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Postgraduate MSc

Advanced Research in Criminology

The International Master’s in Advanced Research in Criminology (IMARC) programme is a prestigious joint MSc programme of three European universities: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Ghent University and the University of Kent.

Criminology
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Course overview

This interdisciplinary, full-time programme attracts many top international students to the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) at Kent. The programme brings together experts in the field of international criminology in one joint international educational programme. It is the only existing two-year mobility programme in criminology that focuses on border crossing, security and social justice from a European and global perspective.

The course is designed to respond critically, scientifically and in a policy-oriented manner to social questions that have dramatically changed the agendas of crime, harm and control. Both from a theoretical and practical perspective, IMARC covers a range of themes, including theory and methodology, geopolitics, cities and urban transformations, inclusion and exclusion, power relations, migration, human smuggling and trafficking, culture and hybrid identities, radicalisation and extremism, European Union law and policy on justice and home affairs, and regulation and control. The added value of the IMARC programme is that you are able to do extended and in-depth research.

IMARC brings together learning, research and practice through collaboration with a range of academic and non-academic partners. You have opportunities for research, internships and impact via connections with organisations in the field, including governmental bodies and NGO’s.

Throughout the programme, you participate in intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange. The role of informal and peer-to-peer learning is especially important through participation in twice-yearly student conferences (Common Sessions) as part of the Common Study Programme in Critical Criminology.

Your future

As a graduate you will have considerable expertise in the field of border crossing, security and social justice. What is your ambition? Would you like to be a policy maker at the EU? Or do you prefer to do academic research on issues of global social justice? Maybe become a policy maker at an NGO or a human rights organisation. With an IMARC degree you will have numerous options to build a great career. As an interdisciplinary expert and a skilful researcher, you will contribute to answers to the current social and political challenges of crime, harm and crime control.

Career support
Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

Fees and funding

The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

General additional costs

Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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Next steps

Ready to apply?

The International Master’s in Advanced Research in Criminology (IMARC) is the only existing 2-year programme in criminology that focuses on border crossing, security and social justice. IMARC is a collaborative programme offered by three different Universities in Europe. For full details and to apply please visit https://www.internationalmastercriminology.eu/.

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Supporting your success

We are here to support your postgraduate journey.

Top 50

Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024.

Fees and funding

Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

Research excellence

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

Accommodation

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