Course Overview

This MA/LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice introduces you to theoretical debates and perspectives that underpin an understanding of the relationship between criminal law and criminal justice. You will be able to tailor the degree to your own interests with option modules and will be supported to pursue your own independent research on a relevant area of your choice.

Postgraduate studies in criminal law and criminal justice offer you a range of career opportunities, giving you a pathway to promotion within an existing career, helping you transition into a new career, or giving you the chance to pursue a specialist area of knowledge.

• You will find criminal law and criminal justice graduates in the following kinds of roles: 

• legal practitioners

• positions within the third sector including non-government organizations (NGOs) and voluntary organizations

• positions within criminal justice agencies, such as the police, prisons, and youth justice system

• local government or civil service roles 

• education, research, and academia.  

As well as honing their research skills, Birkbeck’s MA/LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice graduates complete the degree with a set of valuable attributes, for example: 

• the ability to critically evaluate and assess a range of sources

• the ability to present persuasive arguments 

• the ability to work effectively as part of a team

• high-level oral and written communication skills in English.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

A second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in law, the humanities, or social sciences; other honors degrees will be considered.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this program is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests.