Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) invite PhD proposals across Law, Policing and Criminal Justice that demonstrate strong conceptual grounding alongside clear applied and societal relevance. We are especially interested in proposals which can demonstrate real world impact on policy and practice. Proposals should align with one or more of our REF themes:
1) International Law and Criminal Justice;
2) Vulnerability; and
3) Policing and Criminal Justice in the 21st Century
The topics below illustrate the breadth of projects of interest which all alight to one or more of the above REF themes. They are not inclusive of all projects which might be considered but should give you an idea of the types of projects we are interested in pursuing. We would welcome applications relating to:
- Global justice, international law, and accountability Projects exploring developments in international law and criminal justice, including international investment law, arbitration, and their intersections with human rights. We particularly welcome research examining corporate accountability, state responsibility, and the evolving governance of global economic and legal systems.
- Technology, AI, and the future of policing and justice Proposals focused on emerging innovations, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), in relation to forensic investigation. Research investigating the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies within policing and criminal justice systems. This may include questions of governance, ethics, risk assessment, decision-making, bias or accountability. and the implications of technological change for law enforcement practices.
- Vulnerability, harm, and access to justice Projects focused on forms of vulnerability within the justice system, including domestic abuse, online harms, and systemic inequalities. We encourage work that examines institutional responses (e.g. policing, courts, CPS), multi-agency collaboration, and pathways to improving support, protection, and justice outcomes for vulnerable individuals and communities.
- Policing reform, policy, and institutional change Research addressing contemporary challenges in policing and criminal justice policy, including reforms emerging from recent government strategies and white papers. Topics may include organisational culture, legitimacy, governance, professional practice, and the future direction of policing in the UK and beyond.
- Crime, inequality, and social justice Projects exploring the relationships between crime, social exclusion, and inequality. This may include community-led approaches to crime reduction, the socio-economic drivers of crime, corporate responsibility for social harm, and the development of inclusive, place-based justice strategies.
CCCU especially welcome strong interdisciplinary proposals that cut across these areas, particularly those that engage critically with questions of justice, governance, and societal change, and that demonstrate clear potential for real-world application and impact.
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Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) PhD Scholarship
Aim and Benefits of Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) PhD Scholarship
PhD scholarship including:
- a stipend of £19,237 per year
- a tuition fee waiver for three years
- an annual expense allowance of £500.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) PhD Scholarship Courses
Requirements for Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) PhD Scholarship Qualification
- Applications will be considered based on the quality of the research proposal and its alignment with strategic priorities of the subject cluster. The strengths of the individual candidate (in relation to academic competence and commitment) will be considered by an academic panel.
- Both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in a relevant subject is expected.
- All non-native speakers of English must be soundly and demonstrably proficient in written and spoken English without artificial assistance.
- You must have applied for both a place on the PhD programme, as well as a scholarship by the scholarship application deadline.
- The successful candidate must be available to begin their studies in 26 September 2026 on a full-time basis.
- All scholarship applicants must live in the UK during their studies, within commutable distance to a Canterbury Christ Church University campus.
- The successful applicant will be required to undertake 150 hours of teaching related work, normally during years 2 and 3 of study.
- The successful candidate will need to have a focused area of research within one of the identified themes listed below. This candidate must also demonstrate a strong understanding of the literature surrounding that proposed area of research and be able to identify how the proposed research will be further developing the existing literature. This candidate must also show a competent understanding of the legal frameworks that are relevant to the proposed area of research.
Application Deadline
May 30, 2026How to Apply
Please discuss your research ideas with a potential supervisor ahead of applying.
You will be required to submit a research proposal and asked to interview with a potential supervisor in the faculty.
Submit your application via our website:
- Click on the 'Apply now' button in the blue bar at the bottom of this page.
- Select ‘Law, Policing and Criminal Justice’ for the area of research.
- Select ‘Law’ for your subject area.
- Select full-time study and October 2025 as a start date.
- Tick the box on the proposal form to indicate application for a scholarship alongside a place on the PhD programme.
You will be required to upload:
- two references
- your completed research proposal form
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- evidence of your qualifications
- a pass in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if required.
For enquiries about the CCCU Law and Politics PhD Scholarship, please contact Dr. Katarina Ozcakir Mozova: [email protected].
For any queries about the application and admissions process please contact Postgraduate Admissions.
For more information, kindly visit CCCU scholarship webpage.
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