Program Overview

Criminology Postgraduate Research Degrees

Postgraduate Research in Criminology

The University of Portsmouth offers postgraduate research degrees in criminology, allowing students to explore the nature of crime and contribute to vital research in the field. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) is a leading centre for research in criminology, criminal justice, and related fields.

Research Degrees

The university offers various research degrees in criminology, including:

• PhD
• MPhil
• Professional Doctorate
• PhD by Publication

Criminology PhDs and MPhils

The university offers pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in criminology. Students can also submit their own research idea and find a supervisor whose research interests match theirs.

Funded Projects

There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area. However, students can visit the university's pages on funding their research degree for more information.

Self-Funded Projects

There are currently no pre-approved self-funded projects available in this subject area. Students can submit their own PhD proposal and contact a supervisor to discuss their idea.

Submit Your Own Idea

Students can find a supervisor whose research interests match theirs by searching the university's Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once they have identified a suitable supervisor, they can contact them to discuss their idea.

PhD by Publication

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research that has already been undertaken and published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with the university. Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited, or performed.

Duration, Fees, and Funding

Duration

• MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
• PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
• PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time

Fees

• PhD and MPhil: £4,786 per year (UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students), £17,200 per year (international students)
• PhD by Publication: £4,786 (external candidates), £1,950 (members of staff)

Funding Support

MPhil full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Postgraduate Loan (UK/EU students only). PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Doctoral Loan (UK/EU students only).

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for a PhD or MPhil include an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master's degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.

If English is not the student's first language, they will need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Support and Facilities

The university's Doctoral College will support students alongside their assigned supervisory team, helping them get the most from the university's facilities. The Doctoral College will also help students become part of the university's thriving research community and grow their skills as researchers through the Graduate School Development Programme.

As a postgraduate criminology researcher, students can use the university's facilities and equipment, including the Forensic Innovation Centre, the Mock Courtroom, and 3D capture and imaging technologies.

Career Opportunities

Once students complete their postgraduate research degree, they will be highly skilled researchers with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries. Their postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that they are intelligent, capable, and motivated individuals with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership, and creativity.

Research Areas

The university's research in criminology covers several areas, including:

• Forensic interviewing
• Economic crime
• Probation, prison, and penology
• Forensic science

These research areas are explored in more detail on the university's website.