Overview
The MPhil in Criminology 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 Criminology does not require empirical research as part of the final dissertation and therefore does not include the practical training in research methods which is offered through the MPhil in Criminological Research.
For further information contact the Graduate Administrators: Mrs Charlotte Caselton and Mrs Faith Payne
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 Aims
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.
- Provide a solid foundation of knowledge and methodological skills to those who wish to work in a wide range of criminal justice agencies, the legal profession, or other professional or voluntary organisation.
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 audiences.
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.
Course Structure
The MPhil in Criminology is structured as follows:
- Two teaching terms (Michaelmas and Lent)
- Students attend two core courses: Criminological Theories and Criminological Research Methods;
- and three optional courses and;
- One research term (Easter) devoted to the preparation of a Dissertation.
Core Courses |
Optional Courses |
Course Assessment
The overall mark for the MPhil in Criminology is determined through seven assignments comprising of four units of assessment:
| Unit 1 |
Four essays - each of no more than 3000 words, the topic of which the student will choose from lists announced by the examiners towards the end of the relevant term.
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| Unit 2 | One Criminological Research Methods Exercise / Essay (relating to the core course in Criminological Research Methods of not more than 3000 words; details will be announced by the examiners towards the end of Michaelmas Term). |
| Unit 3 | A Presentation (on the student’s dissertation topic in the Lent Term). |
| Unit 4 | A Dissertation (of not more than 18,000 words on a criminological topic chosen by the student and approved by the Degree Committee (Faculty of Law). Students are expected to demonstrate, via the dissertation, a competent application of research methods). |
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 Criminology 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. During the Michaelmas Term a student's supervisor will aim to help them decide on a dissertation topic, and over the course of their programme will be in regular contact to support them during their research.
Timescale
The dissertation is researched and written from the start of the academic year in October, but worked on most intensively from April to June (Easter Term). Students should be aware of the limited time frame, especially if they are considering carrying out empirical research.
Empirical Research - For MPhil in Criminology students the restricted time frame makes empirical research very challenging. However, if a student wishes to pursue empirical research they will need to discuss this with their supervisor at the earliest opportunity during the Michaelmas term. In particular, you should discuss the steps and time needed to plan your research design, gain access, and collect and analyse data. MPhil in Criminology students who pursue original empirical research will be marked to the same standards in terms of quality of the research, although it is understood the scope / breadth of the research may be limited. 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.
Each student is also required to give a short 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. |
Completing your Application
The application portal for entry in 2025-26 is will open in September 2024.
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:
- The course code for the MPhil in Criminology is CRM1.
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.
- Two academic references
- Transcripts
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
- Reasons for applying [see below]
- Statement of interest [see below]
- Sample of academic written work. [see below]
- Applicants for the Gates Scholarships will need to provide details of an additional referee who can provide a personal reference.
| 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:
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Statement of Interest
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On the application form your statement of interest should:
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| Sample of Work |
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 after the application deadline, in late April. 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.
- An 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 Postgraduate Admissions website to find the equivalent in your country.
The Postgraduate Admissions website provides full details on course fees and living costs, and their finance overview tool will help you calculate your costs. They also provide information on possible funding opportunities at Cambridge University, and there is also a funding search tool which will help you identify possibly funding opportunities.
The Institute also has several funding opportunities, details of which can be found on our funding page .
Eng Seng - MPhil in Criminology
"It was a wonderful year for us - my 3 year old twins and wife enjoyed life here as much as I did. The university accommodation was comfortable and safe, and the MPhil programme was intellectually stimulating and enriching. We had students from all five continents and the exchange of ideas and perspectives were incredibly diverse and meaningful. I particularly liked the optional modules, where the smaller class size allowed us to discuss, learn and dive deeper into issues. Lecturers and Institute staff were very helpful and understanding. Overall, the programme was very well planned and paced, and there were ample opportunities to travel around with my family."
Atticus DeProspo - MPhil in Criminology
"I am a Bill Gates-Cambridge Scholar from the United States, who studied Criminology at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge during the 2017-2018 academic year. I conducted research under the supervision of Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe on interrogating police officers suspected of misconduct in the United States. My coursework in criminological research methods and criminological theories helped prepare me to critically analyze police handbook and training materials related to police interrogation techniques. I enjoyed the taught and research aspects of the Criminology program, as I was able to improve my research skills through the courses and then I had the opportunity to apply those research skills in an area of interest to me through my dissertation. I entered the Criminology program to improve my research and analytical abilities, so I could use these skills as I pursue a career as a lawyer in the United States."
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:
- Current MPhil in Criminological Research students achieving at least an overall pass mark of 74.
- A MPhil student deciding on a suitable research topic and proposal, and finding an available supervisor.