Criminology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

PhD in Criminology

Criminology is an interdisciplinary field drawing from both the behavioural and social sciences. It investigates the causes, impact, and prevention of crime. Researchers in this area develop the theories on which our criminal justice and rehabilitative systems are based. PhD candidates in this area will complete an independent research project that should make an original contribution to our understanding of Criminology.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Criminology?

Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor with an expertise in your chosen topic, you’ll conduct independent research eventually culminating in an extended dissertation of approximately 80,000 words which should make a substantial contribution to the field.

Possible research areas include:

• Cybersecurity
• Victims and Victimology
• Fraud amd white collar crime
• Prisons and punishment
• Domestic violence
• Juvenile delinquency
• Drug markets and policy

Criminology is a broad field, so you may use a range of different methodologies depending on your chosen line of inquiry. These could include ethnographic studies, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and psychosocial case analyses.

Alongside your research, you’ll attend regular progress meetings with your supervisor and complete any additional training required by your institution.

There are a handful of predesigned PhDs in Criminology, but most students will propose their own research project. Choosing this option means you’ll identify a gap in the academic literature and determine the parameters of your own research.

Entry Requirements

The most common entry requirement for PhD programmes in Criminology is an upper second-class Bachelors degree and a Masters degree at Merit level, both in a relevant discipline. Some programmes may set a 2:1 undergraduate degree alone as a minimum requirement, but bear in mind that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and additional qualifications with often be an advantage.

PhD in Criminology funding options

The Research Council responsible for funding Criminology PhDs in the UK is the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), though some relating to Cybersecurity may be funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These provide fully funded studentships that include coverage of your tuition fees, along with a stipend to cover living expenses.

Many advertised Criminology PhDs will have studentships attached. Students proposing their own research project may be able to apply for a studentship after being accepted onto the programme. If you are already working within the field, you may be able to get funding from your employer.

Options for independently financing your PhD include the UK government’s doctoral loan, part-time employment alongside your studies and support from charities or trusts.