• Research

Criminology PhD

Overview

Overview

A PhD in Criminology offers one of the leading areas of research at the University of West London (UWL), as recognised in the rating of our work in Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Criminological research at UWL spans a range of topics and areas from policing to sentencing, security studies, transnational crime and terrorism, socio-legal studies and judicial processes.  

Our supervisors have strong research backgrounds, often with a focus on key groups that fall under the heading of diversity and inclusion.  Our supervisors also have extensive links with criminal justice agencies,  voluntary groups and a range of think tanks and research organisations.

Applications are invited for research in the areas indicated below. We are committed to providing access and maintaining a high standard of support for students. Our recent doctoral graduates have gone on to lectureships at universities and successful careers in related fields of work.

Criminology and criminal justice
  • Criminal justice policy and politics
  • Comparative criminal justice
  • Socio-legal studies
  • Gender and Crime
  • Criminology theory
  • Social justice
  • Youth studies and youth justice
  • Security studies
Criminology, law and legal processes
  • Drug Policy
  • Hate Crime
  • Terrorism and Extremism
  • Bail, Sentencing, Imprisonment and Indeterminate Sentences
  • The Parole Board and Probation Service
Law, criminology and social sciences
  • Transitional justice
  • Genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity
  • Human Rights and  International criminal justice
  • Criminal justice and the Arts
  • Justice architecture
  • Courtroom procedure and Criminal evidence
  • Sexual and Domestic Abuse
  • Migration, refugees and crime
Criminal justice and policing
  • Police governance, accountability and complaints
  • Policing ethics
  • Evidence and procedure
  • Investigative interviewing
  • Safeguarding (Children and Adults)
  • Cyberdeviance
  • Cyber bullying / harassment
  • Policing, racism and diversity

See a list of potential PhD supervisors and read about their expertise, in the 'Supervisors' section lower down the page. 

Police officers with suspect person

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Criminology with us?

Why study Criminology with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and supportive of my studies. The relatively small size of the University’s postgraduate school created a close family/communal environment for both staff and students. This provided a good support system as I could quickly grow acquainted with the postgraduate team and other Doctoral research candidates.

Abdulazeez Rotimi - PhD
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Research article by Professor Karim Murji

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Course detail

Course detail

You will have a supervisory team made up of a Director of Studies with expertise in your chosen field, a further supervisor and, where appropriate, an additional adviser. Your research will be judged through the presentation of a thesis or artefact and a viva voce for academic assessment. We provide a stimulating and supportive environment where you will benefit from: 

  • peer feedback and discussion   
  • a series of master classes and lectures from industry figures   
  • support by a supervisor and a second supervisor suited to your project. 

About PhD study

This course is available for you to study either on a full-time or part-time basis and you have the flexibility to switch should you need to.

A PhD is founded on independent research.  You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.  

The support provided by your supervisory team will be vital to your student experience and scholarly advancement.  You and your supervisors will have regular one-to-one meetings which will provide you with opportunities to develop your research topic and discuss your progress.

School of Health and Human Science's Research Centres

Our School is closely involved in the Cybersecurity and Criminology Centre.

The Cybersecurity and Criminology Centre investigates crime and security as part of the complex challenge that face citizens, governments and businesses in London and beyond.

Our research record

View our academic journal 'New Vistas'  to see the work of students and academics who are making an impact both locally and globally through their research findings. 

Location

Based in the heart of Ealing, west London, you can make use of the excellent transport links to travel to the the capital or further afield - ideal for attending research meetings and networking events.

Got a question?

If you would like guidance or more information about studying for a research degree, you can contact Professor Karim Murji. 

To enable you to enhance your professional profile, we support you throughout your research degree by:

  • providing research seminars
  • organising doctoral events and activities
  • facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities
  • encouraging and supporting publication and dissemination of your research
  • offering opportunities to gain teaching expertise and experience.

We provide structured research training, expert supervision, and an environment where you can discuss your research with other PhD students and researchers.

We run seminars in research methods from the Graduate Centre, as well as an ongoing series of events and activities organised by Schools and Colleges. Specialist help with academic English for students for whom English is not their first language is available.

Crime scene rooms

The crime scene room enables students on criminology, policing and forensics courses to learn from scenarios based on real-life police investigations.

Biopacs

Our Biopac tools allow us to measure physiological indicators such as heart rate, sweat responses, and electromyography (EMG).

Cantab Cognitive Research Software

The software helps us measures cognitive functions in  correlation to neural networks. It allows us to understanding the role of specific brain functions across a range of disorders and syndromes.

Observation room

Our observation room has the look and feel of a domestic setting but consists of wall mounted cameras and live video feed.  These are managed from the control room which has recording facilities.

The Paul Hamlyn Library

The Paul Hamlyn Library provides an extensive range of books, journals and digital resources, PC and Mac workstations and a variety of study spaces. Find out more about what the Paul Hamlyn Library has to offer.

We contribute to national and international initiatives and promote collaboration and networking opportunities. We also encourage and support you to publish and disseminate your research in academic journals and via presenting papers at conferences.

We run an annual conference for doctoral students, where you are encouraged to present a paper about your research. As well as being an opportunity to discuss your work with other students, the conference is a chance to gain valuable experience in presenting your research and participating in open discussions with academic peers.

You will also find other opportunities such as postgraduate student seminars and forums within your specific subject area.

Community

Once you start a PhD course at UWL, you become part of our research community. You will have access to a postgraduate common room, located at our Ealing campus on St Mary’s Road, where you will meet fellow researchers from other subject disciplines offering scope for collaborations or simply to discuss ideas, allowing you to be part of a vibrant research environment.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

  • a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
  • a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.

We look for students with:

  • dedication
  • enthusiasm
  • a passion for their chosen subject.

You will also have a well thought through and persuasive proposal.

 

6.5 IELTS or above

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

  • a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
  • a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
  • Competence in written and spoken English is a pre-requisite for entrance to this programme.
    An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0).

We look for students with:

  • dedication
  • enthusiasm
  • a passion for their chosen subject.

You will also have a well thought through and persuasive proposal.

 

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

Funding for postgraduate students usually comes from one or more of a range of key sources:

  • research councils
  • charities and trust funds, including those funded by the UK government
  • higher Education institutions
  • overseas governments (international students only)
  • employers
  • professional and career development loans
  • self-funding (including family funds).

Find out more about funding opportunities.

Examples of most of these types of funding are included on the postgraduate studentships website, (with the exception of funding you may be able to obtain from your employer and self-funding).

Bursaries and scholarships

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit.
See our PhD scholarships, scholarships and bursaries.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

For any overseas students, your first port of call should be grant-awarding bodies in your own country (eg The Ministry / Department of Education) and your local (or nearest) office of the British Council.

The British Council manage a small number of international studentship grants in some countries and should be able to tell you what other awards may be available to you - they also produce the Sources of funding for international students guide.

See our International pages for more information
Supervisors

Supervisors

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A man listening during a lecture

Studying for a PhD enables you to develop an area of specialism that will give you an edge whether you are planning to work in industry or to develop expertise to teach in academia.

Many of our research graduates find success in academic careers, both in the UK and internationally. Others carve out paths in non-governmental organisations, local authorities, specialised think tanks, government departments, charities, media production, and market research.

By the end of your PhD degree, you'll have gained the skills, experience, and knowledge to step into postdoctoral work, be it in research and teaching or another related profession.

 

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.