Criminology and Policing PhD

Program Overview

The MSc by Research in Criminology and Policing at the University of Gloucestershire equips students with advanced research skills and specialized knowledge in criminology or policing. Through a flexible program structure, students conduct independent research under expert supervision, culminating in a 30,000-word thesis. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, and other research-focused roles.

Program Outline

Criminology and Policing MSc by Research

Degree Overview:

The MSc by Research in Criminology and Policing program at the University of Gloucestershire prepares students for careers in research and academia. It provides students with the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of criminology or policing, under the supervision of experienced academics. Students will contribute original knowledge to their chosen field and develop advanced research skills through a variety of methods and workshops. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to study full-time or part-time alongside other commitments. Students will typically complete a 30,000-word thesis on their chosen topic. They may also have the opportunity to upgrade to the PhD program if they wish to further develop their research.

Outline:

The program consists of two main components:

• Research methods training modules: These modules provide students with the foundation necessary to conduct independent research.
They cover topics such as research design, data collection and analysis, and academic writing.
• Individual research project: Students will develop a research project under the guidance of their supervisor.
This project will be the focus of their thesis, which will be approximately 30,000 words long. While specific course names and schedule details are not provided, the program curriculum will likely cover various aspects of criminology and policing, such as:
• Restorative justice
• Domestic abuse, stalking, and coercive control
• Sexual and gender-based violence
• Homicide
• Crimes of the powerful and state criminality
• Penology
• Sports criminology
• Green criminology and wildlife crime
• Blue criminology and contemporary maritime piracy
• Genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity
• Post-conflict societies and transitional justice
• Alternative and community justice
• Policing practice and policy
• Youth crime and justice

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Research proposal
• Thesis

Teaching:

The program features a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Individual supervision
• Independent research
The program boasts experienced and well-regarded academics with research strengths in various areas of criminology and policing. Notably, the program provides dedicated office space for postgraduate researchers and supports participation in academic conferences and workshops.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for careers in various research-focused roles, such as:

• Research fellow
• Academic lecturer
• Policy analyst
• Government advisor
• Charity worker
• Journalist

Other:

The University of Gloucestershire actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including students with non-traditional qualifications and international students. Scholarships and bursaries are available for many programs, including this one. Additionally, the program offers various opportunities for students to get involved in research beyond their individual projects, such as participating in the academic seminar series and the Early Career Researcher Network.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

PhD Full Time (4 years)

Start date

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October 2025 | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC February 2026 | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.