Degree Overview

Overview

This PhD program in Criminology prepares social scientists for multidisciplinary research that builds knowledge and capacities in communities, while generating positive impact on well-being. Graduates are equipped to work in academia, social research, the public or third sector. The program emphasizes areas such as:

Victims and perpetrators of crime
Children's rights
Policing, youth, and criminal justice
People who come into conflict with the law
Education, conflict, and social change
Social inequality

Objectives

Develop expertise in criminological research
Conduct rigorous and innovative research
Contribute to the development of knowledge and understanding of crime and criminal justice
Inform policy and practice in the field of crime and criminal justice

Program Description

This program is based at Queen's University Belfast, which is ranked 202 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) and 28th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024). The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work boasts leading international academic experts in specialized fields, with academics involved in government advisory councils, international committees and third sector initiatives. The program itself is ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2023. The program allows students to explore substantive children’s rights issues, children’s participation in decision-making, and children’s rights-based research methods. Additionally, the program utilizes innovative methodologies, such as participatory action research, arts-based research methods, and multimodal interaction analysis.

Outline

Program Content

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of criminology, including:
Causes and correlates of crime
Responses of the criminal justice system
Victimology
Penology
Criminological theory
Research methods
Students are encouraged to join one of eight research centers in the School:
Centre for Justice Studies (CJS)
Centre for Technological Innovations in Mental Health and Education (TIME)
Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE)
Centre for Child, Youth and Family Welfare (CCYFW)
Center for Children’s Rights (CRC)
Center for Shared Education (CSE)
Centre of Language Education Research (CLER)
Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis (CABA)
Students are expected to take research training modules focused on quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Course Schedule

The program typically lasts 3-4 years for full-time students and 6-8 years for part-time students.
Students can apply for a writing-up year (thesis only) if needed.

Individual Modules

Specific modules offered within the program may vary depending on the student's research interests and the availability of supervisors.

Assessment

Assessment Process

Students are expected to present drafts of their work to their supervisor at regular intervals for written and oral feedback.
An annual progress review requires students to submit written work and present their work to a panel of academics.
The final assessment involves submitting a thesis and defending it at a Viva Voce exam with internal and external examiners.

Teaching

Teaching Methods

The program utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research.
Students have access to dedicated supervisors and research training modules.

Faculty

The program is taught by leading international experts in criminology.
Staff members have extensive experience in research and teaching.

Careers

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in:
Academia
Research
Policy
Criminal justice agencies
Non-governmental organizations
Social work
Education

Career Development Opportunities

The program provides students with a range of career development opportunities, including:
Research internships
Conference presentations
Publication opportunities

Other

Research Opportunities

Students have access to a variety of research opportunities, including:
Participating in research projects
Conducting independent research
Collaborating with external partners

Student Support

The program provides students with a range of support services, including:
Academic advising
Career counseling
Mental health support

Fees and Funding

Information on fees and funding can be found on the Queen's University Belfast website.

Application Process

Information on the application process can be found on the Queen's University Belfast website.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI):

TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI):

TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB):

TBC

EU Other:

£20,500

International:

£20,500

Notes:

The fees above are for a single year of study and may be subject to an annual increase.
EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status in the EU Settlement Scheme will likely be charged the NI or GB fee based on residency.
ROI nationals living in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, pending official confirmation.
EU Other students, excluding ROI nationals living in GB, NI, or ROI, will be charged international fees.

Additional Costs:

Students may incur additional costs for transport, materials, thesis printing and binding, and other research-related expenses.
Specific fees for individual research projects should be discussed directly with the School.
Other potential costs include textbooks, photocopying, printing, and graduation ceremonies.

Bench Fees:

Certain research programmes may have additional annual "bench fees" to cover expenses like specialist lab work or fieldwork.
These fees will be detailed in the offer letter if applicable.

Funding Sources:

Consider exploring PhD opportunities and scholarships, funded doctoral training programs, PhD loans for eligible students, and international scholarships for non-UK/EU students.
Use the "Funding & Scholarship Finder" tool on the Queen's University Belfast website for further assistance.

Criminology (CRM-PHD)