
About this program
Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice
The course was one of the first to take an internationally comparative perspective across a broad range of criminology and criminal justice issues. It is designed to meet the needs of three groups of potential students: those requiring a thorough research training specialising in criminology and criminal justice; those who are interested in pursuing criminology and criminal justice to an advanced level; and practitioners in the criminal justice field who wish to expand their horizons from national to international levels. The program components consist of a generic research module (The Research Process) for training in qualitative and quantitative research methods in the Social Sciences, specialised training in Applied Research Criminology and a module on international case studies in Criminology, which allows students to incorporate their particular research interests and areas of enquiry in comparative criminological and criminal justice research. The MA includes a 2000 word dissertation.
Research Interests of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Team
- Youth homelessness and crime
- Institutional child abuse
- Critical approaches to law, crime and criminology
- Sociology of law
- Public opinion on crime and criminal justice
- Penal policy
- Rural criminology
- Lay judges and jurors
- Procedural justice
- Popular legal culture, including film and TV
- Victimology
- Islamic extremism and terrorism
- Trust in courts, police and the legal profession
Chat live with students from B06
Do you want to know what it's like to study at Bangor University? Visit the link below to student ambassadors and get answers to all of your burning questions about academic and student life.
Admission requirements
A single or joint honours degree of at least 2(ii) classification in Criminology, Sociology, Law, Political Science, Social Studies, Social Policy, or a related academic discipline.
Applications from candidates who have relevant professional experience in lieu of a bachelor degree will also be considered. All applicants in this category will be invited for interview.
If your native language is not English, you must provide satisfactory evidence that you have an adequate knowledge and understanding of written and spoken English:
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no element below 5.5)
- Pearson PTE: a score of 56 (with no element lower than 51)
- Cambridge English Test – Advanced: 169 (with no element lower than 162)
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL® test is accepted by 10,000+ universities and higher education institutes in over 150 countries. Book your test today!
Learn moreProgram content
The course aims to provide advanced training in research and analysis, linking theoretical awareness with empirical studies in criminology and criminal justice. The taught element of the course is studied by both MA and Diploma students and consists of core research training and theory modules, plus a module focussing on international and comparative criminological and criminal justice research. MA students who successfully complete the taught element proceed to the research dissertation.
Modules:
- Transnational Crime
- Comparative and International Criminal Justice
- Research Design and Strategy
- Research Process and Meaning
- Social Science in Action
- Social Science in Action 2
- Key Issues in Criminology
- Troseddeg Fforensic (Welsh medium)
MA students also take part in the fortnightly lecture series of the School of Social Sciences. Visiting speakers and Bangor staff present topics related to social policy, criminology and sociology.
Research Dissertation:
The dissertation is a piece of independent research where you are expected to apply your research skills to a specific criminological or criminal justice topic. You will conduct this work with academic guidance provided by your supervisor who will be a member of the criminology and criminal justice team.
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
Please contact the institute for more information.
Qualification
Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn an MA degree.
Career paths
The course prepares for a wide range of employment including:
- Law-enforcement agencies: the police, customs, the prison service
- Public administration: including crime prevention units, offender management, general administration, international institutions
- Political associations, work for members of parliaments, for lobby groups related to the criminal justice system and to issues of social justice broadly conceived
- Research institutes, researching criminological and sociological issues
- Academic institutions such as universities
Message the school
About this institute

Bangor University
Want something different? Well you have come to the right place. Bangor University is a historic University located between the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park, the wonderful Irish Sea coastline, and the awe-inspiring Isle of Anglesey. What makes Bangor...
Why study at Bangor University
A top 10 university
The Complete University Guide 2021 results place Bangor amongst the UK’s top 10 universities for student satisfaction (excluding specialist institutions). This reflects the University’s focus on overall student experience.
Wide range of courses
We offer hundreds of courses across the arts and the sciences. We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching and our courses and lecturers have been rated in the top 10 in the country.
World class teaching & research
Study at a world-class university, which is recognised for the quality of teaching and research. Bangor University is in the top 40 in the UK for research according to the Research Excellence Framework 2014.
Work experience and placements
We offer a variety of options to gain valuable employability skills, which includes supporting you in work placements and internships that you may wish to undertake.
Guaranteed accommodation
We guarantee accommodation for first-year students who apply by the deadline and select us as their Firm Choice. Our accommodation was rated Top 15 in the UK at the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2020.
Free membership of all clubs and societies
Take advantage of the Bangor Student Experience with free membership of student clubs and societies. There are over 150 different ones to choose from, so you can try something new, get involved with sports, meet new friends and get out and explore the local area.
UNRIVALlED location
Choose to study in one of the best places in the UK to be a student. Bangor’s location – close to the mountains and the sea – has been described as ‘the best university setting in the UK’.
Contact info
Bangor University
Want to know more about Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice? Fill out the following form and we'll pass your details on to a representative from the school, who will respond to your enquiry.
Be the first to write a review!