PhD
The Department of Law and Criminology provides the opportunity to study for the research degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in most major areas of law and a number of more specialised topics. It is possible to study on either a full or part time basis.
The Department is always keen to welcome research students, who make an important contribution to the Department and University. The Department prides itself on the high standard of supervision provided for postgraduate students. Students will find that their supervisor takes a keen interest in their progress, and is always on hand to offer encouragement, guidance and advice.
In recent years many postgraduate students from the Department of Law & Criminology have published their research in the form of books and articles, and members of staff are always happy to give students advice about publication. There have also been several publications as a result of joint research projects between staff and postgraduates.
The Department currently has about 48 full time postgraduate research students, as well as many others studying on a part-time basis.
Research Training
Research Training is provided to all postgraduate research students, and it is an institutional requirement that appropriate training be provided for research students in accordance with the requirements of either the ESRC or Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB), depending on the subject matter and methodology of the students research project.
Requirements for Completion
The degree of PhD requires a substantial thesis of approximately 80 000 - 100 000 words. The thesis will be written under the supervision of a member of staff of the Department. Those studying on a full time basis will also take a course on research skills and strategy, to assist them in acquiring the skills which are necessary for academic legal research. If their research project is within the area of socio-legal studies or criminology they will also be required to complete the ESRC approved Faculty Research Training Programme provided by the Faculty of Social science. This is undertaken in the first year of the PhD study and gives students training in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and social science research needs.
Period of Study
Full-Time: The normal period of registration for a full-time student is 3 years. However, if the candidate already holds a Masters degree or its equivalent the period is 2 years
Registration commences on: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April or 1st July.
Part-Time: The normal period of registration for a part-time student is 5 years. However, if the candidate already holds a Masters degree or its equivalent the period is 3 years.
Registration commences on: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April or 1st July.
Entry Requirements
The opportunity to study for the degree of PhD is open to those with a good degree in law or in a related subject. It is also open to those with relevant professional or vocational qualifications or relevant experience. Further details of which qualifications are sufficient for entry can be obtained from the Director of Postgraduate Studies. In appropriate cases a student will register for a Masters degree (M.Phil) in the first instance, with an opportunity to convert this into a PhD registration if progress merits this.
Non-native English speakers are required to take a University recognised test of academic English language proficiency with required minimum proficiency levels equating to an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 610 (paper based test) or 100 (internet based). Applicants who have successfully undertaken a Bachelors degree in a UK University are exempt from this requirement.