Swansea University

Professional Doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice, DCrim

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

The Professional Doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (DCrim) is a part-time programme designed for those working in the criminal justice and third sector in Wales, the UK or internationally. It offers an opportunity to approach issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice in a professional, critical manner, through a combination of taught modules and doctoral level study. The DCrim at Swansea will be research led throughout, supported by academics with international reputations for excellence.

The modules offered are designed to support students to systematically acquire and understand a ‘substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront’ of research and practice, as well an understanding of advanced research methods, in line with requirements for doctoral degrees. Throughout your academic experience, you will receive increased contact with cutting edge research, augmenting an understanding of a wide range of issues with support from personal tutors and the programme director via online and in-person meetings. The structure of the DCrim comprises a taught phase which includes five modules taken over three years, and a research phase, during which time you will produce a doctoral thesis.

During the research phase you will undertake your own research, to be presented and defended during a viva voce examination, as with other doctoral programmes. Due to the nature of the programme, the level of commitment to research and dedication to study and research time is essential and should be considered alongside other lifestyle commitments. The programme allows minimum candidature of six years and a submission date of seven years.

Why Swansea: When you join our thriving community of postgraduate research students, you’ll become part of a supportive and friendly environment where we are dedicated to understanding some of society’s most challenging issues. We have a wide range of expertise which includes, but is not limited to: Criminal justice in Wales Cybercrime and terrorism Digital technology in the criminal justice system Desistance Gender based violence and violence against women domestic and sexual violence Illegal and informal economies Maritime security and crime Policing, governance and political economy Probation and offender management services Organised crime Sentencing and courts Sex work Social harms Sports-based violence and criminality Violent and sex offenders Youth justice Postgraduate training is available to enhance academic, personal and professional development, as well as research seminars, workshops, and international conferences. As a student at our School of Social Sciences, you will benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines and develop links with organisations and policymakers both in the UK and abroad.

As such, you can be confident that your research will inform and be informed by the wider criminal justice environment. Based in the Scho

Key highlights

  • Designed for professionals in criminal justice and the third sector
  • Five taught modules over three years, then a doctoral thesis
  • Advanced research methods training alongside cutting-edge criminology research
  • Personal tutor and programme director support online and in person
  • Expertise includes cybercrime, youth justice, policing and gender-based violence
  • Links with organisations and policymakers in the UK and abroad

Entry requirements

  • Additional condition: interview — Applicants will be invited to an interview with the programme leadership team.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • Senior probation officer
  • Criminal justice policy adviser
  • Criminology lecturer
  • Criminal justice researcher
  • Senior police officer
  • Third sector programme manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: £2,575 per year | International: £9,250 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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