Course overview
Improve your ability to apply theory to practice in criminal justice at a doctoral level, enhancing your career and evidence-based practice in the sector. Gain highly valued critical, analytical and evaluative skills that deepen your understanding of the criminal justice environment and prepare you to be a leader in the field. This course is ideal if you work, volunteer or research in the criminal justice system and allied professions and want to influence policy and practice.
Learn from our experienced, internationally published academics who have a broad range of professional and academic expertise in criminology, criminal justice, law and policing. You benefit from our strong links with criminal justice organisations and related sectors.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
You conduct a self-initiated doctoral-level research project that contributes new knowledge to criminal justice. Your project is based on the literature review and research proposal that you have developed over the course of the degree.
You explore the modern criminal justice system’s structure, including the police, courts, prison estate and probation service. Developing your understanding of modern approaches to criminal justice, you examine contemporary policing and court reform, and external factors influencing these systems. Some of these include austerity measures, pandemic lockdowns and victim’s rights campaigns.
Criminal Justice Research: From Planning to Practice
Develop the knowledge and skills you need to conduct primary and secondary research around criminal justice. Delve into research philosophies, ethics, methodologies, data collection methods and data analysis.
Explore your chosen area of professional practice and engage critically with the literature in this area, preparing you for advanced independent study. You complete individual supervisions with your personal supervisor drawn from your discipline.
You undertake a pilot study after determining the most appropriate brief for your study. Critically evaluate the lessons you learn in this study and consider how to adapt your research design for your main study. This may include highlighting important preliminary findings or themes, the value of a particular research instrument or relevant aspects of the research environment.
Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice
Explore your professional practice in the criminal justice sector by applying your individual experiences to wider research context. The concept of the reflective practitioner is central, as you are encouraged to develop a critical, reflective and ethical stance toward your practice.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through lectures, case studies and other forms of study. Modules are designed to develop your skills as an analytical, critical, creative and reflective learner.
How you are assessed
You complete a range of informal and formal assessments. Formal assessment includes critical essays, reflective reports, case study analysis, oral assessments, professional conversations, research plans and critical reviews.
Entry requirements
You should be engaged as a professional/researcher or volunteer in the criminal justice system or allied professions.
You should have:
- a relevant and appropriate master’s level qualification, or 60 credits in relevant level 7 study, achieved in the last five years
- at least two years professional or volunteering experience in a relevant field.
In some circumstances, you may be accepted with other experience or qualifications in the criminal justice or allied sector.
All applications are subject to interview.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
This course is designed to advance your career in the criminal justice sector and allied professions, supporting your development as an expert practitioner and researcher with relevance to both policy and practice.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
