Course summary

Founded in 1901, the Department of Law and Criminology bases itself on a long, distinguished and increasingly varied experience of legal and criminological education and academic work. Over the years many well-known academics have taught in the Law School, and Aberystwyth law and criminology graduates have made their mark in a wide range of careers. The Law School is confident in its distinctive identity and reputation for teaching of high quality, linked to vigorous research activity carried out in a stimulating and friendly environment. The Law School’s library has all of the electronic resources expected of any institution offering a full legal education. The Department of Law and Criminology participated in the Research Excellence Framework (2014) assessment. That assessment found that 96.5% of publications submitted were of of an internationally recognised standard and that 98% of research activity in the department was rated as internationally recognised. The Department of Law and Criminology provides the opportunity to study for the research degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in most major areas of law and a number of more specialised topics. It is possible to study on either a full or part time basis. The Department is always keen to welcome research students, who make an important contribution to the Department and University. The Department prides itself on the high standard of supervision provided for postgraduate students. Students will find that their supervisor takes a keen interest in their progress, and is always on hand to offer encouragement, guidance and advice. In recent years many postgraduate students from the Department of Law & Criminology have published their research in the form of books and articles, and members of staff are always happy to give students advice about publication. There have also been several publications as a result of joint research projects between staff and postgraduates. The Department currently has about 48 full time postgraduate research students, as well as many others studying on a part-time basis. Research Training Research Training is provided to all postgraduate research students, and it is an institutional requirement that appropriate training be provided for research students in accordance with the requirements of either the ESRC or Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB), depending on the subject matter and methodology of the students research project. Requirements for completion for the PhD The degree of PhD requires a substantial thesis of approximately 80 000 - 100 000 words. The thesis will be written under the supervision of a member of staff of the Department. Those studying on a full time basis will also take a course on research skills and strategy, to assist them in acquiring the skills which are necessary for academic legal research. If their research project is within the area of socio-legal studies or criminology they will also be required to complete the ESRC approved Faculty Research Training Programme provided by the Faculty of Social science. This is undertaken in the first year of the PhD study and gives students training in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and social science research needs. Period of study for the PhD Full-Time: The normal period of registration for a full-time student is 3 years. Part-Time: The normal period of registration for a part-time student is 5 years.