SCCJR’s partner universities (Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier, Glasgow, Stirling, Strathclyde) all offer postgraduate criminology courses that are relevant to those considering, or already working in, academia or professional careers in criminal justice, and public, private and third sector agencies concerned with crime prevention, security and criminal justice.

SCCJR’s community of over 30 scholars are actively engaged in research into crime and criminal justice, and have experience and supervisorial expertise in diverse areas such as crime prevention, community safety, youth crime and youth justice, while collar crime, organised crime, transnational crime, the governance of security, violence, gender and criminal justice, social work with offenders, offender management, punishment, penology and sentencing.

Masters Degrees

University of Glasgow

MSc in Criminology & Criminal Justice

The Masters in Criminology & Criminal Justice introduces the theoretical and conceptual resources relevant to the study of crime, criminal justice and crime policy, and addresses the complex problems that crime poses for contemporary societies.

MRes in Criminology

The MRes provides advanced training in social research methods establishing the foundation for PhD level study.

MSc in Transnational Crime, Justice & Security

This Masters in Transnational Crime, Justice & Security considers pressing contemporary global issues from a criminological perspective, including organised crime, trafficking, terrorism and environmental crime.

University of Edinburgh

MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

The MSc postgraduate degree is suitable whether you have studied criminology at undergraduate level or are new to the subject. The degree is also suitable whether you are coming directly from an undergraduate degree, or will be taking the Masters degree as part of your ongoing professional development (for example, as a practitioner in criminal justice, police, security, or social work).

MSc Global Crime, Justice and Security

This MSc is designed to equip students with an advanced, cross-disciplinary knowledge of the legal, political and policy issues in relation to crime, justice and security in a global context. The programme enables students to analyse and evaluate alternative explanations for international and transnational developments in crime and responses to crime.

University of Stirling

MSc Applied Social Research (Criminology)

The programme prepares students for undertaking social research and evaluation in criminal justice and criminology, leading to careers in research, research management, and commissioning or using research.

MRes Criminological Research

The MRes/Postgraduate Diploma Criminological Research provides training in the methods and approaches used in criminological research, preparing students for undertaking social research and evaluation, leading to careers in research, research management and commissioning or using research.

University of Strathclyde

MSc Criminology (Research methods)

This course will provide you with both subject specific knowledge as well as an introduction to generic research methodology and core skills. This will enhance your ability to undertake a piece of independent research on a specific area by improving your knowledge and understanding of a range of different research approaches within criminology, criminal justice and social sciences more generally.

Doctoral Study

SCCJR has a vibrant community of more than 60 PhD students and strong track record of PhD Scholarship funding from a range of sources including ESRC, AHRC,Scottish Government, charitable trusts and more. Pursuing a doctoral programme at any one of our partner universities affords access to the wider multi-university Centre community and a range of dedicated activities and funding for PhD students.

To see what our PhD students are working on please look at our latest Annual Report for more details.

To explore PhD study at an SCCJR university:

  • Browse our projects to see if we work in an area of interest to you
  • Browse our staff list and directly contact them to see if they have capacity to supervise and can advise about funding opportunities
  • Email us with some information about your background of study and research interests and we can direct you to an appropriate person: enquiries@sccjr.ac.uk
  • All of our universities offer scholarship opportunities; check institutional websites as well as the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences for funding calls

Visiting Fellows

SCCJR regularly hosts doctoral and staff researchers from around the world. Visitors may be hosted at any one of our universities and are mentored by a member of staff. Fees may apply to PhD visitors to access libraries and IT systems, and visits are subject to capacity in the desired location and staff capacity.

Check out our Visiting SCCJR page to learn more about applying.

Learning Resources for Schools

SCCJR has produced 18 briefings on popular topics relevant to the ‘Advanced Higher’ Modern Studies, National 5 and Higher curriculum. These resources also offer a handy overview and briefing not only for Modern Studies teachers and students, but anyone seeking a general understanding of key issues relating to law, crime and justice. All materials are free and referenced with trustworthy sources, including academic research and government publications. See here for more details.