MA in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice
Explore global crime trends, criminal justice systems, and comparative criminological theories in this interdisciplinary master’s programme.
Best for:Best for graduates in law, social sciences, or humanities seeking to specialise in comparative criminology and criminal justice with a global focus.
Overview
The MA in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice at Maynooth University offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary exploration of crime, criminal behaviour, and justice systems across cultures. Students engage with theoretical debates on crime causation, surveillance, policing, and youth crime while applying these concepts to real-world challenges. The programme blends academic analysis with practical insights, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy, or criminal justice fields. It attracts students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a global perspective on criminological issues. The curriculum emphasises comparative analysis, ensuring graduates can critically assess and contribute to international discussions on crime and justice.
What you'll do
- Engage in critical analysis of theoretical and empirical debates on crime causation and control.
- Explore real-world problems in criminal justice, such as surveillance, policing, and youth crime, through a comparative lens.
- Develop specialist knowledge of international and comparative criminological theories and practices.
- Conduct independent research on a chosen criminological topic, culminating in a dissertation.
- Participate in interdisciplinary discussions and seminars to broaden perspectives on global crime trends.
- Apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios in criminal justice and policy-making.
Requirements
Degree required: Honours Bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum of 2H2 or higher in law or a cognate discipline such as humanities, social sciences, political sciences, business, finance, economics, international relations, or sociology.
Degree offered: MA (Master of Arts)
Language: English proficiency demonstrated through accepted tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) with specific scores depending on EU/non-EU applicant status.
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate criminological theories and research.
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers.
- Proficiency in conducting comparative analysis across different legal and cultural contexts.
- Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods in criminology.
- Applicants must hold a primary degree (or equivalent) in law or a cognate discipline.
- Applicants without a primary degree but with relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
- English language proficiency requirements apply to non-native English speakers.
- No age restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-08-14
Applicants must submit their application through Maynooth University’s postgraduate application portal. Required documents include academic transcripts, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency if applicable. Non-standard entrants may need to provide additional documentation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
- CV or personal statement
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor's degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Reference letters (if required)
- Statement of purpose or research proposal (if applicable)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.