Doctorate Criminal Justice Online

The Doctorate of Criminal Justice (DCrimJ) at Teesside University is a professional doctoral programme designed for individuals already working, researching, or volunteering within the criminal justice system who wish to advance as experts and leaders in their field. The course develops advanced critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making skills, empowering students to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges and help shape new policies within the justice sector.

The programme is taught by experienced academics who have both professional and research expertise in criminology, law, and policing. Students will undertake a major doctoral-level research project that contributes original knowledge to the field of criminal justice.

Assessment methods include research reports, critical essays, professional discussions, research proposals, and a final project review. All teaching and learning activities, including lectures, discussions, and supervision, are conducted 100% online via Teesside University’s Brightspace learning platform.

Teesside University, located in Middlesbrough, UK, is a modern public institution recognised as the “Modern University of the Year” by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, including this advanced Doctorate in Criminal Justice (Online).

With strong industry partnerships and award-winning teaching, Teesside is renowned for its innovation, research excellence, and commitment to student success. Its campus, situated in the centre of Middlesbrough, has been transformed through extensive modernisation to create a world-class academic environment.

Applicants must already be working, researching, or volunteering within the criminal justice system or a closely related area. Admission decisions are based on interviews with academic staff and evidence of a commitment to improving professional practice and policy through advanced research.

Grade Requirements:

• A relevant master’s level qualification or 60 credits of postgraduate study at Level 7, completed within the last five years.
• At least two years of professional or voluntary experience in a related field.
• Applicants with significant experience and alternative qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Proficiency:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no component below 5.5) or an equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) score.

The tuition fee for international students enrolling in the Doctorate in Criminal Justice (Online) programme is £7,710 per year. Fees are subject to periodic review and change.

Teesside University offers financial support options which may include scholarships for eligible students, given as a reduction in the tuition fee. Applicants should check the university's funding pages for specific doctoral-level opportunities. For international students, this may include the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£7,000 fee waiver) and the Global Excellence Scholarship (£2,000 fee waiver), which are often available for postgraduate taught or research programmes.

The Doctorate in Criminal Justice (Online) graduates can pursue various career roles, including:

• Policy Maker or Advisor (influencing criminal justice policy)
• Senior Manager/Leader within the Police or Prison Service
• Expert Researcher in a criminal justice organisation.
• Academic or Lecturer in criminology or law
• Consultant Practitioner (specialising in evidence-based practice)

Applications for the Doctorate in Criminal Justice (Online) programme are made directly through the Teesside University website. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to AHZ’s experienced counsellors for expert guidance throughout the admission process.