Course overview
Develop 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 for you if you work, volunteer or research in the criminal justice system and allied professions.
You learn from experienced internationally published academics with a broad range of professional and academic expertise in criminology, criminal justice, and law and policing. Benefit from our strong links with criminal justice organisations, as well as 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
This course is delivered completely online. You learn through lectures, seminars, guided discussion and assigned reading.
How you are assessed
You receive continuous feedback from tutors and peers through discussion forums.
You complete a range of informal and formal assessments. Formal assessment includes an advanced independent work project, critical essays and reviews, research proposals, case study analyses and professional discussions.
Entry requirements
You are expected to 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
Employability
Career opportunities
The Doctorate in Criminal Justice allows you to explore key theoretical principles combined with applied research, preparing you for careers in the criminal justice sector such as in support roles, investigation, intelligence, enforcement and custodial roles, and forensics.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
