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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

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

PhD students are also required to attend Training, Support, and Development seminars each term.

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. These regular seminars are designed to develop research skills, technique, and thinking. First-year PhD students are required to attend these seminars, and all other PhD students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the comprehensive training and many interdepartmental workshops offered within the University.

The Institute of Criminology also 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 years.

Feedback

Students will receive feedback through the first-year review exercise, first-year and second-year student presentations, supervisions, and the Supervisor's termly reports.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

Successful completion of the doctoral programme involves the 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, table of contents and any other preliminary matter), and an oral examination (viva voce). Figures, tables, images, etc. should be counted as the equivalent of 200 words for each A4 page, or part of an A4 page, that they occupy.

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 and at a proportionally later date for part-time candidates). 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 PhD review aims 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 are then formally registered for the PhD.

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Institute of Criminology

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Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2025
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2026

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

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2026
Course Starts
April 17, 2026

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

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
March 26, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

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

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2027

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

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2027
Course Starts
April 17, 2027

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

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

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


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