The National University of Ireland, Maynooth
MA Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice
Maynooth, Ireland
LLM
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The MA in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice at Maynooth University studies crime, offenders and justice systems in comparative, international contexts. It blends theory with applied topics such as surveillance, policing and youth crime, and emphasizes research skills through small-group lectures, workshops, simulations and practitioner seminars. Students may apply for a Postgraduate Placement module with partner NGOs and public bodies.
Career Outcomes: Graduates take roles in law firms, banking, public bodies and NGOs, and may pursue PhD research. You’ll gain skills for policy analysis, research, criminal justice practice, advocacy and compliance through Professional Development, placements, volunteering and guest lectures.
Criminology can be described as the study of crime, people who commit crime, and the criminal justice system. The MA in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice gives students the opportunity to develop a specialist knowledge of debates around crime causation and control, within a comparative and international context. Students undertake a wide variety of modules which aim to combine theoretical concepts with real-world problems such as surveillance, policing and youth crime.
As a student in Maynooth you will be part of our vibrant community of students and scholars working in the fields of criminology and criminal justice. Our expert academic team, drawing on their extensive research and professional experience, deliver an interdisciplinary programme with a strong emphasis on enhanced research skills. These skills are highly sought-after by employers in the area.
Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures, in-class simulations, workshops and master classes. In addition to the modules, the School works with leading academics and practitioners who provide seminars in various aspects of criminology and criminal justice throughout the academic year.
There is a strong focus on employability throughout the programme. We also offer students the opportunity to apply for our Postgraduate Placement module, which gives successful applicants the chance to work part-time for one semester at one of our partner organisations. We have partnerships with a broad range of organisations across the public and private sector, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Forsa, PrivacyEngine, and Alcohol Action Ireland.
The Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice programme allows student to choose from a range of criminological modules.
Students must complete 90 credits in total 40 credits from the optional modules, plus the compulsory modules Research Methods in Criminology (10 credits) and Comparative Criminology (10 credits). Students must also complete the compulsory Professional Development (5 credits) and Dissertation (25 credits) modules.
Students should register for 20 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Not all modules offered will run every year: offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Please note that some modules will have prerequisites attached to them.
Students can elect to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of an MA, if they find that they are unable to complete the dissertation.
Graduates of our postgraduate programmes have secured roles at a variety of organisations including leading law firms such as Mathesons and A&L Goodbody, commercial organisations such as AIB, public bodies such as the NSAI and the Department of Justice, and non-governmental organisations such as the Peter McVerry Trust and the Organization for Women and Children. Our graduates have also successfully pursued PhD studies in a range of fields.
The School of Law and Criminology supports the career development and employability prospects of our postgraduate students though a range of teaching and extracurricular opportunities.
- Our Professional Development module, which is compulsory on all our Postgraduate programmes, helps students to reflect on their skills and career ambitions. The programme of guest speakers within the module exposes students to insights and advice from a variety of legal and criminological career paths. The module assessment helps students to practice articulating their skills, experiences and development needs.
- Our Placement module offers students the opportunity to apply for a paid internship with one of our partner organisations (which are generally public authorities, NGOs, and private sectors organisations in the law or criminology field). This module allows successful applicants to gain work experience in a field that is relevant to their programme of study. It allows them to develop their professional skills and networks.
- Our Volunteering and Work Shadowing Scheme provides students with the opportunity to observe and experience the manner of work that organisations in the legal and criminological sectors conduct. This allows students to network and build valuable professional connections, as well as gain insights into potential career paths. Students can gain an inside perspective on work that relates to their study, and could use the opportunity as a springboard for future volunteering or job applications.
- Our Guest Lectures provide students the opportunity to listen to influential figures within legal and criminological practice. Students are exposed to expert analysis of current events and issues, have the opportunity to network and ask questions that may help their career reflection and development, and develop ideas and opinions that may influence future career planning or applications.
All Maynooth University students can avail of our Careers and Employability Service, which provides advice and resources to help students at any stage of career planning. All of our Postgraduate Students are encouraged to join one of the many legal or criminological clubs and societies such as the Law Society, Criminology Society, Free Legal Advice Clinic, Debating Society, European Law Students Association Society, and more. These provide ideal opportunities for enhancing transferrable skills, networking, and developing leadership capabilities.