Courses / Subject

Candidates should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (level 8) undergraduate degree in law or in a cognate discipline, such as criminology, social policy, sociology, politics, history, psychology etc.  This must be a recognised primary degree that is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.  A personal statement of up to 1,000 words outlining why an applicant is suitable for the programme should be included as part of an application.  This personal statement will form part of the assessment by the Admissions Committee.

These are the minimum entry requirements and meeting these requirements will not guarantee an offer of entry onto the programme, as entry to the programme is competitive.  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.  The programme will also be accessible to international students from all jurisdictions, as no prior knowledge of the common law is required.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Minimum English language requirements:

•             IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score

•             TOEFL (Paper based test): 585

•             TOEFL (Internet based test): 95

•             PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Online application onlywww.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MH66J

The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application.  Failure to do so will delay your application being processed.  Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport.

Applicants are required to submit a personal statement not exceeding 1,000 words explaining why they should be considered.

Students must complete 90 credits in total, taking 35 taught credits in semester 1 and 30 taught credits in semester 2.  A 25-credit dissertation is completed during the summer.

Students also have the option of graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of a Masters in Arts.  The structure of the Postgraduate Diploma follows that of the Masters in Arts structure, but students do not complete a dissertation.

Not all modules offered will run every year; offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints.  Outside of a small number of compulsory modules, students may choose any combination of modules they wish.

Duration: 1 year full-time

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY AND 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. What our graduates say: I chose this MA as I had always been interested in the area of criminal justice. Coming from a legal background, this MA was essential for my career in the system. I gained confidence in public speaking and learned research skills which were vital for completing the dissertation. I found the MA aligned with my values and I met with like-minded people who I still have in my life now. Having a Criminology School which prioritises good relationships with students makes the process more manageable for all involved. The MA was foundational for my career and I cannot recommend it enough.   Sadhbh McGarry, Resettlement Coordinator, IASIO Class of 2022/23.   LWCF6 - COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE Credits: 90 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY LW656 10 2 COMPARATIVE PENAL POLICY LW686 10 1 COMPARATIVE YOUTH JUSTICE LW627 10 1 CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE LW631 10 1 GLOBAL POLICING LW665 10 1 HISTORICAL GENDERED VIOLENCE AND THE STATE LW698 10 1 HUMAN TRAFFICKING: POLICY, PERSPECTIVES AND DEBATES SP613A 10 Year-Long MASTERS IN LAW DISSERTATION LW690 25 Year-Long PLACEMENT LW693 10 2 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LW691 5 1 RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINOLOGY LW696 10 1 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE LW687 10 2 TRANSNATIONAL AND GLOBAL CRIME LW667 10 2

Programme Director Dr Etain Quigley
Email etain.quigley@mu.ie
Website www.maynoothuniversity.ie
Address School of Law and Criminology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The programme will allow students to build upon their existing qualifications with a view to accessing positions within the justice and security field, with the additional advantage that students will be provided with a genuinely international and comparative outlook. Graduates may go on to work in careers within An Gardaí Síochána, the security industry, data analytics, probation, the prison service, the civil service, research institutes, academia, the NGO sector, etc.

“I've always had a keen interest in working with a charity/NGO, so I opted to take the 'Advocacy’ module which afforded me the opportunity to carry out a placement with a leading criminal justice NGO. While on placement, I had the chance to develop my strategic thinking and to apply my research skills to reports which have since been published. Lectures and assignments gave me the tools I needed to work in the criminal justice field, but it was the Advocacy module that allowed me to exercise these tools. Subsequent to the placement finishing, I was offered a role in the organisation.” 

Pamela Drumgoole, MA (Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice)

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site