Law - Comparative Criminology & Criminal Justice

Criminology can be described as the study of crime, people who commit crime, and the criminal justice system. The MA in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice gives students the opportunity to develop a specialist knowledge of debates around crime causation and control, within a comparative and international context. Students undertake a wide variety of modules which aim to combine theoretical concepts with real-world problems such as surveillance, policing and youth crime.



As a student in Maynooth you will be part of our vibrant community of students and scholars working in the fields of criminology and criminal justice. Our expert academic team, drawing on their extensive research and professional experience, deliver an interdisciplinary programme with a strong emphasis on enhanced research skills. These skills are highly sought-after by employers in the area.



Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures, in-class simulations, workshops and master classes. In addition to the modules, the School works with leading academics and practitioners who provide seminars in various aspects of criminology and criminal justice throughout the academic year.



There is a strong focus on employability throughout the programme. We also offer students the opportunity to apply for our Postgraduate Placement module, which gives successful applicants the chance to work part-time for one semester at one of our partner organisations. We have partnerships with a broad range of organisations across the public and private sector, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Forsa, PrivacyEngine, and Alcohol Action Ireland.

The Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice programme allows student to choose from a range of criminological modules.



Students must complete 90 credits in total – 40 credits from the optional modules, plus the compulsory modules Research Methods in Criminology (10 credits) and Comparative Criminology (10 credits). Students must also complete the compulsory Professional Development (5 credits) and Dissertation (25 credits) modules.



Students should register for 20 credits of optional modules in each semester.



Not all modules offered will run every year: offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Please note that some modules will have prerequisites attached to them.



Students can elect to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of an MA, if they find that they are unable to complete the dissertation.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a 2:2 overall classification in a Level 8 undergraduate degree. This degree must be in law or a cognate discipline in the humanities, or social/political sciences (including but not limited to business, finance, economics, international relations, sociology, etc.).



Applicants from certain non-EU countries are required to meet different minimum entrance criteria. The international office will be able to advise international applications on the compatibility of their degree with these criteria international.office@mu.ie



Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of entry onto this programme. Decision on admission to the programme are at the discretion of the Admission Committee.



Applications by applicants with other types of diplomas or who do not reach this minimum level of qualifications will be determined by the Admissions Committee in line with the University's policy on recognition of prior experiential learning.



Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.



Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency can find the minimum required scores in a variety of accepted tests.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

MH66J: 1 year full-time

MH67J: 2 years part-time

Graduates of our postgraduate programmes have secured roles at a variety of organisations including leading law firms such as Mathesons and A&L Goodbody, commercial organisations such as AIB, public bodies such as the NSAI and the Department of Justice, and non-governmental organisations such as the Peter McVerry Trust and the Organization for Women and Children. Our graduates have also successfully pursued PhD studies in a range of fields.



The School of Law and Criminology supports the career development and employability prospects of our postgraduate students though a range of teaching and extracurricular opportunities.