Research in law and criminology

Vibrant and sustainable research culture offering expertise in law, social policy and criminology, with links to sociology, history and psychology

We represent an integrated team of outstanding researchers with expertise across law, social policy and criminology, with extensive links with sociology, history and psychology. Our vibrant and sustainable research culture offers a dynamic space for researchers to engage with each other across disciplinary boundaries within an inclusive and coherent environment that provides support and guidance for all researchers, including mentoring of postgraduate and early career researchers.
Our research activity is organised and managed through two internationally recognised research groupings consisting of a) Crime, History and Institutions: Transdisciplinary Conversations in Heritage, Art and Transmedia (#CHITCHAT), and b) Crime, Justice and Society (CJS).
In the most recent assessment of research excellence ( REF2021 ) 68% of our research was judged to be ‘world class’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and demonstrated outstanding impact on policy in the area of heritage law. We have a regular seminar series and welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students.

Research highlights

Screenshot from Professor Zoë James - REF Impact Case Study video
Professor Zoë James
Influencing provision, policy making and police training in the UK and Romania to increase the profile of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma
Anti-aircraft gun of SS Thistlegorm
Mr Jason Lowther
Enhancing legal and policy structures for underwater heritage protection
Re-thinking post recovery space
Justice and Imagination in Global Displacement (JIGD)
A multidisciplinary collective working on global issues of social and spatial displacement
CHEx
Culture and Heritage Exchange (CHEx)
Engaging the study of culture and heritage through transmedia methods, sources, and platforms
The Law Clinic window display by Lembi Ilsjan
University of Plymouth Law Clinic
The community-based work and projects carried out by the Law Clinic provide a range of opportunities to conduct valuable research and to contribute to policy making
Plymouth Sound: Arial view of Plymouth waterfront from the Hoe to the Dockyard and beyond.
Centre for Seapower and Strategy (CSS)
Raising knowledge, awareness and understanding of strategic and security issues as they relate to maritime affairs and the utility of seapower
Abstract bubbles Social Justice 
Sustainable Social Justice Initiative
The Sustainable Social Justice Initiative focuses the combined efforts of our students, academic colleagues and community partners in the pursuit of social justice

Multidisciplinary research connections

People

Postgraduate research opportunities

We supervise postgraduate research at doctoral and masters levels
Opened book on wooden table.

Related news and events

Digital research repository

The School of Society and Culture (SSC) is home to a diverse collection of researchers working in the social sciences, humanities and performing arts. We’re dedicated to advancing knowledge for public benefit, driving meaningful change in our society and enriching communities (be they near us or an ocean away). Visit our our digital repository of staff research to watch short videos from academics working across the School’s disciplines: Anthropology, Art History, Computer Music, Creative Writing, Criminology, English, Environmental Cultures, Heritage, History, International Relations, Law, Music, Politics, Sociology, Theatre and Performance.