Policing research and learning

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: 6–8 years
February and October March to June
(February start)
October to January (October start)
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
March to June (February start)
October to January (October start)

The Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) is a collaboration between The Open University and 24 UK police forces to create and use knowledge to improve policing through research, learning and knowledge exchange. The Centre is located in The Open University Business School but it works with academics in all of the faculties within The Open University. More information on CPRL can be found on the Centre’s own website. The Centre accepts PhD students who are full or part-time and also provides advice to officers and staff from member forces about PhD study in all faculties within the University. 

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

We can facilitate policing-related research across all OU faculties. The Centre conducts research in four main areas of activity:

  • Investigation, community and vulnerability
  • Digitally enabled policing
  • Leadership, management and organisation
  • Health, wellbeing and resilience

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full-time: £4,786 per year Full-time: £12,146 per year
Part-time: £2,393 per year Part-time: £6,073 per year

Some of our research students are funded via The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership or the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership; some are funded by University studentships; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Picture of a police helmet
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Lin Nilsen

Email: FBL-phd
Phone: +44 (0)1908 858365

Apply now

Please review the application process if you’re interested in applying for this research topic .