Minimum Entry Requirements?
Students must normally hold a second class honours degree, higher division (2.1) or higher in the area of social science, law, sociology, psychology or cognate discipline. Please be sure to include transcripts of your final degree award at time of application. If this is not readily available please include transcripts of your academic career to date.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements but who have significant relevant professional or vocational experience will also be considered. In addition to the online application form, this latter category of applicants should include two written references with their application and also may be asked to present for interview.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate courses satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the course of study, applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview for specific courses.

Applications for courses commencing in September 2025 will open in November 2024.

Commencement Date: September 2025

Apply Here

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

The MA in Criminology and the PG Dip in Criminology is suitable for students with degrees in sociology, psychology, social policy, law or cognate disciplines, who wish to pursue an academically stimulating programme. Both can be taken as a part-time mode which will suit those working in the criminal justice and related fields, including lawyers, court officers, Gardaí, social workers, social care workers, psychologists, youth and community workers, and related professionals.

Both programmes prepare students for careers in the criminal justice professions, policy work in government and non-governmental organisations, and further research in criminology, criminal justice and related sectors. The parttime mode is a flexible way to study for those already working in the field and who wish to add to their existing portfolio.