Master of Criminology

Get to the heart of contemporary debates in crime, harm, and justice. Critically examine the workings of our social systems and how we respond to victims and offenders. Explore opportunities for transformations in justice.

With a Master of Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll gain advanced knowledge in criminological theory and methods. You’ll use your analytical and problem-solving skills to create and assess new and innovative approaches to complex issues in crime and justice.

If you’ve completed your undergraduate study and are interested in moving on to advanced postgraduate study—or if you’re aiming for a career in criminal justice or a related sector—our Master of Criminology is the perfect next step.

In the Master of Criminology programme, you’ll address the social and political realities of crime. You’ll consider the intersections of violence, harm, and power in our society and explore processes of criminalisation.

You’ll critically examine responses to crime and victimisation—including in relation to the changing role of policing, the use of prisons and community-based alternatives, the experience of victims, and how crime is perceived by the public.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this programme you need:

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) with at least a B average in a relevant subject.

To be accepted by the programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purpose (EAP) programme: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)

NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)