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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

The PhD Programme at the Institute of Criminology is by and large a research-based degree, involving independent work by the student under the guidance of a supervisor, whose research expertise falls closely within the aims of the planned PhD research.

One to one supervision

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. 

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

The Institute runs a comprehensive training, support and development programme for its PhD students. Frequent seminars are designed to develop research skills, technique and thinking. First year PhD students are required to attend these seminars, and all PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the comprehensive training and many interdepartmental workshops offered within the University. The Institute of Criminology holds weekly seminars and events and candidates for the PhD are strongly encouraged to participate in the wider research culture of the Institute.

Posters and Presentations

PhD students will be expected to give a short presentation on their research during their first and second year.

Feedback

Students will be provided with feedback via the first and second year review exercises, student presentations, supervisions and the supervisor's termly reports.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

Successful completion of the doctoral programme involves submission of a thesis of  between 55,000 and 80,000 words (exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words, exclusive of bibliography) and an oral examination (viva voce).

Other

Candidates for the PhD are reviewed formally on an annual basis, at the end of the first and second year (during the third and seventh terms). All first year students are required to participate in a review exercise, which involves submitting a progress report to be reviewed by academic staff at the Institute, who will then meet with candidates to discuss their progress. The aim of the PhD review is to consider general academic progress on your thesis, plan your fieldwork, and assess the intellectual standard of the report submitted for review.  Following successful completion of the review exercise and at the end of their probationary period, PhD candidates can be formally registered for the PhD. 

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

5-7 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Institute of Criminology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 1, 2021
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2022
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 1, 2021
Application deadline
Jan. 13, 2023
Course Starts
April 17, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Michaelmas 2023

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
May 16, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 12, 2022

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2023, Lent 2024 and Easter 2024.


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