Course overview
You build your knowledge and understanding of a specific research area alongside developing essential skills to undertake research at postgraduate level.
You are supported by an academic team with diverse knowledge and experience across the social sciences and socio-legal studies, facilitating an understanding of interdisciplinary research.
You are an active member of the vibrant interdisciplinary Institute for Collective Place Leadership and provided with an opportunity to contribute collaboratively to the Justice Hub.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
You are introduced to supervisory engagement and explore the structured development of your doctoral inquiry. You produce a suite of developmental outputs that underpin the viability and coherence of your research project.
You explore the conceptual frameworks and the practical techniques necessary for generating and interpreting high quality research data. You engage with a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, considering issues of rigour, validity and analytical coherence. You produce a methodological report, which is expected to contribute directly to the methodological chapter of the final project, ensuring an integrated and developmental approach to dissertation preparation.
Foundations of Research Design
You are introduced to the core principles of designing a robust and ethically sound research project. Through guided exploration of research paradigms, problem formulation and project planning, you develop and refine your research proposal.
Social Sciences and Socio-Legal Studies Thesis
You create an original contribution to knowledge or practice through high level, independent research.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Teaching is delivered in person through traditional lecture, seminar and workshop sessions, involving students in individual and group activities. You are provided with readings and tasks to complete in preparation for attendance during the sessions.
Face-to-face teaching is supported by supervisory meetings and additional guidance outside the classroom through our online virtual learning environment.
How you are assessed
Assessments are structured to support the successful completion of the research project. As such, the module Foundations of Research Design requires students to develop their research proposal, building on the plan submitted during the application process, and further enhanced by the Data Collection and Analysis module, which is partly assessed, by a research methodology intended for inclusion within the final thesis.
In addition to the research methods training, the Building your Research module supports students in designing and developing their thesis as a robust and viable research project. Assessed on a pass/fail basis through a structured portfolio, the module guides students in refining a clear thesis statement and literature review. Students will critically evaluate the viability of their research question, develop an outline structure and construct a detailed Gantt chart to demonstrate planning and project management skills.
Feedback is provided across informal and formal learning activities, including formative and summative assessments and research supervision meetings.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 undergraduate degree in addition to a Level 7 (postgraduate) qualification in a relevant discipline such as criminology, sociology, social policy, policing, politics, international relations and associated subjects such as psychology or history.
You will also need to attend an interview.
Applications from candidates who do not hold the standard academic entry requirements may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant research or professional experience.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting our international country pages.
Employability
Career opportunities
Graduates may go into senior, specialist or leadership roles across a wide range of sectors, including criminal justice, law and legal services, policing, local and national government, public services, policy, charities and the third sector, education and social research. It can also support careers in research and academia, including research, teaching and knowledge-exchange roles within universities.
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.