Criminology PhD

Studying a PhD in Criminology in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work allows students to take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminology in a stimulating, supportive and innovative environment. Criminologists are interested in understanding how behaviours come to be defined as ‘criminal’, why definitions and responses vary over time and place, how harmful behaviours can affect people and how best to respond to and manage such behaviours. Undertaking a PhD in Criminology allows for an in-depth examination of a criminological issue, which results in new knowledge, advances our understanding of that area and helps identify more effective ways to think about and respond to issues, helping to improve society and people’s lives. It provides a unique opportunity to develop your skills and become an expert on your chosen topic, with the findings of the PhD being used to inform policy, practice and future research. Staff in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work publish world-class research which has local and global impact. Our funders and partners include research councils, government departments, the EU, the Council of Europe and large foundations. Our research informs the development of policies in many areas, including education, criminal justice, teaching and learning, the well-being of children, social cohesion and justice, mental health and trauma informed practice. The Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice is one of the research centres that PhD in Criminology students may choose to join. This research centre brings together staff and PhD students from the School of Law and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work in a friendly, supportive and interdisciplinary environment. It frequently invites guest speakers from other Universities to present their work, allowing PhD students to develop their research networks beyond Queen’s University Belfast, as well as hosting staff-student networking events, writing retreats, mentoring and publication sessions, as well as thesis presentation competitions. Another very popular research centre among PhD in Criminology students is the Centre for Children’s Rights (CRC), an internationally renowned centre for research on Children's Rights focusing on research intended to better understand and improve children’s lives. This research centre is very active and provides a very supportive and collegial environment for PhD students to present their findings, engage with international experts and be exposed to world leading research. The CRC has a reputation for its consultations with children and is known for its work with various UN organisations such as UNICEF. PhD in Criminology students also have the opportunity to interact with other PhD students attending Queen’s University Belfast through the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School. The Graduate School provides a beautiful space for PhD students to socialise and study, as well as a variety of training, development, employability and community/policy related opportunities to PhD students.

IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is require

International students: £22,500

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £22,500

• Belfast, United Kingdom