Aberystwyth is a university with a welcoming culture, and a thriving, vibrant research community. We’ve been named Welsh University of the Year 2020, have produced ground-breaking research, and we’re situated on the beautiful West Coast of Wales, so you’ll be studying in a location like no other!

Founded in 1901, the Department of Law and Criminology has an extensive, distinctive and varied experience of legal and criminological education and academic work. The Department of Law and Criminology is always keen to welcome research students who make an important contribution to the Department and University. We pride ourselves on the high standard of supervision provided for postgraduate students. You’ll find that your supervisor will not only be there to help, advise and offer encouragement, but also guide you through the PhD process.

We encourage our students to publish their research, in many different forms, including books and journal articles. Members of staff are happy to support you with this and give advice regarding publishing your work. The close-knit nature of our department means that you’ll have opportunities to cross collaborate and partake in the variety of research projects currently being undertaken. This has led to many of our students joint publishing with staff.

Your PhD is awarded upon the satisfactory completion of a thesis of between 80-100,000 words, followed by the viva voce examination, where you verbally defend your thesis. The normal period of registration is three years (full time) and it is expected that the thesis will be submitted within four years of initial registration. Part of the first year is spent undertaking research training. The second and third years involve full-time research into your chosen topic. Undertaking a PhD enables you to become expert in your chosen subject and to explore the intricacies of your subject, be it in law or criminology, in context. In order to satisfy the examiners, you must demonstrate originality of thought as well as detailed analysis.

Why do a PhD?

A PhD is an important qualification within and outside of academia. Within academia, and PhD is a major stepping stone in academic careers. It signifies that you are capable of undertaking detailed research and of presenting the results of that research in an understandable way. Outside of academia, a PhD may help further your chosen career and progress in employment. For others, a PhD is the logical next step after their undergraduate or Masters studies. A full-time PhD is a 3-4 year commitment, and a part-time PhD can be between a 6-8 year commitment. A PhD is a challenging, and a significant commitment, which is why they are the highest research degree qualification you can achieve. Nevertheless, undertaking a PhD is a rewarding experience. Regardless of why you chose to do a PhD, it comes with huge benefits. Whilst a PhD is certainly challenging, it is a rare opportunity for you to spend three to four years working on a subject that excites, fascinates and inspires you. It will equip you will skills which go well beyond expertise in your subject area. You will learn the discipline of organising and completing a major research project; you will develop the discipline to see it through; and you will learn much about yourself and how you handle such a major challenge.