- Research
Policing and Law Enforcement PhD
Overview
Research, consider and reflect on different aspects of policing and law enforcement at the Institute for Policing Studies (IPS). We have local, national and international connections with a broad range of policing and law enforcement institutions such the Metropolitan Police Service, Cambodian Police, South Korean Police and Vietnamese Police, the United Kingdom Borders Force, NHS Counter Fraud Authority, and Fraud Advisory Panel and Institute of Money Laundering Control.
The Institute for Policing Studies (IPS) has a wealth of practical expertise in policing. The majority of our people that work in IPS have a breadth and depth of operational skills, practice and knowledge of policing. Combined with extensive academic knowledge we, in IPS, are able to supervise candidates that wish to complete a PhD by research.
The research interests in the IPS are:
- Police Interview Techniques
- Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Police Interviews
- Forensic Interviews
- Decision-Making in Investigations
- Ethnicity, Identity, and Policing
- Community Policing and Building Trust
- Policing Accountability and Ethics
- Public / Private Policing
- Management of Offenders by Police
- Cross-border cooperation: Exchange of data
- Policing Organised Crime
- Policing Fraud
- Policing Corruption
- Policing and the use of AI
These research interests above are broad and proposals are welcome across the spectrum of research that encompasses policing. Completing a PhD takes 4 years full-time and 6 years part-time.
See a list of potential PhD supervisors and read about their expertise, in the 'Supervisors' section lower down the page.
![Student at computer researching PhD](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2024-08/study.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=8g2YOV8M)
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.
Why study Policing and Law Enforcement with us?
![A collage of students](/sites/uwl/files/styles/testimonial_slider/public/2019-02/Collage%20%282%29%20small%20squares.jpg?h=83bcce71&itok=ENEiNjj2)
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.
![A female student sitting down with a mentor](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-11/Tiles%20-%20UWL%20Website%20%2849%29.png?h=57024e64&itok=VIg2dkby)
![study full time or part time](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-10/Tiles%20-%20UWL%20Website_1.jpg?h=c0c7dbfc&itok=otsrPAdV)
World-leading Research
The University of West London has been recognised by the Government's Research Excellence Framework (REF) for its exceptional research work.
![Research REF PHD World-leading](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/two_column_medium_up/public/2023-10/%E2%80%9Cworld-leading%E2%80%9D%20%281%29.png?h=8abcec71&itok=9qqqhoze)
Cybersecurity and Criminology Centre
Research to examine, analyse and assess current and future criminal threats to individuals, organisations and national security.
![Biometric data being scanned from a hand.](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/two_column_medium_up/public/2020-01/uwl_26389464832.jpg?h=aec3a55f&itok=s5Azmylg)
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.
Our Research Centres
The IPS is linked with 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 wish to enquire about a PhD by research, please contact Prof Graham Brooks on graham.brooks@uwl.ac.uk
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.
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
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.
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
The fee above is the cost per 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.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
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.
The fee above is the cost per 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.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
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.
Study & career progression
![Two students studying in the library](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2024-08/uwl_50074907797.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=yB_eBBMb)
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 go on to take up roles within academia whilst others pursue careers in areas such as the criminal justice sector, government, or civil service. Potential career paths include roles within organisations such as the Metropolitan Police, the probation or prison services, and local, national, or international government departments.
You could also work as a consultant within an organisation or open up your own business.
How to apply
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline (5000 words maximum)
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline (5000 words maximum)
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline (5000 words maximum)
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline (5000 words maximum)
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline (5000 words maximum)
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline (5000 words maximum)
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![Two professionals carrying laptops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2019-06/Two%20professionals%20carrying%20laptops.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=gneknZ7v)
To apply for one of our research courses, click the green 'apply now' link shown below to complete an online application form. You will need to attach the following documentation to your online application form:
- research proposal outline
- CV
- transcript of your highest qualification.
The research proposal outline, or statement of research interests, enables us to assess your suitability for higher degree work including:
- viability of the topic as a research study
- the most appropriate supervisor(s) to be appointed.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
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Student life at UWL
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.