Why Study / Key Benefits

• UC’s Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) provides advanced knowledge of the criminal justice system and combines taught postgraduate study with a substantial research dissertation and practical/professional learning options.
• The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in criminal justice policy, policing, corrections, rehabilitation, justice-sector administration, research, social services and related public-sector work.
• UC places a strong emphasis on:
  • bicultural knowledge and competence;
  • critical analysis of current and future criminal justice policy;
  • theories relating to crime and rehabilitation;
  • research and statistical-analysis skills;
  • professional writing and presentation; and
  • understanding criminal justice within Aotearoa New Zealand’s social and cultural context.
• The programme offers opportunities for practical exposure through an internship or professional/project-based course, although the availability of particular options can vary by year. For example, CRJU604 Internship is currently listed as not offered in 2026.
• The qualification can also provide a pathway toward further research, including a PhD in Criminal Justice at UC.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-point MCJ consists of the following core components:

1. CRJU601 – Research Methods in Criminal Justice
   30 points

   This develops postgraduate research capability, including research design, statistical analysis, research ethics and kaupapa M?ori research methods.

2. CRJU602 – Criminal Justice Systems
   30 points

   The course examines criminal justice systems in Aotearoa New Zealand and other jurisdictions, including their institutions, processes, decision-making, functions, problems and possible reforms.

3. CRJU603 – Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
   30 points

   This course considers important contemporary criminal justice issues and the political, societal and cultural influences behind them, together with the ability of justice systems to respond to these issues.

4. CRJU680 – Dissertation
   60 points

   Students undertake an extended research project examining one or more significant criminal justice issues. UC states that the dissertation is 20,000 words and involves advanced qualitative and/or quantitative analysis as well as written and oral presentation of findings.

5. One 30-point professional/elective option from the approved list:
   • CRJU604 – Internship
   • CRJU605 – Professional Cultures
   • PACE495 – Professional and Community Engagement Internship
   • POLS449 – Wicked Problems, Politics, and Justice.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MCJ does not have formal majors, minors or endorsements. The current regulations explicitly state that there are no majors, minors or endorsements.

However, students can develop an area of expertise through their dissertation and coursework. Potential research areas include:

• criminal justice policy;
• policing and prosecution;
• prisons and corrections;
• rehabilitation;
• crime prevention;
• justice-sector reform;
• criminal justice systems;
• M?ori and Pasifika justice issues;
• restorative justice;
• financial and organised crime;
• transnational crime;
• criminal justice research and policy.

Programme Highlights

• 180-point postgraduate master's qualification.
• 18 months full-time.
• Three core advanced criminal justice courses.
• 60-point research dissertation.
• 20,000-word dissertation requirement.
• Practical/professional component through an approved 30-point option.
• Strong focus on criminal justice policy and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Integration of bicultural knowledge and competence.
• Development of research, statistical analysis, writing and presentation skills.
• Exposure to professional criminal justice environments through internship options when offered.
• Possible progression to a PhD in Criminal Justice

Career Outcomes

UC identifies a broad range of potential career areas, including:

• New Zealand Police;
• Ministry of Justice;
• Department of Corrections;
• Crown agencies;
• prisons and corrections;
• criminal justice policy;
• policy development and consultation;
• customs;
• private investigation;
• security;
• forensic-related work;
• social services;
• criminal justice research. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current UC MCJ page confirms a February/Semester 1 start, 180 points and an 18-month full-time duration.
• The current qualification regulations came into force on 1 January 2025 and retain the 180-point structure, 36-month maximum timeframe and absence of majors/minors/endorsements.
• The MCJ is not simply a coursework master's: the 60-point dissertation is a compulsory component.
• Dissertation enrolment is subject to approval by the Head of Department of Law.
• The internship option CRJU604 should not be assumed to be available every year; UC's current course information says it is not offered in 2026 and was offered in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
• UC introduced the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Criminal Justice in 2025, providing additional postgraduate pathways into Criminal Justice and possible progression toward the MCJ.
• The supplied IPU page is currently for MCIS rather than Criminal Justice and says MCIS is no longer accepting new enrolments. Consequently, no IPU-specific MCJ facts should be inferred from that page.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the MCJ on campus in New Zealand, the usual route is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Cost: from NZD $850.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks.
• Students need an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Students must demonstrate funds for tuition or have a scholarship.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient living funds or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance is required.
• Applicants must meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages international students to apply approximately 3 months before their intended travel date.