and
  • Two optional courses; and
  • A research methods training course, with the remainder of the year devoted to the preparation of a research-based dissertation.
  • Students are also required to complete four modules from the Social Sciences Research Methods course.

Core Courses    

 Optional Courses


Supervision

Each student will be assigned a supervisor. The main role of the supervisor is to provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation. During term time, you can expect to meet with your supervisor about every two weeks (depending on your level of need).


Course Assessment

The overall mark for the MPhil in Criminological Research is determined through seven assignments comprising of four units of assessment:

  1. Four Essays: One Criminological Theories essay, three Optional essays (each relating to a different optional course the student has attended), and SSRMP exercise. Each essay should be of no more than 3,000 words, on topics which the student will choose from lists announced by the Examiners.
  2. The Criminological Research Methods exercise
  3. A presentation on your Dissertation research (At the start of the second Term)
  4. Dissertation

To be awarded the MPhil degree students are required to pass each of the units of assessment (i.e., achieve a mark of 60 or above), apart from the dissertation presentation.

A mark between 57 and 59 is considered a marginal fail and this may be compensated by a strong performance, normally denoted by a mark of 68 or above, in one of the other written units (not including the presentation). If a student receives a marginal fail overall and all their marks are below a 68 they may be required to participate in an oral examination. Ultimately, decisions regarding marginal fails are made by the Board of Examiners in light of all relevant information.

To be awarded a distinction, students must obtain an overall weighted mark of 75.

Essays

Students must submit:

  • Three essays, each of no more than 3,000 words, on topics which the student will choose from lists announced by the examiners. This includes one Criminological Theories essay, and two Optional Course essays, each relating to a different optional course the student has attended.
  • One criminological research methods exercise relating to the core course in Criminological Research Methods, which may comprise different elements including a written exercise of not more than 3,000 words. 
  • Students on this course must also complete one SSRMP research exercise of not more than 4,000 words. 

To be awarded the MPhil degree students are required to pass each of the units of assessment (i.e., achieve a mark of 60 or above), apart from the dissertation presentation.

A mark between 57 and 59 is considered a marginal fail and this may be compensated by a strong performance, normally denoted by a mark of 68 or above, in one of the other written units (not including the presentation). If a student receives a marginal fail overall and all their marks are below a 68 they may be required to participate in an oral examination. Ultimately, decisions regarding marginal fails are made by the Board of Examiners in light of all relevant information.

To be awarded a distinction, students must obtain an overall weighted mark of 75.

Essay Marking Scheme

80 and above

Distinction level work. Marks in this range should be reserved for especially high-quality essays and assignments, showing a considerable degree of sophistication, and significant elements of originality and critical analysis. The work should be well written and well organised and, where relevant, should incorporate reference to both theory and empirical evidence.

75–79

Distinction level work. Marks in this range should be reserved for high-quality essays and assignments, showing a considerable degree of sophistication, and significant elements of originality. The work should be well written and well organised and, where relevant, should incorporate reference to both theory and empirical evidence.

70-74

This range of marks applies to essays and assignments showing extensive familiarity with relevant materials and strong analytical skills. The work should be well written and well organised and, where relevant, should incorporate reference to both theory and empirical evidence.

65-69

This range of marks applies to essays and assignments that provide a competent response to the question or issues posed and show reasonable familiarity with the materials as well as being adequately presented and organized. Where relevant, the work should incorporate reference to both theory and empirical evidence. The work might show some weakness in argument or evidence.

60-64

This range of marks reflects acceptable answers, but with some significant weakness in arguments, lack of knowledge of some significant material, major organisational deficiencies, failure to address the question fully, or other significant inaccuracies.

Essays and assignments which achieve marks of 60-62 will be deemed to have achieved a Marginal Pass and may be subject to review at the Board of Examiners’ Meeting following oral examination. The matter of oral examination will be at the Senior Examiner’s discretion.

60

Pass Mark

57-59

Marginal Fail. These are unsatisfactory essays and assignments, but ones which may be reviewed, following oral examination, at a Board of Examiners’ Meeting.  An oral examination will normally be required unless there is strong work on other written assignments to compensate. In these circumstances the matter of oral examination will be at the Senior Examiner’s discretion.

56 and below

These are essays and assignments which fail to meet the academic standards of the programme. An oral examination will be required.


Dissertation

MPhil in Criminological Research students:

  • must complete a dissertation of between 15,000 and 18,000 words on a criminological topic chosen by the student. Students are expected to demonstrate a critical understanding of research principles and analytical skills. A dissertation must be based on an extensive literature review, and the examiners expect the dissertation to make a contribution to knowledge. This can be achieved by addressing a criminological issue not covered extensively in the literature; approaching a topic from a new angle; developing new research methods; presenting exceptionally high-quality empirical analysis; or advancing theory in a significant way. Students for the most part free to choose their dissertation topic, although it must fall within the field of criminology, i.e., relate to the study of crime – e.g., the nature of crime, what causes or prevents crime, or how we respond to crime. In some cases academic staff may be able to suggest topics to students, or invite them to work on an ongoing research project in a way that serves their dissertation purposes. This will depend on their interests, abilities and what work is currently ongoing at the Institute. A Dissertation Ideas Booklet is provided to students in the Michaelmas term, from which they can learn more about possible dissertation topics from academics in the Institute, as well as practitioners who may be involved in relevant projects that may be conducive to MPhil research.
  • are required to carry out empirical research, and it is important to try and ensure an original empirical contribution. However, students may consider alternatives that involve a smaller or more focused contribution (e.g., a pilot project).  An empirical piece of research may rely on a variety of quantitative or qualitative research methods, including, for example, a series of interviews, an observational case-study, documentary or discourse analysis, a small survey, an experiment or quasi-experiment, or secondary analysis of existing data. Students will discuss empirical research with their supervisor at the earliest opportunity during the Michaelmas Term, in particular, discussing the steps and time needed to plan their research design, gain access, and collect and analyse data.

Timescale

The dissertation is researched and written from the start of the academic year (in October), but is worked on most intensively from April to August,(which is the critical data collection, analysis and writing period).

Each student is also required to give a 15 minute presentation on their dissertation topic in January / February (Lent Term).


Dissertation Marking Scheme

80 and above

Distinction level work. Marks in this range reflect work which addresses a criminological issue not well covered in the literature, approaches a topic from a new angle, or contains exceptionally high-quality empirical analysis or advances theory in a significant way. Work at this level also demonstrates an excellent grasp of a wide range of concepts and issues as well as sources and use them in a scholarly fashion. The work shows a superior understanding of relevant theoretical issues or, where appropriate, shows ingenuity and originality in applying a particular method to an empirical problem. A dissertation at this level presents a clear thesis (argument) – or provides a coherent analysis – which integrates criminological theory, methods and data (where appropriate) and shows insight and originality. The dissertation will also be well written and well presented.

75–79

Distinction level work. Marks in this range reflect work which addresses a criminological issue not well covered in the literature, approaches a topic from a new angle, or contains very high-quality empirical analysis or advances theory in some way. Work at this level also demonstrates a very strong grasp of a wide range of concepts and issues as well as sources and use them in a scholarly fashion. The work shows an advanced understanding of relevant theoretical issues or, where appropriate, shows ingenuity in applying a particular method to an empirical problem. A dissertation at this level presents a clear thesis (argument) – or provides a coherent analysis – which integrates criminological theory, methods and data (where appropriate) and shows insight and originality. The dissertation will also be well written and well presented.

70-74

Marks in this range reflect dissertation work which shows extensive familiarity with relevant concepts, issues, and relevant materials, and shows strong analytical skills; such work also demonstrates a good understanding of relevant theoretical issues. Where relevant, the dissertation shows that chosen research methods have been applied in an appropriate and sound manner. The dissertation presents a clear thesis (argument) which integrates criminological theory, methods and data (where appropriate) and shows some critical insight.

65-69

Marks in this range reflect dissertation work that suggests knowledge of relevant concepts and issues and reasonable competence in using a range of sources and research methods (where appropriate) in a scholarly manner. The dissertation also presents a clear thesis (argument) which adequately integrates criminological theory, methods and data (where appropriate). The work might show some weakness in argument or evidence.

60-64

This range of marks reflects acceptable dissertation work, but with some significant weakness in arguments, lack of knowledge of some significant criminological material, major organisational deficiencies, failure to address the issues fully, or other significant inaccuracies.

Essays and assignments which achieve marks of 60-62 will be deemed to have achieved a Marginal Pass and may be subject to review at the Board of Examiners’ Meeting following oral examination. The matter of oral examination will be at the Senior Examiner’s discretion.

60

Pass Mark

57-59

Marginal Fail. A mark in this range suggests unsatisfactory work, but the dissertation may be reviewed, following oral examination, at a Board of Examiners’ Meeting.

56 and below

This is work which fails to meet the academic standards of the programme. An oral examination will be required.

How to Apply - Completing your Application

Completing your Application

The application portal for entry in 2024/25 is now live. Apply Now 


Before starting an application we recommend that applicants read the information provided on the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office website.  In addition to this, we offer the following departmental guidance:

Please note: Applicants are discouraged from applying to both of the Institute's MPhil courses.  Applicants who submit applications for both MPhil courses will be asked by the Criminology Graduate Office to choose their preferred course, and only this application will be considered. Applicants will be asked to withdrawn the least preferred course.


Supporting Documents and other Information

Applicants will need to provide the following documents / information when applying for the MPhil in Criminology or the MPhil in Criminological Research. Please see the Postgraduate Admissions website for further details.

Reasons for Applying On the application form your Reasons for Applying statement should be no more than 1500 characters long (including spaces and punctuation between words).

This is your personal reasons for applying.  Questions you might consider could be:

  • Why Cambridge?
  • What would studying this course do for you / you career?
  • Why are you personally interested?

Statement of Interest

 

 

On the application form your statement of interest should:

  • Capture more broadly why are you interested in Criminology as a subject. What are the criminological themes that attract you and why?
  • Outline some of your reasons for studying Criminology. You should mention particular academic interests you may have in the field of criminology and how you see these fitting in with your medium- and long-term plans.
  • Be no more than 7,500 characters long (including spaces and punctuation between words).
Sample of Work
  • You need to submit one sample of your academic writing.
  • This should be between 1,500 – 5,000 words long.  
  • Applicants tend to submit either an essay or piece of coursework from a previous degree or a chapter from a dissertation.  The sample of written work is more about showing your academic abilities and style of writing so it doesn't need to on a Criminological subject or directly related to Criminology.  Many applicants don't come from a criminological background and most tend to submit a piece of course work from their current or previous degree.

This must be uploaded as a Supporting Document.


When Will I Receive a Decision?

Applications are considered as they are received and some early offers are made; however, the majority of decisions are made after the main funding deadline, in January and February. An interview may take place in borderline cases, or if the admissions panel require further information to make an assessment of the application. Applicants will be notified as soon as their application has been evaluated, if it has been accepted, rejected, or put on hold. Applications that are put on hold will be assessed as a gathered field in April, after the application deadline.

The Department is subject to restrictions on the number of offers it can make for these courses and whilst in some cases a decision on an application will be made following the first review, in a large number of cases an application will be held for re-consideration at a later stage. This may mean that a decision on your application is not taken until after the closing date for applications to the course. 


Applicant FAQs

The Postgraduate Admissions Office has a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the applications process. Please refer to these while making your application and throughout the process of applying.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course must have a honours degree with at least a high II.i (67 per cent) from a UK university or equivalent from another institution (GPA 3.6/4 in the United States), preferably in a social science discipline, although applicants from other disciplines will also be considered.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check the International Qualifications section of the Graduate Admissions website to find the equivalent in your country.

Deadlines

Funding Deadlines

  • Course funding deadline is 4 January 2024.
  • For Gates Cambridge US round, the deadline is 11 October 2023.

Application Deadline 

  • 26 March 2024 for entry in October 2024
Student Testimonials

Levent Emre Özgüç - MPhil in Criminological Research Levent photo

"When I first applied to the Institute in Criminology to be a postgraduate student, I was hesitant as I had a law background and I was not proficient in social sciences research. However, my doubts were cleared within days of joining the programme. I can honestly say that the Institute is one of the best places to learn and specialize in criminology. The research staff consists of experts in the area who are always eager to help, and it is impossible to fail in finding any relevant book or journal in the Radzinowicz Library. Moreover, life in Cambridge is full of opportunities. Students get to be a part of a large network and mingle with the best names in their area, academically and career-wise. Even when socializing with other students, one acquires a different perspective, as the University has an extremely diverse student population coming from various academic and cultural backgrounds. Overall, I can say that my year in the University of Cambridge has been one of my best and I would certainly suggest the Institute programmes to anyone who wants to discover more about criminology."


Joshua Lefurge-Mcleod - MPhil in Criminological Research

"I came to Cambridge to pursue a Master’s in criminological research to gain an international perspective on how evidence-based policies can improve the criminal justice system in the US.  The Institute of Criminology has been rigorous in its expectations while remaining fair its evaluations.  Through lectures, supervisions, and impromptu meetings with professors, I have received an invaluable education and look forward to applying what I have learned to public policy in the US.  The IoC has been welcoming and collaborative, providing a positive learning environment for my postgraduate studies.


Fees and Funding

If you wish to be considered for funding you must submit your application by 4 January 2024 (or 11 October 2023 if you are a USA citizen resident in the USA, and wish to be considered for Gates funding)

Full details on course fees can be found at the Postgraduate Admissions website.

When considering applying for a course consider the living costs as well as the course fees required during your time here. The finance overview will help you calculate your costs.

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trusts, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Research Councils and central University funds. Eligibility for the funds can be based on what course you are studying, your country of origin, or other criteria.

The Postgraduate Admissions Website has detailed information about these funding opportunities. This includes information about eligibility, how to apply and application deadlines.

There is also a funding search tool which will help you identify possibly funding opportunities.

You are also advised to do your own research on other funding sources, including the Colleges. Competition for funding is high so we strongly advise that you apply for as many funding opportunities as possible, to maximise the chance of success.

On our funding page we have highlighted some funding opportunities where our students have achieved success in previous years.


Continuation From MPhil to PhD (advice for current Cambridge students)

Continuation to the PhD degree course involves a separate application process, undertaken during the MPhil year.  Prospective PhD students are encouraged to discuss their plans with their MPhil supervisor as early as possible during the MPhil year. Both the Institute's MPhil courses provide excellent preparation for doctoral study, and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a Cambridge PhD. However, we do recomment that current MPhil students whose aim is to progress to a PhD should apply to the MPhil in Criminological Research in the first instance.

Continuation from the MPhil course to a PhD is subject to:

  • Continuing applicants are advised to complete the MPhil in Criminological Research. Continuation from the MPhil course is subject to a MPhil student achieving at least 74 overall. 
  • A MPhil student deciding on a suitable research topic and proposal, and finding an available supervisor.