Law & Criminology

Entry requirements

2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent.

Applicants should submit a full research proposal at the point of application.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

A research degree within the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University gives you the opportunity to explore a specific legal or criminological topic of your choosing under the supervision of leading researchers in their field.

The Department of Law and Criminology provides the opportunity to study for the degree 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-time or part-time basis.

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 department, and Aberystwyth law and criminology graduates have made their mark in a wide range of careers. The Department 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.

Department specialisms

Most major areas of Law and Criminology.

Research Excellence Framework (REF) score

96.5% of submitted publications were of an internationally recognised standard and 98% of research activity in the department was rated as internationally recognised.

Information for international students

If you have a Bachelor's degree from a UK University, you do not need to take an English proficiency test. Non-native English speakers who do not meet this requirement must take a University-recognised test of academic English language proficiency. For further details see our website.

Fees and funding

Please see our website for more information.