Applicants must normally have obtained a minimum of Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent degree in sociology, law, politics, psychology, history, applied social studies, or another subject relevant to the study of crime.

Applicants who hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in an unrelated subject, or a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a related or unrelated subject, will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to a written expression of interest and/or interview. Evidence of written ability on a criminological topic may also be required.

In exceptional circumstances, substantial professional experience in a relevant and related field of criminal justice may be accepted as compensating for the absence of an undergraduate degree to the required standard, subject to an interview and evidence of written ability on a criminological topic.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

Non-EU Closing Date
Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Skills and Careers Information
Criminology graduates from the MA in Criminology at UCC are attractive to employers both inside and outside the criminal justice sector. Our programme encourages the development of key proficiencies such as critical thinking, analytical and communications skills; graduates with these capabilities have the option to work in many sectors associated with their degree and other related areas.

What can I do after I graduate?
Our MA graduates have a diverse range of roles both nationally and internationally. Some students come to UCC with a wealth of experience in the field, for example serving Gardai, eager to further their knowledge in the area. Other students come from an undergraduate programme or related areas such a youth work. To date, our graduate students have found employment in the Gardai, the Prison Services, the community sector, further education, and addiction services.

Jobs directly related to this programme include the following:
Community development officer
Garda
Prison officer
Youth worker
Victim liaison officer
Researcher
Civil servant
Customs and excise officer
Fisheries officer

Other relevant roles include:
Counsellor
Social Worker
Solicitor
Addiction services employee
Adult intervention services
PhD researcher/Academic
Journalism/media
Teaching
UN field office employee
NGO – e.g. Amnesty International, Red Cross etc.