Program Overview

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Course summary

PHD Law and Criminology

Undertake a period of intensive, supervised study – where you critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and make an original contribution to knowledge.

Year of Entry

2024/25, 2025/26, 2026/27

Fees

Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £18,600 per year

Duration

4 Years

Location

City Campus

Start Dates

October 2026, February 2027, May 2027

How you learn

Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies – as well as one or more second supervisors with expertise in your research area. Much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, so you’ll need the initiative, motivation and commitment to succeed. Your supervisors will help you to define your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while encouraging you to develop as an independent researcher.

Applied learning

You can use a range of methodologies for your thesis. Some students use a doctrinal method to undertake legal scholarship. Many other students have interactions with members of communities, groups and industry – using techniques including case studies, interviews and surveys, as well as real-client and simulated-client interactions as a basis for their data collection.

Live projects

You’ll be part of an active research community in the Law and Criminology Department, College and wider university. This gives you a range of opportunities to take part in seminars, reading groups, writing retreats and collaborative projects.

Networking opportunities

You’ll be part of Hallam's community of researchers – with opportunities to attend and contribute to a range of disciplines, presentations, training and conferences. You’ll be encouraged to join in the wider activities in the department – including joining research clusters, undertaking specialist training, and engaging in public events involving academics and policy makers.

Future careers

Research degrees are essential qualifications for many academic careers. You’ll develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to many employment sectors. Successful graduates are able to progress within a wide variety of roles in the academic, legal professions and associated fields.

Equipment and facilities

Our PhD students are based in the Heart of the Campus building – a modern office space with a dedicated resources room to help create a supportive and collegial space, with easy access to support staff and academic colleagues. Our students have access to computing facilities to help them complete their studies, along with a suite of training and on-hand experts to guide their development as researchers.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

All students

All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit and above).

Application

To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:

• A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
• A personal statement - In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question, and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.
  1. What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project? (200 words maximum).
  2. How did you come up with your project proposal? (200 words maximum).
  3. What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you? (200 words maximum).
  4. Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences. (200 words maximum).
• Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
• Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.

International Students (Additional Information)

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:

1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2026/27. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2025/26 course page.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 per year.

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice (PDF, 603.4KB)