• How and when do I apply?
• Do I have to submit a research proposal with my application?
• Can I study for a PhD by distance learning?
• Can I select my supervisor?
• Can I come and visit the Department?
• How will I be supported?
• Is there any support available for international students?
• What are the fees for your research degrees?
• How will I fund my studies?
• What learning facilities are available?
• Does the University offer any accommodation for postgraduates?
• I have further questions, who do I contact?

How and when do I apply?

Our PhD and MPhil programmes have four start dates per year - January, April, July and October. Applicants who wish to apply for a full-time PhD or MPhil are strongly advised to begin in October to take advantage of the research training programme offered by the University. Applicants are also advised to apply well before their chosen intake date. The easiest way to apply is online. For more information please visit our entry requirements and how to apply page.

Do I have to submit a research proposal with my application?

Yes you will need to submit a full research proposal along with your application and the other required supporting documents. We are not able to process your application without a research proposal. For more information about the research proposal and the other supporting documents required please visit our entry requirements and how to apply page.

Can I study for a PhD by distance learning?

We do not currently offer a PhD programme by distance learning. However, studying for a PhD or MPhil is more flexible than studying for a taught degree and we can design a suitable programme of work that enables students to enrol with us who are not able to visit Leicester on a frequent basis.

Can I select my supervisor?

Once we have received your research proposal we will match your area of interest to members of academic staff with knowledge of the subject area.  We will then encourage you to discuss the proposal with these academics with the purpose of putting together a suitable supervision team.  

Can I come and visit the Department?

We encourage all prospective students to come and visit the University if possible. The Department of Criminology holds open afternoons throughout the year where potential PhD students can come and visit the Department and meet members of staff.  For details of upcoming open afternoons please visit our open afternoons page.

How will I be supported?

The University's support services are designed to be here for you and to help you develop the skills you need to successfully study for your degree. The Graduate School coordinates both academic and pastoral support for postgraduate students. For more information about the services available to you please visit the Graduate School website. In the Department of Criminology, as well as your main supervisor, your progress will also be monitored by the Department's Thesis Committee.

Is there any support available for international students?

The International Office can provide all the information you need about applying for a course at the University of Leicester as well as advice on scholarships, English language programmes and the acceptability of international qualifications. Please visit the International Office website for further information.

What are the fees for your research degrees?

The full-time fees per year for the 2010/2011 academic year are £3,466 for home/EU students and £9,825 for international students. Part-time fees are 50% of this figure per year.

How will I fund my studies?

There are a range of options available. Please visit our fees and funding page for further information. Alternatively, please visit the funding opportunities section of the Graduate School website.

What learning facilities are available?

The recent £32 million refurbishment of the David Wilson Library means that it now combines stunning contemporary design with state-of-the-art technology to provide an inspirational place to study. It houses study spaces for 1,500 students, group study rooms, the careers service and has a wireless network for mobile computing. It also houses the Graduate School Reading Room, an area for the exclusive use of postgraduates and staff. The University provides access to over a million printed volumes and a digital library of some 18,000 electronic journals, electronic books and databases.

At the Department we have a shared office space for research students. Access is provided to telephone, fax and computing (including email) facilities. We also have a resource room with subject specific books which can be borrowed.

Does the University offer any accommodation for postgraduates?

The University offers a wide choice of self-catered rooms close to the University's academic campus in properties designated for postgraduate students. Our residences offer a range of prices and facilities. For more information on the halls of residence popular with postgraduates please visit the Accommodation Office website.

Many postgraduates choose to live in private accommodation. The Students' Union has its own Private Sector Accommodation Office. They can help you find good quality, reasonably priced housing.

I have further questions, who do I contact?

Applicants are encouraged to take a look at our Departmental research pages and also to take a look at the individual research interests of staff members. These can be found on each staff members' web page.

We are more than happy to answer any queries that you may have regarding our research degrees. If you have further questions regarding PhD/MPhil study at the Department of Criminology please contact Jo Oughton:

• Tel:+44 (0)116 252 5792

• Email: jo21@le.ac.uk

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