PhD Criminology at Swansea University

Programme overview

The PhD in Criminology is a research degree in which students pursue an original project in a field such as criminal justice, policing, cybercrime or youth justice, supervised in the School of Social Sciences at Swansea.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences | Department: Criminology | Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | Intake: October, January, April and July | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research projects are agreed with supervisors in areas such as criminal justice in Wales, cybercrime and terrorism, desistance, gender-based violence, organised crime, policing, probation, sentencing and courts, social harms, and youth justice.

Career pathways

A research degree in Criminology can lead to an academic career or improve employment prospects in a range of other fields.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for PhD or MPhil study must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) and a master's degree with an overall grade of Merit. IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0 (or Swansea University recognised equivalent). Admissions decisions may also take into account the standard of the research synopsis or proposal, performance at interview, competition for places and relevant professional experience. One reference is required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,750 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition, year 1; rate for an October start in the year shown Source

Intake: October, January, April and July

Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

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