PhD in criminology - anyone out there doing similar? Need advice please

[PavlovtheCat]

I want to do a PhD, but do not know where to start. I have emailed a couple of people in relation to it, at the appropriate departments, but nothing from them yet. I am also going to an open day next week but would like an idea of what to ask, and have some info on it all before i go, so i don't look clueless.

I had been looking at an MSc in criminal justice studies and saw some of the research teams and the areas they research, and it has really interested me, and I would love to go on to do a PhD.

Course routes - Do I have to do the MSc first? Can I start it and then continue onto the PhD, or do i have to restart the PhD separately once this is done, or go straight on to the PhD?

funding - How does the funding work? Am I likely to get my fees paid for the Msc or the PhD, likely, or possible, or not a chance? If no chance, how much do the fees cost? What are the possibilities of getting more than fees paid, ie maintenance, and would this apply if I did it part time?

Full time/part time - can I do it part time? I am working in the criminal justice field and the Msc is exactly what I do in my current role, so it would be beneficial both financially and in terms of professional development and study towards the Msc/PhD to continue working.

Choosing research - if I do the PhD do I have to submit my own topic of research or are there research areas that are offered? I have a broad but also deep interest in many areas of research that might be available, but worry that I might not be able to think of something specific enough. If I have to come up with my own research route, do I get guidance to identify exactly what it is I will be achieving?

Sorry for all the questions. I really want this, so want to be armed and ready to apply asap as the closing dates are soon I think.

Hi there. Have you tried The Open University? Their Master of Research programme is excellent with opportunities to continue the research to PhD level.

I am a second year full-time PhD student and had a MSc when I applied to do it, although there are some research students without a masters.

If you apply for a PhD studentship you will receive a tax- free salary which is about £1000 per month, plus you receive research expenses of £1000 per year.

Regarding research topics- I had the same dilemma when I was applying for the studentship. I ended up choosing a project title which was fairly relevant to my profession. However, I would recommend that if you are passionate about an area of your work to pursue something in that field.

Have you tried jobs.ac.uk ? Studentships are regularly advertised there.

Good luck with your application

oh thank you! If i get on it, but don't get a studentship, would i get fees paid? Of course I would like a salary, but, if the fees were paid and I could continue working in my current job part time, i would be very happy with that, i just want to study/spend my life discussing theory .

I will look at the website, and also look into OU. My local uni does the Msc and the PhD i am interested in (not sure about the PhD, its all a bit confusing), and i guess i would need to ask more details about it all at the open day next week.

How difficult is it to get a place? on either course? I feel my background and current employment makes me a perfect candidate as I already have a basic knowledge and groundwork with with to expand on, have practical understanding of the modules covered so can ideas that bit further.

At the O.U. full-time students who receive the paid studentships are allowed to work for 6 hours per week.

Part-time students get their fees paid but receive no salary. You could still work as much as you like if you go for this option. However, it may take you 6 years and up to 8 years to complete!

I am unsure how difficult it is to get a place on a course. I would imagine it is more difficult to get a paid studentship as each is dependent upon how many each university faculty has. Sometimes large organisations and companies advertise joint- funded studentships.

Thanks, and good luck to you! What do you hope to do with yours? anything or is it just for you?

I am going to apply for everything there is, and see where i end up. If i get something at all, that is great. If not, then next year i will be better informed about what i want/can get etc.

And I think in a way, i would prefer to stay working than get s studentship. I think that because I have two little ones, that if I struggle to do it in the time given, or need some time out, or find its not going so well, i can take a break from it and still work. And also, there may be avenues to use it in my work in the future. I might if I even have a job in the future (redundancies talked about) be able to persuade my employers to give me a few days study leave as it is related. They won't pay for it, as there is a route already for training albeit longwinded and new and a bit hit and miss atm, but this way is not their way, so they are not likely to fund it, but study leave might be an option and I would be very happy with that. or not even that, just fees paid would be fine.