Join our justice-focused team
Get to the heart of contemporary debates in crime, harm, and justice. Critically examine the workings of our criminal justice system and how we respond to victims and offenders. Explore opportunities for transformations in justice.
You’ll gain advanced knowledge in criminological theory and methods. Apply your analytical and problem-solving skills to assess the real-world effects of criminal justice policy and practice.
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.
Who can study for this qualification
The Master of Criminology is suitable if you're interested in gaining advanced research skills—or if you're aiming for a career in criminal justice or a related sector.
Limited entry
Entry to our coursework Postgraduate Criminology qualifications is limited to 30 students each year.
To apply, you'll need a Bachelor's degree or relevant qualification with at least a B average in Criminology, or a relevant subject. Applications are then assessed on overall GPA and your capacity to complete study in Postgraduate Criminology.
Priority is given to students who've completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology. Other relevant subjects that may be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis include:
- social sciences
- psychology
- public policy
- law.
Our coursework Postgraduate Criminology qualifications
These qualifications are ‘staircased’—they allow movement in both directions.
If you begin by enrolling in the Certificate or Diploma programme, you may be able to continue on to complete a Master‘s degree. Or if you enrol in the Master‘s but can't complete it for some reason, you may have completed enough courses to graduate with the Certificate or Diploma.
Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology
This 60-point qualification can be a step towards higher study. It can also be an opportunity for specialised professional development. Studying full time, you can complete it in a single trimester.
Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology
Longer than a Certificate, a Diploma allows you to do more in-depth study.
Studying full time, you‘ll complete the 120-point Diploma over two trimesters.
Master of Criminology
This provides the most comprehensive study as it includes coursework and a research dissertation. The 180-point degree is delivered over three trimesters, which is one year.
What you’ll learn
You’ll address the social, economic, cultural and political realities of crime and criminal justice. 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 the role and impact of policing, prisons and community-based alternatives, the experience of victims, and how crime is perceived by the public.
How you’ll study
You’ll typically complete the MCrim in three trimesters of full-time study, which is one year.
Our teaching staff will actively mentor you through the process of developing a project, conducting research, and writing the dissertation that forms the cornerstone of your Master of Criminology degree.
In researching and writing the dissertation, you’ll hone your analytical skills while further developing the ability to construct and clearly present arguments. You’ll also refine and strengthen your written and verbal communication skills.
Full-time and part-time study options
You can study for the MCrim part time over a maximum of three years.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MCrim degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, with an average grade of B or better; and
(ii) been accepted by the programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MCrim
2. (a) The course of study for the MCrim shall consist of:
Part 1: (a) Criminology Theory (CRIM 430) and Criminology Research Methods (CRIM 431); and
(b) 90 further 400-level points from the MCrim schedule
Part 2: Dissertation (CRIM 593)
(b) Part 1(a) should normally be completed before a candidate proceeds to Part 2.
3. A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertCrim or PGDipCrim shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the MCrim.
Globally ranked
Our Sociology subjects are ranked in the top 200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
The critical thinking, research, and analytical skills you'll develop are valued across many sectors beyond traditional criminology roles. Master of Criminology graduates pursue diverse careers across multiple sectors.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Criminology
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Criminology
-
The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts is a research-focused degree with a thesis of up to 40,000 words. It usually takes one year of full-time study.
You'll develop deep expertise in one specific topic. It’s ideal if you have a clear research question and want intensive research experience.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of study and scholarship—our Institute of Criminology was established in 1974. We’re internationally renowned for world-leading research and teaching in Criminology.
There’s no better place to study Criminology in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of decision-making around crime. Study where crime policy gets made and engage with those making it. The main agencies for reducing crime and building safer communities are based in Wellington, including with the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, and Police National Headquarters.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Research areas
Our Criminology academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.