You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree with at least First-Class or Upper Second-Class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution.

You will normally be expected to hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject (at Merit or above) or be able to demonstrate equivalent research experience and academic writing skills.

See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.

Make sure we offer PhD/MPhil supervision in the area in which you want to work. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors prior to submitting an application.

Secondly, you should submit a pre-application email. This should be submitted to crimphd@le.ac.uk in advance of submitting a full proposal.
When sending the pre-application email please provide the following:

• The title of your proposal.
• A brief summary of your proposal (approximately 500 words). This should include aims and objectives, a consideration of relevant literature and an identified research gap, your proposed research design and methodology, the data you anticipate collecting, and potential analysis techniques you will use.
• The names of two potential supervisors from the department (or one if two cannot be identified).
• How you intend to fund your studies.
• A list of your qualifications or relevant professional experience if you do not meet minimum academic requirements.

If your pre-application has been approved - Prepare your supporting documents, with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements: 

• Download and save the Research Proposal Form and prepare your proposal. Complete all sections using the guidance on the form. 
• Practice-Based PhD study please use this Practice -Based Research Proposal Form
• If your proposal is not submitted on the Proposal Form your application will not be considered.
• CV
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the research, your experience, why it is worth doing and why we should consider you.
• Copies of your Degree Certificates and Marks Transcripts of study already completed and if possible a transcript to-date of any study currently being undertaken.
• If your documents are not in English please include an official translation.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
• In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the text boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
• In the funding section state clearly how you intend to fund your study.

Submit your application using the Apply Button at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you upload all the required documents and your completed Research Proposal Form, failure to do so may cause a delay in assessing your application.

When to apply

Campus-based courses

Distance learning courses

We have intakes in January, April, July and September each year.

You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.

After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.

Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time, part-time or distance learning). For clarification please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk. 

UK campus based

*UK fees will rise each year of study in line with UKRI rates.

Full-time

• Starting in 2022/23 academic year: £4,596 per year
• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: TBC in early 2023

Part-time

• Starting in 2022/23 academic year: £2,298 per year 
• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: TBC in early 2023

International Campus-based

Full-time

• Starting in 2022/23 academic year: £15,600 - £17,500 per year
• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £16,200 - £18,200 per year

* International fees for research degrees in this subject area vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admission is made and will be stated in the offer letter.

Part-time

Please note that owing to UK visa restrictions, part-time campus based registration is not normally available to international applicants.

Distance learning

For distance learning study if you are living outside of the UK during your studies you will pay the International fee.

UK Distance learning

• Starting in 2022/23 academic year: £21,000 Total course fee
• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £21,850 Total course fee

International Distance learning

• Starting in 2022/23 academic year: £25,000 Total course fee
• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £26,000 Total course fee

Paying for distance learning

• Total course fee paid in full before first registration
• Total course fee split into four annual payments with first annual payment made in full before first registration
• Total course fee split into 12 equal instalments paid spread over years 1-4 of the study. The first instalment to be paid before first registration
• If study extends beyond the 4th year no further fees are required

Funding 

For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.