Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminology

Undertake a PhD in Criminology at Flinders

Understanding the drivers of crime

Understanding the drivers of crime is fundamental to devising the best ways of responding to it. Undertake an advanced research project in criminology working with world renowned experts across a range of diverse areas of contemporary relevance. You will join researchers who are working to create new knowledge in policing, organised crime, transnational migration, cybercrime and terrorism, and develop new ways of understanding prisons, desistance from crime, criminal networks, dark tourism, border and military criminology.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Criminology)

Duration: 4 years

Delivery mode:
In Person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 106253J

Annual fees:
2025: $38,100

Further information on fees listed

Master of Arts (Criminology)

Duration: 2 years

Delivery mode:
In Person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 106273E

Annual fees:
2025: $38,100

Further information on fees listed

Research supervisors

How to apply

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Why undertake a PhD in Criminology at Flinders

Work with internationally recognised experts in criminology
Make a unique contribution to the field of criminology
Collaborate with government and industry partners
Develop transferable analytical, collaborative, communication and presentation skills
Help address urgent social questions relating to global, national and local crime issues

Discover more about research at the College of Business, Government and Law

Your career

A PhD in Criminology is an excellent foundation for an academic career as a criminologist. It can set you apart as a leading researcher and thinker in policy making and criminal justice settings. Your PhD can unlock careers in policing and security, victims service support, corrections, human rights or academia.

Potential occupations include:·

Criminologist
Policy maker/analyst
Intelligence officer
Security adviser
Researcher

Potential employers include:

Correctional services
Intelligence and security services
Police
Government
Universities

Top up scholarships available

Top up scholarships are available for newly enrolled high-achieving domestic or international PhD students in the College of Business, Government and Law on the basis of academic merit and research potential.

The six scholarships available are valued at $5,000 per annum for the duration of a PhD degree (maximum 3 years, with a possible 6-month extension).

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Potential research supervisors

Flinders Criminology academic staff are recognised as leaders in their fields both in Australia and around the world. Our academics draw on their extensive knowledge to undertake research that makes a difference in people's lives.

Assoc/Prof Marinella Marmo

Gender and human rights, corporate and transnational crime, human trafficking

Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.

Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?

Explore Research @ Flinders.

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How to apply

Review the course rule

Check your eligibility

Find a research supervisor

Find out about scholarships and fees

Prepare your application

Apply now

Meet our PhD students

Clifford Sayer

Thesis title: Police Bail: The 'moments of truth' on entry into the Criminal Justice System
Supervisors: Professor Adela McMurray, Associate Professor Caitlin Hughes, Associate Professor Rodrigo Praino

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An observational study of police deciding and communicating about bail for those who have been detained in custody within the criminal justice system in South Australia.

Katy Lathouras

Thesis title: The disruption and dismantling of OMCGs in NSW: A case study of Strike Force Raptor's 'prevention-led' policing
Supervisors: Professor Mark Halsey

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This project incorporates an in-depth case study of Strike Force Raptor's policing approach to the disruption and dismantling of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG) in New South Wales. It will analyse the perspectives of police detectives involved in the implementation of policing-led desistance; as well as the perspectives of former OMCG members on the receiving end of this approach.

Winnie Agnew-Pauley

Thesis title: A comparative analysis of police use of stop and search in Australia and the United Kingdom
Supervisors: Associate Professor Caitlin Hughes, Professor Andrew Goldsmith, Professor Alex Stevens (Kent University, UK)

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The aim of this research is to compare key similarities and differences in the use of stop and search by police between Australia and the UK and to use procedural justice theory to explore the positive and negative impacts of stop and search for police-community relationships.

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