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The PhD in Criminology is an advanced research degree awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). The PhD's primary purpose is to prepare and present a substantial piece of independent and original academic research. Completion usually requires three to four years of full-time study and four to seven years of studying part-time, which includes a probationary period.
Full-time students are required to be in residence in Cambridge during their studies.
Part-time students have no residence requirements but are required to attend the University on a regular basis as prescribed by their Degree Committee. Generally, we expect part-time research students to be physically in Cambridge for around 45 days per year, spread throughout the year.
The Institute of Criminology has a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. PhD candidates benefit from close links with the Institute's six dedicated research centres, providing them with unrivalled opportunities and the support to develop as independent researchers while being part of an integrated community of criminologists working at different levels and through multidisciplinary approaches.
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. PhD candidates will also benefit from the advice and support of other academic members of staff who will be involved in the progression through the various stages of the PhD, from the registration assessment exercise at the end of the first year to the completion of the thesis. All students are allocated a thesis adviser once they start their PhD; this is a decision that is made jointly by the Supervisor and each student.
In addition to specialist supervision, the Institute provides a comprehensive training, support, and development programme for its PhD students. Frequent seminars are designed to develop research skills, technique, and thinking. The School of Arts and Humanities organises a Researcher Development Programme covering a range of topics, from PhD skills training to language training and writing and editing skills.
The Institute welcomes applications from suitably qualified applicants of all nationalities. Proposals for doctoral research on any criminological topic will be considered. Applicants should contact potential supervisors before submitting a formal application and are advised to consult Supervisor profiles for details on their research interests. Prospective students are advised to reflect carefully on which staff member best matches their academic interests.
Learning Outcomes
The Cambridge PhD is designed so as to strike the correct balance between structure and flexibility in order to prepare members for careers as professional researcher.
It will help students develop the core skills needed by an arts, humanities or social sciences professional researcher of the future, which are valued by both academic and non-academic employers. By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired the skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or other profession posts in related fields
Continuing
The Institute's MPhil programme provides excellent preparation for doctoral study and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a Cambridge PhD.
Continuation from the MPhil course is subject to an MPhil student applying for the PhD programme and obtaining admission to it, which involves, amongst other elements, having obtained an overall mark of at least 74 in the MPhil.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.