Queen's University Belfast

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Criminology

• Criminology: School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work | PhD
• Overview
• Course content
• Entry Requirements
• Fees and Funding
• Apply

Overview

Studying a PhD in Criminology in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work allows students to take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminology in a stimulating, supportive and innovative environment. Criminologists are interested in understanding how behaviours come to be defined as ‘criminal’, why definitions and responses vary over time and place, how harmful behaviours can affect people and how best to respond to and manage such behaviours. Undertaking a PhD in Criminology allows for an in-depth examination of a criminological issue, which results in new knowledge, advances our understanding of that area and helps identify more effective ways to think about and respond to issues, helping to improve society and people’s lives. It provides a unique opportunity to develop your skills and become an expert on your chosen topic, with the findings of the PhD being used to inform policy, practice and future research.

Criminology Highlights

• Many of our PhD graduates have gone on to lead successful careers in academia, government organisations, the community and voluntary sector, private industry and consultancy. Throughout their studies, PhD in Criminology students are mentored by their PhD supervisors, with these supervisors not only providing help and support to complete the PhD research but also providing advice to PhD students on their career development. Additionally, PhD in Criminology students have access to a dedicated Careers Consultant to provide one-to-one support and advice on applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, developing C.V.s and enhancing career prospects. Students also benefit for unique initiatives, such as Researcher Plus, which bolster a student’s employability. Moreover, opportunities to engage with potential future employers are available through the work of PhD supervisors, participation in conferences and seminar, as well as the activities of the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School. PhD in Criminology students have the opportunity to interact with other PhD students attending Queen’s University Belfast through the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School. The Graduate School provides a beautiful space for PhD students to socialise and study, as well as a variety of training, development, employability and community/policy related opportunities to PhD students. Further information about the Graduate School and the services it provides is available at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/graduate-school/
• The School is situated across a suite of buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. Student and staff common rooms and access to study spaces are available. The McClay Library and Queen’s Student Centre and Students’ Union at One Elmwood has won architectural awards for their design and facilities. For instance, the Queen’s Student Centre and Students’ Union at One Elmwood has won the Commercial Construction Project of the Year award and Education Project of the Year award. This state-of-the-art building combines access to student services with the Student’s Union, in a space that provides a range of facilities for students to collaborate together in shared spaces, socialise, as well as get support and advice in world class facilities. The link below provides more information about this building, including a virtual tour: https://www.qub.ac.uk/students/one-elmwood/
• Criminology is taught by a group of internationally-recognised criminological researchers who specialise in areas, such as justice and conflict, policing, youth crime, victimisation, international criminal justice, alcohol and drug use, imprisonment, trauma and violence, as well as the criminology of war. Indeed, over 88% of the research submitted to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 by staff in the School was judged to be World Leading or Internationally Excellent. Staff publish world-class research which has local and global impact, with our research being used to inform policy and practice. To meet the criminology staff and read about our research, please visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/subject-area/criminology/
• The School of SSESW has a vibrant postgraduate community, consisting of over 160 local and international PhD students studying Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work and Education. This diversity enhances the student experience by exposing students to different disciplines, expanding their knowledge and skills, encouraging interdisciplinary research and broadening their research networks. PhD students are encouraged to play an active role within the School through their participation in research centres, presenting their research at the School’s annual research conference and attending the various social events that are held throughout the year. The Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice is one of the research centres that PhD in Criminology students may choose to join. This research centre brings together staff and PhD students from the School of Law and the School of SSESW in a friendly, supportive and interdisciplinary environment. It frequently invites guest speakers from other Universities to present their work, allowing PhD students to develop their research networks beyond Queen’s University Belfast, as well as hosting staff-student networking events, writing retreats, mentoring and publication sessions, as well as thesis presentation competitions. Another very popular research centre among PhD in Criminology students is the Centre for Children’s Rights. This research centres is a leading international centre focusing on research intended to better understand and improve children’s lives. This research centre is very active and provides a very supportive and collegial environment for PhD students to present their findings, engage with international experts and be exposed to world leading research. Further information about the research centres that PhD students can choose to join is available at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/research/environment-support/

Key Facts

PhD study will involve working with leading international academic experts in specialist fields within the discipline, with academics frequently working with government officials, internationally recognised organisations and the third sector.

• Criminology at Queens was ranked 7th in the UK according to The Times Good University Guide (2026).
• 99% of the QUB research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the Research Excellence Framework 2021 with SSESW research ranked 12th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Social Work and Social Policy UoA Table.
• Queen’s University Belfast was ranked 1st in the UK in the WhatUni Student (2026).

Research Information

Associated Research The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work combines a rich tapestry of disciplinary strengths, in Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy and Education, so that we proudly proclaim ourselves as key advocates for, the worth and value of the Social Sciences. Our research is primarily organised through the following two Research Centres: The Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice (ICCJ) The Centre for Children's Rights (CRC) More information about the Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice and its activities can be found at:

Research Impact The School attracts significant funding each year. Recent funding successes include large research awards from prestigious research councils; AHRC, ESRC, NIHR and the MRC. Examples of this work and how it has impacted on policy, practice and people’s lives can be found at the following link.

Research Success We also secure funding at a local level with peer reviewed funding streams, such as, for example HSC Research and Development Office, DHSSPS and charitable bodies. School research informs thinking and contributes to policy making at local, national and international levels. Examples of the research projects which have been funded by these organisations are available at:

PhD Opportunities The School attracts research students from many parts of the world and staff are open to allow ideas for PhD projects. If interested in undertaking a PhD in Criminology within the School, you are strongly encouraged to identify a member of the criminology staff who may be best placed to supervise your proposed project and then contact them to work on dealing your proposal. The research expertise and contact details of the criminology staff can be found at:

Career Prospects

Introduction Many of our PhD graduates have gone on to lead successful careers in academia, government organisations, the community and voluntary sector, private industry and consultancy. Throughout their studies, PhD in Criminology students are mentored by their PhD supervisors, with these supervisors not only providing help and support to complete the PhD research but also providing advice to PhD students on their career development. Students also benefit from unique initiatives, such as Researcher Plus, which bolster a student’s employability. Moreover, opportunities to engage with potential future employers are available through the work of PhD supervisors, participation in conferences and seminar, as well as the activities of the Graduate School. Additionally, PhD in Criminology students have access to a dedicated Careers Consultant to provide one-to-one support and advice on applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, developing C.V.s and enhancing career prospects. https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/careers-support-for-students/

Employment after the Course For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team on ahssdevoffice@qub.ac.uk / +44 28 9097 5175 The AHSS Development Officers will be happy to provide further information on your research area career prospects.

Meet our Staff SSESW

Professor Paul Best Director of Graduate Studies SSESW Email: P.Best@qub.ac.uk

Learning Outcomes

A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.

Course structure

PhD students are expected to undertake continuous training throughout their studies to enhance their skills and improve their employability. In particular, PhD students are expected to partake in research training modules that are offered by the School to develop their theoretical and research skills. These modules focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, and include participatory action research, arts-based research methods and multimodal interaction analysis, for example. Students are provided with the School’s PhD student training and engagement programme at the start of the academic year and this outlines the various modules that they can choose to attend. PhD students are expected to assess their training needs and identify appropriate training programmes under the guidance of their supervisor. PhD students will also take part in various seminars and activities designed to enhance their knowledge and develop their skillsets through membership of one of the School’s research centres. Moreover, additional training and personal development programmes are provided by the Subject Librarian from the McClay Library and the Graduate School Students will normally register, in the first instance, as an 'undifferentiated PhD student' which means that students have satisfied staff that they are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether a student should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until they have completed a 'differentiation'. Differentiation takes place 9-12 months after registration for full time students and 18-30 months for part time students. Students will be asked to submit work to a panel of two academics who will then meet with the student to verbally discuss their submitted work and proposed PhD project. Based on this discussion, the panel will make a judgement about their capacity to continue with their PhD studies based on the feasibility of their research design and commitment. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification, but this outcome is very rare. Assessment processes for the PhD in Criminology differ from taught degrees as students are expected to present drafts of their work to their supervisor at regular intervals who will provide written and oral feedback. Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the PhD in Criminology. After successful completion of a ‘differentiation’, students will be required to undergo an annual progress review once a year. This will involve submitting written work and the student presenting their work to a panel of academics within the School. This process is intended to support students to successfully complete their PhD studies. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their written thesis (approximately 80,000 words) to an internal and external examining team, who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce. A PhD in Criminology usually runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year (thesis only) in year 4 should it be required. A PhD in Criminology is open to both full and part-time candidates and is often a requirement for a career within academia. Full-time students are frequently attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue an area of academic interest in some depth. For part-time students, the research degree provides an exciting opportunity for professionals already working in the field to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest or related to their professional responsibilities. If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from our academic staff. Your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.

Assessment

Assessment processes for the research degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work to their supervisor at regular intervals who will provide written and oral feedback; A formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to submit written work and present their work to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce. Assessment processes for the PhD in Criminology differ from taught degrees as students are expected to present drafts of their work to their supervisor at regular intervals who will provide written and oral feedback. A formal assessment process takes place annually either differentiation or annual progress review. This will involve submitting written work and the student presenting their work to a panel of academics within the School. This process is intended to support students to successfully complete their PhD studies with successful completion of an APR each year, allowing students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their written thesis (approximately 80,000 words) to an internal and external examining team, who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and study spaces.

We offer office space and a computer as well as supporting the travel costs of students presenting at conferences.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning are centred on independent research undertaken under the supervision of experienced academic staff. Regular meetings with your supervisory team, combined with access to research training, seminars and workshops, will support the development of the advanced knowledge and research skills required to complete a high-quality thesis and contribute to your chosen field.

Development Opportunities Doctoral students are encouraged to participate in research centres and have the opportunity to present their research at the School’s annual research conference.

Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £23,600

International | £23,600

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Criminology costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Bench fees

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Download Postgraduate Prospectus

Research areas