MSc Criminal Justice and Investigation
Apply OnlineDoes the criminal justice system and its practice spark curiosity in you? Whichever aspect of criminal justice generates that interest, you will have the opportunity to delve in to the multi-faceted world of criminal justice, with a focus on developing your professional skills and curiosity.
Course overview
The course will offer a range of contemporary criminal justice subject areas with a focus on the professional skills required within the criminal justice sector at a local and national level. Developing key analytical and professional skills such as investigatory skills, complex information management and analysis, writing and drafting skills, is at the centre of the programme design.
Students will gain a detailed insight and understanding of key principles of criminal justice practice within significant agencies such as the police, probation, prison and the court system. Perspectives include that of perpetrator, victim-survivor, practitioner and public and will be underpinned by research informed teaching and knowledge.
The course is suitable for both those wishing to undertake further study in criminal justice and investigatory disciplines, as well as those looking to undertake additional work specific skills development.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
On campus, Winchester / blended learning
Course length
- 1 year full-time
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Typical offer
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree
Fees
From £9,550 pa
Course features
- Debate, discuss, challenge and explore wide ranging criminal justice practice and investigation subjects.
- Conduct research, using cutting edge methods, into criminal justice topics areas you are curious about.
- Learn with a multi-disciplinary team of experts and practitioners.
- Develop key professional skills, supporting you in your next career steps.
Course details
Learning and teaching
This course explores contemporary issues in criminal justice, with a strong focus on developing professional skills relevant to roles at both local and national levels. Core skills include investigation, critical analysis, complex information management, and effective communication through writing and drafting.
You will gain insights into the workings of key criminal justice agencies such as the police, probation, prisons, and courts through research-informed teaching. The course considers multiple perspectives, including those of perpetrators, victim-survivors, practitioners, and the public, and is suitable for those pursuing further study or practical skills for the workplace.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Serving and retired police officers and staff
You may be able to receive academic credit towards this course based on your prior experience and learning in the police service. The University of Winchester recommend using the College of Policing’s Credit Estimator to see what credit you could have already achieved.
For more information on recognition of prior learning (RPL) and to estimate your credit, visit the College of Policing professional development platform.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
This programme has received University approval for curriculum development and is now in the final stages of the validation process. Some elements of the curriculum could be altered at this stage such as inclusion of optional module content, assessment types, module names and indicative curriculum content.
Modules
This module critically examines criminal justice from local to global perspectives, equipping students to understand emerging transnational crime threats, the impact of globalisation, and the roles of national and international justice systems in addressing complex criminal behaviours.
This module examines the key approaches, processes, and practices of criminal investigations, focusing on police, forensics, and agencies like Border Force. It covers professional and ethical standards, responses to errors or breaches, and explores discretion, investigative culture, and the social and political influences on investigations.
This module develops students’ critical understanding of research processes within criminal justice, including ethical practice, data analysis, and real-world application, while enhancing their ability to design credible research, interpret data, and apply findings to complex professional challenges.
This module critically explores trauma and trauma-informed practice within criminal justice systems, enabling students to understand its impact on individuals and communities, evaluate interventions, and apply trauma-informed approaches across diverse contexts and audiences.
This module enables students to independently design and conduct a primary data research project in their chosen area of interest, applying ethical and methodological rigour, and demonstrating critical analysis, synthesis, and communication of findings relevant to criminal justice.
Entry requirements
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study.
This course is ideal for those with an interest in pursuing a criminal justice career in policing, probation, prison work or similar.
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent
Course enquiries and applications
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Send us a message.
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study.
This course is ideal for those with an interest in pursuing a criminal justice career in policing, probation, prison work or similar.
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent
Course enquiries and applications
How to Apply
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk
Please be aware that restrictions and limitations to the availability of work experiences for international students can happen, as consequence of visas restrictions. To make sure of your personal condition please contact International@winchester.ac.uk
Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our Send us a message section.
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Evenings.
2025/2026 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,550 | £17,450 |
| Part-time | £4,775 | £8,725 |
| Total | £9,550 | £17,450 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in January / September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,550**.
If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Core texts
Multiple copies of core text are held within the library and e-books are identified where possible, however due to limited availability students are recommended to purchase a copy for their own use. It is possible for students to buy second-hand copies. Indicative cost is £100.
Mandatory
Travel
Students will incur travel costs on placements to organisations, where primary research will be conducted for their work-based learning module and final dissertation. This will be in the second semester of study. Indicative cost is £100-200 (the Department will provide £50 per student toward these costs).
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The programme is designed to prepare students for a range of criminological careers, specifically focused policing and security, research and academic careers.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
