Best 7 Criminology Masters in Ireland – 2024

Are you interested in learning more about studying criminology at the postgraduate level?

A Criminology Masters in Ireland from an internationally recognized university can enhance your employability in a competitive job market. 

Irish criminology modules help students grow by tackling complex crime and criminal justice issues. It can also teach students critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that are useful in any field. 

Looking to learn more about Criminology courses in Ireland? Then, let’s give you a helping hand. Scroll to learn more.  

Why Study Criminology Masters in Ireland

1. Reputation: Irish universities have a strong reputation for academic excellence. You can enhance your career prospects and grab a competitive edge in the job market.
2. Expertise: Irish universities have expert faculty members in criminology. They are at the forefront of field research and teaching and can offer valuable insights and guidance.
3. Networking: Studying in Ireland can help you connect with criminal justice and related professionals. This networking can lead to rewarding careers. 
4. Restorative Justice: Ireland has a growing interest in restorative justice. It emphasises redressing crime harm and involving victims and offenders in the justice system. This approach is gaining worldwide attention, and studying criminology in Ireland can expose students to it. 
5. Career opportunities: Graduates of criminology Master’s programs in Ireland are well-equipped for various careers in law enforcement, policymaking, research, social work, and more.

Where to Study Criminology Masters in Ireland?

Six universities offer a Criminology master’s in Ireland, and their global rankings for law-related subjects are as follows:

1. University College Dublin, #86
2. University College Cork, #59
3. University of Galway, #101-150
4. University of Limerick, #201-250
5. Maynooth University (NA)
6. Technological University Dublin (NA)

Who is this Course for?

Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree in criminology or a related field can pursue a Criminology masters. Yet some programs have additional prerequisites or requirements for securing admission. 

Which Course is Best for Criminology?

Criminology courses have gained popularity among international students recently. These are the 7 best courses for criminology masters in Ireland.

1. MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice
2. LLM Criminology & Criminal Justice
3. MA Criminology
4. LLM International Criminal Law
5. MA in Comparative Criminology & Criminal Justice
6. LLM/MA Law, Human Rights in Criminal Justice
7. MA Serious Crime Investigation

Criminology Courses in Ireland

1. MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice are two related fields that deal with the study of crime, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. This course brainstorms law, politics, and social policy intersections. 

Students examine the nature and causes of crime and the institutions and processes that respond to them. They can also learn about policing, youth justice, prisons, probation, and voluntary organisations. 

MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice is a dual-degree UCD criminology master. It has two distinct awards: a UCD SSoL Masters Degree and a one-year Master’s Degree from the UWA Law School. UWA is the University of Western Australia’s law school in Perth. 

2. LLM Criminology & Criminal Justice

LLM is the Legum Magister in the area of law. It is an internationally recognised postgraduate program in its field. 

LLM Criminology covers criminal law, criminal justice, and human rights law. MSc Criminology, on the other hand, studies criminology’s social, psychological, and economic causes. In short, it focuses on the science behind the criminology.

Both the LLM and MSc criminology master’s at UCD are dual degree programs associated with UWA Law School. 

3. MA Criminology

Students learn about crime and criminal justice in theory and practice. This Criminology Masters in Ireland fosters rigorous academic inquiry and critical thinking.

They can apply this to all aspects of crime, criminal behaviour, and institutional frameworks that support society’s problems. 

4. MA in Comparative Criminology & Criminal Justice

Comparative criminology and criminal justice help develop expert knowledge of crime causation and control in a global context. 

The theoretical concepts revolve around real-world problems such as terrorism and organised crime.

Maynooth University’s criminology masters program improves students’ research skills in legal, sociological, anthropological, philosophical, and other fields. 

5. LLM International Criminal Law

An LLM in International Criminal Law covers international criminal tribunals’ history, structures, law, and practice.

This Irish criminology masters is for students interested in international criminal justice and the Criminal Court’s role in international affairs. 

LLM International Criminal Law students at Galway enjoy many benefits. They include international field trips, internships, summer school, and workshops.   

6. MA Serious Crime Investigation

This course is ideal for Garda Sochána (Ireland’s national police service) officers. This course is best for those seeking to improve modern policing and legal issues surrounding serious crime investigations.

Students are equipped with analytical skills in contemporary legal debates. This helps them get a rewarding career in serious crime investigations.

7. LLM/MA Law, Human Rights in Criminal Justice

This course emphasizes the interrelationship between what has traditionally been taught as separate disciplines: human rights and criminal justice. Human rights will be mainstreamed within the criminal justice system, and students will be given comprehensive knowledge of this field of law.

It helps students foster general and specific skills concerning Ireland’s modern criminal justice system and internationally.

Cost of Criminology Masters in Ireland

Masters in Criminology Eligibility

Graduate background:

Students are expected to have a background in relevant subjects such as sociology, politics, philosophy, history, or psychology.

UG score: 

A minimum of 2.1 honours is required. 

Work experience:

In lieu of an upper second-class honours level 8 qualification, the selection panel may accept substantial criminal justice professional experience. In their application, such applicants should explain why their experience is appropriate for the program. Writing skills related to crime may also be needed.

English language requirements:

A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent is required for masters in criminology in Ireland. 

Jobs after a Criminology Masters in Ireland

Criminology is a growing field in Ireland. A range of job prospects is available to those with a Master’s degree in criminology.

One possible career path is in the criminal justice system. You can work as a probation officer, youth justice worker, or prisoner here. These positions usually require knowledge of criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. This makes a criminology master’s a valuable asset.

Another potential career path is in law enforcement. You could be a detective or policeman here. A Master of Criminology can teach you how to investigate crime and keep the public safe.

Additionally, there are opportunities in the non-profit sector too. Here, you work for criminal justice reform or victim advocacy groups.

Average salary:

The average base pay of a person graduating with a Criminology masters in Ireland would be €38k to €47k per year. 

Read more: Job Opportunities in Ireland for Indian Students

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For those who want to learn more about the criminal justice system and related fields, a Master’s degree in criminology in Ireland is a good option.

Students can specialise in areas of interest and learn skills and knowledge that can lead to exciting career opportunities with various programs. 

Ireland’s history and restorative justice interests are other benefits of studying there.

Ultimately, a criminology Master from Ireland can lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and impactful career.

FAQs

1. Is criminology a good degree?

Yes, criminology studies are good for those interested in studying crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system.

It provides a solid foundation for careers in law enforcement, legal fields, and social work.

2. Where can I study Criminology masters in Dublin? Criminology courses Dublin

You can study Criminology masters in Dublin at three universities,

• University College Dublin – MSc/LLM Criminology & Criminal Justice
• Technological University Dublin – MA Criminology
• Maynooth University – MA in Comparative Criminology & Criminal Justice

3. Does UCD have Criminology courses?

UCD in Ireland offers undergraduate and postgraduate criminology and criminal justice programs.

These courses cover crime theories, policing, punishment, and victimology.

The Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice at UCD conducts research and hosts seminars and events on the subject.

4. How do I become a criminologist in Ireland?

Criminal justice or sociology degrees are usually required to become a criminologist in Ireland.

Gaining relevant work experience in criminal justice, social work, or research helps significantly.

You can improve your career prospects by developing key skills like critical thinking and communication.

Getting a Masters or PhD in criminology can advance your career.

5. What are UCD’s criminology masters programs in Ireland?

University College Dublin offers two postgraduate criminology programs. 

• MA in Criminology: This program covers criminology and criminal justice topics like crime causes, policing, punishment, and victimisation. Students will complete a dissertation and learn research skills.
• MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice: This program focuses on penology, forensic psychology, and criminal law. Students will complete a dissertation and learn research skills.