Course overviewJoin our supportive and expert community of researchers as a student on our MSc by Research or PhD programme. We produce innovative research offering insights and solutions for society’s most pressing challenges.We welcome proposals for research degrees on a wide range of topics relating to criminology or policing. Our team’s particular research strengths lie in:Restorative justice and restorative practiceDomestic abuse, stalking and coercive controlSexual and gender-based violenceHomicideCrimes of the powerful and state criminalityPenologySports criminologyGreen criminology and wildlife crimeBlue criminology and contemporary maritime piracyGenocide, war crimes and crimes against humanityPost-conflict societies and transitional justiceAlternative and community justicePolicing practice and policyYouth crime and justicePolice professionalisationStudy styleStudents can study either full time or part time alongside employment or family commitments. In recognition of the fact that no two research projects – or research students – are the same, we offer a flexible approach to supporting you. You will have access to hot-desk office space and library and ICT support. MSc students will typically take two research methods training modules, which are also available to PhD students.Contributing original knowledge to your chosen specialism in criminology and policing, you will develop your own research project under the guidance of an expert team of our academic supervisors. You will develop a 30,000-word thesis on the MSc by Research programme, or an 80,000-word thesis on the PhD programme. You may also have the opportunity, subject to progress, upgrade from the MSc by Research programme to the PhD programme if you wish to develop your MSc project into a PhD.You will be supported to develop an extensive range of research skills and professional aptitudes to ensure you graduate as an expert independent professional researcher. This training is delivered through an exciting research design and methods programme and a range of bespoke workshops – connecting you to researchers and research students across the university. You will be invited to participate in our Academic School’s research seminar series and to attend events and training arranged by our Early Careers Researcher network. Dedicated office space is provided for postgraduate researchers at our Francis Close Hall campus in Cheltenham. CareersOur postgraduate research students cultivate a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally, preparing them for successful careers within academia and beyond.As a postgraduate research student at UoG, you’ll develop and refine a range of skills across research, academic practice, project management and critical analysis to equip you for your future. Whether it’s contributing to ground-breaking academic research or applying problem-solving skills in the workplace, we’ll ensure you’re ready to take on your next challenge.This versatility opens doors to opportunities across various sectors, from education and research institutions to commercial organisations and NGOs, where you’ll have the confidence to apply your researcher skills and develop innovative solutions to meet your ambitions.