Research

The Department of Law and Criminology is committed to and engages in research activity of international quality in a number of areas of Law and Criminology.  This research is carried out by academic staff and a cohort of postgraduate research students, who together comprise an active and vibrant research community.

The Department's objectives in carrying out research are to provide information, analysis and reflection, and develop critical argument and insights in relation to subjects of significance in the fields of law, socio-legal studies and criminology, and to ensure that the product of such research activity is effectively disseminated.  Research outputs from the Department, written papers, monographs, reports and advisory documents, are directed at a diverse readership, comprising not only specialists in the academic community, but also the professional, business, public policy and government sectors, and serving the broad public interest in a fuller understanding of law, the legal system, and the operation of criminal justice.  Researchers in the Department are also active in attending conferences, research workshops and other meetings, both in the UK and abroad, at which their work is presented and discussed, and may be involved in informal and formal networks of research activity, such as the recently established Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice, and the Centre for Welsh Legal Affairs.  Much of the research carried out within the Department is of a collaborative nature, often involving other researchers elsewhere, and some of it is externally funded.

The Department's strong research culture is underpinned by a commitment to research training for new researchers and the support (including regular periods of research leave) and professional development of more experienced staff.  Research is carried out with a clear awareness of any ethical implications to Research Ethics.  Research activity and the development of new projects, and common interest in theory and methodology may be discussed through a number of research groups within the Department.  Through the greater part of the academic year, the Department hosts a series of weekly research seminars at which the work and ideas of staff and postgraduate researchers and some visiting speakers is presented and discussed.  The seminars provide a valuable testing ground for the development of research argument and the use of research material.  The Department's research activity is managed and steered by its Director of Research and Research Committee.  A number of staff are involved in editorial activity and the reviewing of research.

An idea of the main areas of current research interest of staff and postgraduates within the Department may be gained from the listing in Departmental Research Interests.  A more detailed account of research activity and publications is provided in the individual academic staff and registered postgraduate pages.  The Department is also the editorial base for the Cambrian Law Review.