Doctorate in Social Sciences and Socio-Legal Studies at Teesside University

Programme overview

Doctorate in which students build knowledge of a specific research area alongside the skills for postgraduate research, supported by an interdisciplinary team across the social sciences and socio-legal studies. Students are members of the Institute for Collective Place Leadership and can contribute to the Justice Hub.

Department: Criminology | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time | Location: Middlesbrough, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Building Your Research (pass/fail portfolio), Data Collection and Analysis, Foundations of Research Design and the Social Sciences and Socio-Legal Studies Thesis, an original contribution to knowledge or practice. Teaching is in person through lectures, seminars and workshops with supervisory meetings.

Career pathways

Graduates may move into senior, specialist or leadership roles in criminal justice, law and legal services, policing, local and national government, public services, policy, charities and the third sector, education and social research, as well as research and academic roles in universities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:1 undergraduate degree in addition to a Level 7 (postgraduate) qualification in a relevant discipline such as law, criminology, sociology, social policy, policing, politics, international relations, or associated subjects such as psychology or history. Applicants are interviewed by a member of the course team and provide a brief research plan (course form) outlining the proposed area of study; the interview covers educational and research experience, ideas for original research and ability to communicate clearly in standard English. Applications are considered against the team's ability to support the proposed area.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,710 a year (2026/27). Full-time, 2026-27 entry Source

International applicants: GBP 17,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time, 2026-27 entry Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time

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