We welcome applications for PhD research degrees in a wide range of criminological topics. For students who wish to study for a shorter period, we also offer a two-year MPhil research degree.

As a research student you will be supervised by one or more of our academic staff, meeting with them periodically to discuss your research and progress (supervision via video-conferencing is available for students who are not based in Lancaster). Your supervisors are also able to give you guidance on preparing for conferences and writing for publication, as well as advice on academic and other careers. You will also undertake Faculty based research training.

Criminology is researched and taught within Lancaster University Law School, which is a vibrant research environment where many colleagues are engaged in numerous aspects of criminological research. You will be invited to attend any guest lectures and seminars hosted by the School, as well as encouraged to join and participate in the activities of the Law School’s different research groups and centres. We also host student-led seminars, arranged by the research students themselves for the discussion of work in progress.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.