PhD Criminology at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Research PhD allowing an in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of a criminological issue, producing new knowledge to inform policy, practice and future research. Criminologists study how behaviours come to be defined as criminal, why definitions and responses vary over time and place, and how best to respond to harmful behaviours.

Department: School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work | Intake: Entry year 2027/28 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised independent research on a chosen criminological topic. Students may join research centres including the Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice and the Centre for Children's Rights, and take part in the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School training and development programme. Staff specialisms include justice and conflict, policing, youth crime, victimisation, international criminal justice, alcohol and drug use, imprisonment, trauma and violence, and the criminology of war.

Career pathways

Many PhD graduates have gone on to careers in academia, government organisations, the community and voluntary sector, private industry and consultancy. Students have a dedicated Careers Consultant and the Researcher Plus initiative.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally an upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK or ROI higher education provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification.

International applicants: GBP 23,600 a year (2027/28). International fee (EU Other students are charged the same); single year of study, subject to annual inflationary increase; bench fees may apply and are not included Source

Intake: October 2027

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