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The PhD in Criminology is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). The primary purpose of the PhD is the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research. Completion usually requires three to four years of full-time study, and five years if studying part-time, which includes a probationary period.
- Full time students are required to be resident in Cambridge during their studies.
- Part-time students have no residence requirements, but are required to attend the University on a regular basis as prescribed by their Degree Committee. In general, we expect part-time research students to be in Cambridge for around 45 days per year, spread throughout the year.
The Institute of Criminology has a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. PhD candidates benefit from close links with the Institute's six dedicated research centres, providing them with unrivalled opportunities and the support to develop as independent researchers, while being part of an integrated community of criminologists working at different levels and through multidisciplinary approaches.
Every PhD student in the Institute of Criminology is supported by a supervisor. Supervisors are experts in their field of study and support students throughout the PhD. PhD candidates will also benefit from the advice and support of other academic members of staff who will be involved in progression through the various stages of the PhD; from the registration assessment exercise at the end of the first year through to the completion of the thesis. All students are allocated a thesis adviser once they start their PhD; this is a decision that is made jointly by the supervisor and each student.
As well as specialist supervision, the Institute provides a comprehensive training, support and development programme for its PhD students. Frequent seminars are designed to develop research skills, technique and thinking. The School of Arts and Humanities organises a Researcher Development Programme covering a range of topics from PhD skills training, to language training, and writing and editing skills.
The Institute welcomes applications from suitably qualified applicants of all nationalities. Proposals for doctoral research on any criminological topic will be considered. Applicants might wish to contact potential supervisors before submitting a formal application, and are advised to consult supervisor profiles for details on their research interests. Prospective students are advised to reflect carefully on which staff member best matches their academic interests.
Learning Outcomes
The Cambridge PhD is designed as structured, flexible and individual preparation for becoming a professional researcher. It will help students develop the core skills needed by an arts, humanities or social sciences professional researcher of the future, which are valued by both academic and non-academic employers. By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired the skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or another related profession.
Continuing
The Institute's MPhil programmes provide excellent preparation for doctoral study and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a Cambridge PhD.
Continuing applicants are advised to complete the MPhil in Criminological Research. Continuation from the MPhil course is subject to a MPhil student obtaining an overall mark of at least 74.
Open Days
The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.
See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.