Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science or law, or a degree in another field with relevant practitioner experience.
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The English language requirement for this programme is Higher . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
How can we explain a significant drop in crime in Western nations in recent decades? Does reduced spending on the police result in greater crime? What’s the role of prisons in contemporary society? These are all pressing questions tackled on this fascinating postgraduate degree.
You’ll explore how laws, policies and practices shape criminal justice outcomes, drawing on interdisciplinary insights from criminology, sociology, law and psychology.
Guided by internationally renowned criminologists, you’ll gain the theoretical, empirical and analytical tools to engage with current debates within criminology and criminal justice. The programme also examines how historical and international comparative perspectives help us understand the latest trends.
You’ll have opportunities to attend the Mannheim Centre for Criminology’s seminars and events, enabling you to hear about the latest research and thinking from seasoned criminologists, criminal justice experts and many other speakers.
When you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for a stimulating career in criminal justice institutions, law enforcement, government, NGOs or research.
Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy ( Good University Guide 2027 ). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021). So, you’ll be studying in a vibrant, highly rated research environment.
Extensive background reading is not essential but it's advisable for you to do some reading before commencing the programme. The following is a list of reading that will be useful for the compulsory course and other components of the programme.
Introductory texts
Theoretical introduction
Discover more about our students and department.
The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy.
From its formation in 1912, the department has conducted pioneering research on contemporary social problems and helped develop policy solutions.
The department has an interdisciplinary and international outlook. Our academics conduct research on pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and housing. Collectively, our faculty team draw on their backgrounds in anthropology, demography, economics, political science, sociology, as well as social and public policy.
We advise national and international governments and organisations and our research shapes decision-making and policy direction at the highest levels.
Within the department, we offer a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy ( Complete University Guide 2027 ). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021) .
The teaching curriculum is research-led, focused on applying global insights and supporting students with their learning at every stage of their journey.
Our alumni work in prominent government positions, national and international NGOs, the public and private sectors, and universities across the world.