Doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice DCCJ

Duration: Four–six years part-time

Attendance: In the first year attendance is usually half a day per week. In the second year mainly distance learning apart from induction sessions. The remaining years are independent research with supervision

Start: September 2013

• Normally a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate subject
• Students without an Honours degree and/or those seeking to test their academic skills prior to entry onto the course can apply to take one module, or the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Research Design (Criminology and Criminal Justice) (60 credits) either of which, on successful completion, will meet the entry requirements for the doctorate
• Candidates should be working at a senior level in practice or management in the CC J sector and have the support of their employer to enrol on to the doctorate
• Candidates will need to attend an interview as part of the application process

 

English language requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent

We aim to develop independent researchers who are able to integrate theoretical knowledge of research into professional practice.

You will be actively engaged in the pursuit of original knowledge in your professional field.

Assessment in phase one is via a number of different methods including assignments, presentations and research proposals. In addition you will develop and maintain a scholarly portfolio supported by your supervisory team which will include two doctoral supervisors and a practice adviser from your own area of employment.

The course is structured in two phases. Phase one consists of five taught research modules totalling120 level 7 credits. These modules may be taken over a period of two-four years, but must be completed before phase two begins. The modules are:

Criminological Research (30 credits)
will seek to establish a grounded and critical understanding of social and criminological research methodology and application

Research Dilemmas and Strategies (30 credits)
is designed to develop advanced and specialist knowledge in the fields of (1) research strategies and (2) philosophical assumptions underlying research decisions

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (30 credits)
is designed to give a thorough appreciation of handling complex data sets, analysing quantitative data and presenting numerical data graphically in an accessible fashion

Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis (15 credits)
will extend basic understanding of numerical data analysis

Research into Practice (15 credits)
will give you the opportunity to focus on managing your research from start to finish with a requirement to cost your research project, consideration of funding opportunities and the need to demonstrate how you would disseminate your research through publication and presentation

The research modules are designed to enable you to gain a complete understanding of research design and methodology as a prerequisite to undertaking an independent research study applied to your particular practice discipline. You must achieve an average of 60 percent across all five modules in order to progress to phase two. If you choose to step off the course during phase one you may be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Research Design (Criminology and Criminal Justice) (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Research Design(Criminology and Criminal Justice)(120 credits) depending on the achievement of the appropriate number of credits.

Phase two consists of an independent research study leading to a thesis of 50,000–55,000 words and examined at doctoral level in part by viva voce (oral exam). Phase two builds on the work undertaken in phase one and leads to the production of original work of publish able quality. Phase two will take a minimum of two years to complete. If you step off the course or cannot complete the course you may be eligible for the award of Master of Arts in Applied Research Design (Criminology and Criminal Justice).

All staff who support students on the course have backgrounds in the CCJ sector including probation, policing, youth justice, prisons and the third sector, and have researched and published extensively. For example; Professor Hazel Kemshall is a leading expert in the theory and practice of risk assessment and management; Rob Canton is professor of community and criminal justice. He has taught, researched and written on a number of probation and penal topics. He was appointed by the Council of Penological Co-operation within the Council of Europe as an expert and drafted the European Probation Rules. In 2010 he was appointed as a specialist adviser to the House of Commons Justice Select Committee in its enquiry into the role of the probation service.

This is a research degree culminating in an independent research study examined at doctoral level. As such it is the highest award a university can confer, equivalent to a PhD.

This course enables senior practitioners and managers to further enhance their careers in the area of research, management and education. Practitioners and managers holding the doctorate will be equipped with the highest level of research skills and will be enabled to apply research to their own practice.

The doctorate enables such staff to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the practice discipline and to beat the forefront of policy making for the future benefit of all stake holders in the community and criminal justice sectors.

UK/EU
Full-time	N/A
Part Time
Phase 1 15 Credit Modules	£395
Phase 1 120 Credits	£3160
Phase 2 Independent Research	£9152
International
Full-time	£12,200

 

UKPASS is the postgraduate equivalent of UCAS and gives you a simple and efficient way to apply online. It allows you to search for a course and guides you through the application process. Using UKPASS you can apply for up to ten courses for free.

You can create your application in your own time, so you can consider, research and complete each section at your own speed. You can track your applications as they progress, and can also receive and reply to offers online. Apply online with UKPASS|

You will need to attach qualification transcripts, references and evidence of English language (if you are an overseas student) with your UKPass application. If these documents are not attached to your original application, this will delay the process of your application. 

 

• Master’s in Research (Criminology and Criminal Justice) MRes
• Master’s by Research MA/MSc

I have always been impressed with De Montfort's approach to probation training, and recognise that over many years you and your colleagues have contributed enormously to the development of probation staff. The programmes at De Montfort University have given a strong ethical basis for their probation practice, and a sound understanding of the theory underpinning their practice.”

Steve Pestell, Director of Corporate Services,
Norfolk and Suffolk Probation Trust