Led by Criminal Justice System Practitioners

MA Serious and
Violent Crime Online

A fully online Master's programme developing leadership, investigative, and analytical skills for professionals working in or entering the Criminal Justice System.

100% Online

Study mode

1 year+

Duration

Level 7

Level

180 Credits

Credits

Led by CJS Practitioners
Terrorism, Cybercrime & Intelligence
A-PASS Academic Support Included
100% Online — No Relocation Needed
Student Loan Available

Why this programme

Practitioner-Led, Career-Focused Criminal Justice Training

Taught by applied academics with practitioner backgrounds in the Criminal Justice System — ensuring every skill gained is directly relevant and immediately applicable.

Taught by CJS Practitioners

The programme is led by applied academics with direct practitioner backgrounds within the Criminal Justice System, ensuring course material reflects the current work of all stakeholders and is aligned with the latest sector standards.

Specialist Coverage

Students critically analyse terrorism, sexual offences, cybercrime, the dark web, and organised crime through case studies — developing the specialised skill set needed to investigate and lead responses to serious and violent crime.

Career-Focused Assessments

All assessments mirror professional outputs used across the Criminal Justice System — including strategic briefing documents, intelligence reports, and business pitches — giving graduates demonstrable expertise employers can readily apply.

UK Student Loan may cover your fees

Government Postgraduate Master's Loan up to £12,858. To qualify you must hold one of the following:

British passportEU passport with settled or pre-settled statusIndefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)Refugee status

Who it's for

Is This Programme Right for You?

This MA is designed for professionals working in or entering the Criminal Justice System who want to advance into senior, specialist, or leadership roles.

Criminal Justice professionalsadvance into senior or specialist roles in policing, probation, prison services, border force, or related agencies

Intelligence and investigation specialistsdevelop strategic leadership and investigative expertise in serious and organised crime

Counter-terrorism and cybercrime professionalsdeepen knowledge of terrorism, extremism, digital offending, and the dark web

Graduates in criminology, law, or psychologybuild applied practitioner skills for a career in the Criminal Justice System

Career changerstransition into the criminal justice or public safety sector from a relevant professional background

Working professionalsstudy fully online and part-time — designed to fit around shift patterns and operational commitments

Curriculum

What You Will Study

The programme covers the core pillars of serious and violent crime investigation, leadership, and response — from terrorism and cybercrime to intelligence management and criminal justice policy.

01Reflective Practice and Leadership
02The Criminal Justice System and Globalisation
03The Psychology of Serious Offending
04Managing Intelligence and Investigations
05Terrorism, Extremism and Hate
06Cybercrime and the Dark Web
07Independent Research Project

Outcomes

Skills You Will Graduate With

Strategic leadership in high-pressure environments

Intelligence management and investigation

Terrorism and extremism threat assessment

Cybercrime and digital offending analysis

Criminal justice policy and frameworks

Professional resilience with traumatic material

Career outcomes

Where This Qualification Takes Your Career

Graduates are equipped for senior leadership and specialist roles across the Criminal Justice System — including the NCA, HMRC, Border Force, and national counter-terrorism agencies.

Senior Investigating Officer
Intelligence Analyst
Counter-Terrorism Professional
Cybercrime Investigator
Criminal Justice Policy Advisor
Academic Researcher in Criminology

Ready to Advance in the Criminal Justice System?

Join professionals studying an MA Serious and Violent Crime fully online. Next intake available.

Programme details

Course Information

Degree

MA Serious and Violent Crime

Study Mode

100% Online

Duration

1 year+ (part-time)

Credits

180 Credits

Led by applied academics with practitioner backgrounds in the Criminal Justice System. All assessments are 100% coursework-based, mirroring professional outputs used across the CJS. A-PASS academic support is included for all students.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A relevant degree is the standard route — but significant CJS professional experience is also accepted.

A bachelor's degree at 2:2 or above in a related field — such as criminology, law, policing, psychology, or social work

Non-standard entry: a minimum of three years of relevant work experience within the Criminal Justice System — for example in policing, probation, prison services, or border force

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any element, or TOEFL iBT 90 (evidence of prior study in English also accepted)

Application process

How to Apply — 3 Simple Steps

Our admissions team guides you through every step.

1

Submit Application

Fill in the form below. Takes less than 2 minutes. No commitment required.

2

Admissions Review

We confirm your eligibility, check your documents, and answer any questions.

3

Receive Your Offer

Get your official offer letter and enrol on the next available intake date.

PassportCV / ResumeAcademic certificatesEnglish certificate (if applicable)

FAQ

Common Questions

Have a question not listed? Contact our admissions team.

Apply today

Start Your MA Serious and Violent Crime Application

Our admissions team will contact you within 1 business day with full programme details, eligibility confirmation, and next steps.

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