PhD in Criminology

The distance learning PhD is ideal for those who are based away from Leicester or who want to combine working for a research degree with their professional and personal commitments.Our distance learning PhDs offer a more flexible way to study for a research degree – allowing you to undertake a University of Leicester PhD wherever you are based in the world.

As with the campus-based PhD, you will undertake a substantial research project that is written up as a thesis of 80,000 words and defended in an oral exam (the viva voce).

Course Description

Standard academic entry requirements and English language entry requirements apply. Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time, part-time or distance learning). For clarification please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.

Tuition Fees

Total Course Fee 2020/21 entry

UK/EU Distance learning

  • Starting in 2020/21 academic year: £20,825 (Total course fee)

International Distance learning

  • Starting in 2020/21 academic year: £24,930 (Total course fee)

For distance learning study if you are living outside of the UK/EU during your studies you will pay the International fee.

 

Paying for distance learning

The fees quoted are the total fee for the PhD distance learning programme and can be paid by the following options:.

  • Total course fee paid in full before first registration
  • Total course fee split into four annual payments with first annual payment made in full before first registration
  • Total course fee split into 12 equal instalments paid spread over years 1-4 of the study. The first instalment to be paid before first registration
  • If study extends beyond the 4th year no further fees are required

A payment schedule will be sent with the offer letter.

Funding

For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.

If you are living outside of the UK/EU during your studies you will pay the International fee. For clarification please contact us.

If you have any questions about this course, contact us 0244565928 / 0244176389, info@idecghana.com or visit our resource centre at the Ashia Court, 7 Dr. Isert Road, North Ridge, Accra.

Key Facts

Contact:

0244565928 /0244176389 /

info@idecghana.com

or visit our resource centre at the Ashia Court, 7 Dr. Isert Road, North Ridge, Accra.

Registration Period
Minimum- Four Years
Maximum – Seven Years

Qualification
There is no difference between the distance learning PhD qualification and the campus based equivalent and both degrees are recognised internationally and no distinction of mode of study is made on the degree certificate.

Supervisory Support

All distance learning PhD research students are allocated a personal supervisor who will help you plan and manage your research and develop your understanding of relevant research methodology.

You’ll keep in touch with your supervisor through regular supervisory meetings provided online or by telephone.

Research Skills Training

We have nearly twenty years’ experience in supporting distance learning postgraduates.

Distance learning PhD research students undertake a structured programme of research training, delivered entirely through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings, and discussion through the University’s online virtual learning environment.

The training covers core skills including:

  • Requirements of the PhD degree and expectations for the thesis
  • Finding and reviewing academic literature
  • Formulating and refining research questions
  • Research ethics
  • Academic writing
  • Quantitative research and analysis
  • Qualitative research and analysis

University Resources

Alongside this core training, distance learners have access to a range of online resources and materials to help you:

  • develop an effective working relationship with your supervisor
  • develop your broader academic writing skills including related concepts such as referencing and avoiding plagiarism
  • plan and manage the writing of your thesis and prepare for the viva exam

You’ll also have access to the University Library’s online resources for distance learning researchers including remote access to some 18,000 electronic journals, books, and databases.

Visiting Leicester

Distance learning PhD research students are registered on probation for the first twenty-four months of their degree. Over this period you will complete your research skills training and your overall suitability for a PhD programme will be monitored.

At the end of this period your progress will be assessed and, subject to this being satisfactory, you can then continue with your degree.

You will be required to visit Leicester both for your probation review and for your viva exam at the end of your degree. You are not required to visit Leicester at any other time, but distance learners are welcome to do so should they wish to:

  • meet their supervisor or fellow researchers
  • use facilities such as the University Library
  • attend training sessions or other University events for researchers

Applications and Further Details

How to apply

  1. Make sure we offer PhD/MPhil supervision in the area in which you want to work. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors prior to submitting an application.
  2. Secondly, you should submit a pre-application email. This should be submitted to crimphd@le.ac.uk in advance of submitting a full proposal.
    When sending the pre-application email please provide the following:
    • The title of your proposal.
    • A brief summary of your proposal (approximately 500 words). This should include aims and objectives, a consideration of relevant literature and an identified research gap, your proposed research design and methodology, the data you anticipate collecting, and potential analysis techniques you will use.
    • The names of two potential supervisors from the department (or one if two cannot be identified).
    • How you intend to fund your studies.
    • A list of your qualifications or relevant professional experience if you do not meet minimum academic requirements.
  1. Once your pre-application has been approved, download and save the Research Proposal Form and prepare your proposal. Complete all sections and make sure that it tells us what you want to research, how you intend to do it, and why it is worth doing.
    You might be interested in signing up for our 5 week online course Discovering Your PhD Potential: Writing a Research Proposal. The course is offered through FutureLearn where you can register your interest for the next available course.
  2. Prepare your supporting documents with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements:
    • Include all relevant certificates/diplomas and transcripts
    • International applicants must provide official copies of their entire course transcripts including explanations of the mark schemes used and, where possible, an indication of their class ranking/position in class
    • Supporting documents not in English must be provided with a certified English translation
    • CV
    • You must also enter contact details for two academic (not personal) referees who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme or upload letters of reference if already available.
    • Personal Statement
  1. Submit your application using the Apply button at the bottom of this page. Upload your supporting documents and your completed Research Proposal Form.

When to apply

Campus-based courses

We have intakes in January, April, July and September each year.

Distance learning courses

We have intakes in January, April, July and September each year.

You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.

After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.

If you have any questions about the distance learning PhD or about PhD supervision in the Department of Criminology, please contact us.