MA in Criminology
Course Description
Click here for the digital brochure for this course.
Criminology is an exciting inter-disciplinary subject that draws on sociology, psychology and law to focus on issues such as the causes of crime, the meaning of crime and societal reactions to crime. The MA in Criminology in DIT provides students with a strong theoretical grounding in, and understanding of, contemporary criminological issues as well as advanced training in research skills.
The first of its kind in Ireland, the programme has attracted many students working in the broad criminal justice area. It is highly relevant for practitioners such as lawyers, gardai, social workers, social care workers, psychologists, youth workers and related professionals. The programme will also provide a good grounding for those seeking to pursue careers in research in the broad social sciences field or for those seeking to pursue higher qualifications (such MPhil or PhD degrees).
Why study criminology at DIT?
- City centre location
- Classes held in the late afternoon/evening
- Staff expertise
- Small class size and individual attention
- Remote access to a wide range of criminological journals
- Excellent student support and services
Please click on course details at the top right of the page to apply to the MA Criminology Programme
Programme Format
Full-time: 1 year, approx 7 contact hrs. per week plus dissertation
Part-time: 2 years, approx 3.5 contact hrs. per week plus dissertation
The fees for 2016/17 are:
DT568 - MA in Criminology (Full Time): €7,400
DT550 - MA in Criminology (Part Time): €2,835
This programme is eligible for tax relief in 2011/12 under Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 [details].
Thesis research
Students on this programme are required to undertake a thesis, which gives an opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice. To see examples of research conducted by MA students across the School [click here]
Admission criteria
Applicants will normally hold a second class honours degree (Level 8), lower division (2.2) or higher in the area of social science, law, sociology, psychology or cognate discipline. Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements, but who have significant professional or vocational experience in the criminal justice system shall also be considered. In addition to an application form, this latter category may also be asked to present for interview.
Note: Due to the considerable competition for this programme, satisfying the minimum entry requirement may not guarantee applicants a place. Applications will be assessed based on academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience.
Course team
The members of the course team are: Dr. Mairead Seymour, Dr. Kevin Lalor, Dr. Matt Bowden, Dr. Nicola Hughes and Dr. Sinead Freeman.
In semester one, full-time students shall attend lectures on
Tuesday, 6-9pm, Criminological Theory
Wednesday, 4 - 7pm, Research Methods.
In semester two lectures run on
Tuesdays 4 - 6pm, Options
Wednesdays 4 - 8pm, Optional module and Criminal Justice System
Thursday 4-8pm Optional modules
Some options may require attendance on additional days. Part-time students shall attend lectures on Tuesdays (6-9pm, semester one) and Wednesdays (6- 8pm, semester two) in Year 1. This will change to Wednesdays (4-7pm, semester one) and Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday (depending on optional module selected in semester two) in Year 2.
Full details of all modules (outline, learning outcomes, assessment, reading lists) can be found in the [Module Catelogue]
- At a glance
- Level 9
- Duration 1 year, full-time 2 years, part-time
The MA in Criminology builds on students’ existing undergraduate qualifications to assist them in accessing positions within the criminal justice field and related roles in crime prevention, restorative justice and penal reform. In particular, the course adds to existing students’ qualifications in professional practice fields like social work, social care, youth & community work, law and psychology. The course provides also a solid grounding for those wishing to work in research within the social sciences.
The course also provides a part-time option for practitioners and professionals already in careers in the broad criminal justice and related fields who are seeking to build upon their existing qualifications and experience.
Graduates of the course will have a solid foundation from which to pursue higher research degrees at MPhil or PhD level. Many students completing the course have taken this option by either choosing DIT as their host institute for further study or have secured PhD positions in Universities at home and abroad.
The course staff have a solid network of links to the broad criminal justice field and are active in areas such as penal reform, crime prevention and youth justice. The programme has an alumni of over 200 students working in the criminal justice and related sectors. The programme also has solid links to the sector through its advisory group which is comprised of agencies such as the Probation Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Garda Research Office, the Department of Justice and Equality, and the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission. High achieving students are awarded prizes sponsored by the sector.
