Doctorate of Criminology & Criminal Justice (D.CCJ) at Liverpool Hope University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (D.CCJ) is designed for experienced professionals who wish to enhance policy, practice and organisational effectiveness through doctoral-level research. It is intended for practitioners, managers and leaders working across policing, probation, prisons, youth justice, community safety, criminal justice agencies and related sectors who wish to generate original knowledge capable of informing professional practice, policy and reform.

Faculty: School of Law and Criminology | Duration: 5 - 8 Years (Part-time) | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026 and January 2027 | Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Critical and Contemporary Issues, Introduction to Research in Practice, Literature Review in Your Specialism, Research Methods, Methodology and Methods in Your Specialism, Research Proposal.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is intended for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their professional expertise and enhance their influence within criminal justice and related sectors. Graduates develop advanced capabilities in research, critical reflection, leadership and evidence-informed decision-making.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Applicants should also normally demonstrate a minimum of three years of sustained professional experience relevant to the proposed field of doctoral study. For the Doctor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, applicants would typically have substantial experience within policing, probation, prisons, youth justice, community safety, criminal justice agencies, victim support services or related professional contexts. Applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to achieve IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,750 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) home fee per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,500 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) EU/international fee per year Source

Intake: September 2026 and January 2027

Duration: 5 - 8 Years (Part-time)

Apply through the official page: https://www.hope.ac.uk/postgraduateresearch/howtoapply/applyonline/

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