International Criminology and Security Studies (MA)

About the Course

The MA in International Criminology and Security Studies draws on Liverpool Hope's significant research strength in extremism studies, green criminology, and transnational crime to offer an innovative programme for aspiring academic researchers, policy makers, and practitioners with an interest in subjects at the cutting edge of contemporary criminology.

As the first programmes of its type in the North West, this unique degree aims to give students a robust grounding in the study of terrorism and extremism, transnational crime, and the interplay between crime and the environment. Across four taught modules and an original research dissertation. Students will engage with in depth subject teaching in these areas, as well as advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills and the ethics and practicalities of conducting research on crime and security issues. This will build towards the production of an original research dissertation that explores a contemporary crime or security issue in line with the course content. 

By providing students with a world-leading understanding of the core issues around this field and the skills to produce and consume high-quality original research, it will allow them to pursue careers in and around crime and security policy or practice, or to engage in advanced academic study via further postgraduate research qualifications. 

Curriculum Overview

The MA in International Criminology and Security Studies comprises four compulsory taught modules of 30 credits each and a compulsory dissertation of 60 credits. Assessment methods may include coursework, in the form of essays, reports, presentations, and an empirical research dissertation.

Modules

During the course you will study

Green Criminology and Environmental Crime (30 credits - compulsory)

This module will critically explore key contemporary concepts and issues in the fields of green criminology and environmental crime. It will critically consider relevant theories and perspectives, such as ecological and species justice, to support analysis of the nature and drivers of environmental and nonhuman animal harms and possible responses to them. This exploration will be situated within local, national and international contexts and politics, including inequality and development, human rights, the animal industrial complex, consumerist societies, and the legacies of colonialism on indigenous communities and the Global South. Approaches and challenges relating to green criminology research will also be considered.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminar classes. Lectures will be grouped into themes of Fundamentals of Green Criminology, Dynamics of Green Criminology, Dimensions of Green Criminology, Responding to Green Criminology, and Researching Green Criminology.

Seminars will take a problem-based learning approach, using case studies to support students to consolidate and apply their learning from the lecture programme, set reading, and further directed study activities.

Terrorism and Extremism (30 Credits - Compulsory)

This module will critically explore key contemporary concepts and issues in extremism and terrorism studies. It will provide a broad-ranging perspective on the field through consideration of national and international controversies, research, and areas of academic and policy debate. It will investigate areas such as radicalisation, counter-violent extremism (CVE), and political violence, and will provide students with a holistic overview of criminological research around contemporary terrorism and extremism.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminar classes. These lectures will be grouped into four themes: defining extremism and terrorism; causes of extremism and terrorism; counter violent extremism policy frameworks; case studies in extremism and terrorism.

Seminars will take a problem-based learning approach, using case studies to support students to consolidate and apply their learning from the lecture programme, set reading, and further directed study activities.

Transnational Crime (30 credits - compulsory)

This module will critically explore key drivers of transnational crime, its historical evolution, manifestations, and law enforcement responses at both national and international levels. Drawing on insights from criminology, sociology, and political science, the module will address a wide spectrum of historical and contemporary risks including drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking, and environmental crime. Supporting case studies will be situated within economic, social, and institutional contexts across different geographic regions such as Latin America, Western Europe, and East Asia.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminar classes. Lecture content will address concepts, theories, actors, and responses to transnational crime, while seminars will take a problem-based approach, focusing on case studies and exercises aimed at consolidating the theoretical content from the lectures.

Advanced Research Methods (30 credits - compulsory)

This module will provide students with an overview of the advanced social research methods that provide the foundation for their dissertation research. It will cover a range of relevant topics and skills, including quantitative and qualitative research methods, research design, ethical issues in research, sources of data collection, and the use of specialist software.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminar classes. These lectures will be grouped into themes of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and cover topics such as research design, ethical issues, sources of data, and analysing data using specialist software.

Seminars will focus on practical research skills, and will provide students with the opportunity to work in groups on the design and analysis of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research projects. The sessions will also provide guidance for students in developing a research proposal for an empirical dissertation project.

Dissertation (60 credits - compulsory)

The dissertation offers students the opportunity to produce a piece of original research on a topic of interest from within the broad field of Criminology and Security Studies. This may draw on themes introduced in taught modules, or may alternatively speak to interests and/or topics from outside the programme syllabus.

Produced under the guidance and oversight of a member of academic staff through monthly individual supervisory meetings, the 15,000-word dissertation will involve the collection, analysis, and presentation of results from original primary and/or secondary research. In so doing it will provide a test of the student's knowledge and understanding of ethics, research practice, planning, and time-management.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

The MA in International Criminology and Security Studies is taught by highly-regarded criminologists with strong teaching and research reputations. Our academics have published highly-cited papers and developed concepts that are pushing the boundaries of the discipline. They are actively involved in various academic networks, meaning you will be taught by professionals who are at the cutting-edge of developments in this subject area. They have contributed to research projects in various countries, including Ethiopia and Malaysia, and Latin America, and their work has informed advocacy and policy.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

The MA International Criminology and Security Studies will support students to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including protective services, public sector management, and policy/research roles. This may include policing, crime and security analysis, PREVENT coordination, security policy development and evaluation, and security and risk consultancy. The international focus of the programme is also suited to those interested in joining agencies such as Interpol or the UN.

There is also a clear pathway into doctoral study at Hope, as we have a growing reputation for research and advocacy in several of the areas of focus in this programme.