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Master of Criminology

Master of Criminology

Victoria University Wellington

Duration

1 year

Intake

February

Degree

Master’s

Program Overview

Take a deeper look at crime, justice, and the systems that respond to harm through a Master of Criminology. This programme focuses on current issues in criminal justice, social systems, and public policy, helping you understand how societies deal with both victims and offenders.

You’ll study advanced criminological theory and research methods, learning how to analyse complex problems and develop practical responses. The course looks closely at how crime is shaped by social and political factors, including the roles of power, inequality, and criminalisation.

Key areas include policing, prison systems, community-based alternatives, and how crime is experienced and understood by the public. You’ll also examine different approaches to justice, with a focus on improving outcomes and exploring new ways to address harm.

For students interested in criminal justice careers, policy development, and criminology research, this programme offers a strong next step after undergraduate study, building the skills needed to work across justice-related sectors.

Key Information

University

Victoria University Wellington

Campus

Wellington campuses

Total Credits

180 points (6 courses)

Study Mode

Full-time

Loan Availability

No

Program Details

Duration

1 year

Tuition Fee:

NZ$57,500 for the full programme

Format

Full-time

Attendance:

On Campus Learning

Study Gap:

10 years

Fees & Funding:

NZ$57,500for the full programme

Course Structure

The Master of Criminology (MCrim) combines core foundation courses with advanced topics in criminology theory and research methods, followed by an independent dissertation. The programme is designed to build strong analytical and research skills, preparing you for work in criminal justice, policy analysis, and criminology research.

The degree begins with two essential courses that introduce key concepts and research approaches. You’ll then choose from a range of 400-level electives that cover current and emerging issues in criminology. The final stage is a supervised dissertation, where you apply your knowledge to a focused research topic.

Programme Structure (3 Trimesters):

Trimester 1

  • CRIM 430 – Criminology Theory (15 points)
  • CRIM 431 – Criminology Research Methods (15 points)
  • One 400-level elective (30 points)

Trimester 2

  • Two 400-level electives (30 points each)

Trimester 3

  • 500-level Dissertation (60 points)

This structure allows you to move from core knowledge to specialised study, and finally to independent research within the field of criminology and criminal justice studies.

Entry Requirement

Academic

Bachelor's degree with at least a B average in a relevant subject. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Language

IELTS - Minimum score of 6.5, no band below 6.0

PTE - Minimum score of 58, no communicative skills below 50

TOEFL - Minimum score of 90, with no section below 20

How To Apply

Quick flow:

Course → Apply → Offer → Visa → Travel → Study

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