Crime Science UCL

Overview

The MSc in Crime Science at UCL stands out as a pioneering programme that integrates various scientific approaches to tackle crime effectively. UCL, ranked 9th globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2026, offers this unique course within its esteemed Security and Crime Science department, which is the first of its kind focused solely on crime reduction. This multidisciplinary programme combines insights from psychology, social sciences, statistics, mathematics, forensics, computing, geography, and architecture to develop innovative strategies for crime prevention and detection.

Why Crime Science at UCL?

UCL’s Crime Science MSc is distinguished not just by its academic rigor but also by its commitment to practical application. The department maintains robust partnerships with over 60 industry and public sector organisations, including police forces and security firms, enhancing students' learning experiences through networking opportunities and real-world case studies. The programme is designed to foster critical thinking about complex crime issues, from everyday interpersonal crimes to sophisticated financial crimes perpetrated by organised groups in cyberspace.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MSc in Crime Science are as follows:

• UK Students: £18,400 per year
• International Students: £36,500 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum comprises eight taught modules and a dissertation. Students will engage in four compulsory modules alongside four optional ones. The compulsory modules include:

• Preventing Crimes
• Research Methods for Crime Science
• Foundations of Security and Crime Science
• Security and Crime Science Dissertation

Optional modules allow for specialisation in areas such as:

• Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis
• Perspectives on Organised Crime
• Investigation and Detection
• Intelligence Gathering and Analysis
• Risk and Contingency Planning
• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Cybercrime
• Applied Data Science
• Understanding Multivariate Modelling and Causal Inference

Careers with Crime Science

Graduates of the MSc in Crime Science are well-prepared for a variety of roles in crime prevention and detection, community safety, and policy-making. Alumni have successfully secured positions within police forces, governmental agencies, and private security firms, including notable employers like the Metropolitan Police Service and the Home Office. Some graduates also pursue further academic research, enrolling in PhD programmes at UCL and other prestigious institutions worldwide.