Introduction to Security Science MRes + MPhil/PhD

The Security Science MRes + MPhil/PhD is an integrated, 4-year program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to progress to a PhD and apply scientific methods to investigate challenging security and crime problems. This program is ideal for those who want to solve real-world security and crime problems, and it welcomes applications from individuals with relevant expertise from other fields.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• Candidates with a UK Master's in a science-based subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, are encouraged to apply.
• English language requirements: The English language level for this course is Level 3.
• UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Course Overview

Study Mode

• Full-time
• Part-time

Tuition Fees (2026/27)

• UK students: £6,400 (full-time), £3,200 (part-time)
• International students: £38,300 (full-time), £19,150 (part-time)

Duration

• Full-time: 4 calendar years
• Part-time: 6 calendar years

Programme Starts

• October 2026
• February 2027
• May 2027

Applications Accepted

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted at least three months prior to the preferred start date.

About this Degree

The Security Science MRes + MPhil/PhD is designed by leading UCL academics in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and public and private sector organizations. This innovative integrated program combines a multidisciplinary approach, drawing expertise from social sciences, engineering, and computing, to position students at the forefront of security and crime science research.

Who this Course is For

Security and Crime Science is a multidisciplinary subject that draws on expertise in psychology, social science, statistics, mathematics, architecture, forensic sciences, design, geography, and computing. This program is ideal for individuals with a first degree who want to solve real-world security and crime problems, and it also welcomes applications from those with relevant expertise from other fields.

What this Course will Give You

• A world-class postgraduate degree from UCL, ranked 9th best university in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• The opportunity to study in the UCL Security and Crime Science department, the first research institution in the world devoted specifically to reducing crime.
• The chance to work with UCL's renowned academics from across the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Preparation for a PhD with an internationally renowned department of research excellence.
• The ability to shape your studies to match your interests, with a wide range of optional specialisms.

Teaching and Learning

The program is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, projects, and practical exercises. The structure includes both a one-year MRes degree and a three-year MPhil/PhD degree. Automatic progression from the MRes to the MPhil/PhD is subject to achieving specific academic requirements.

Research Areas and Structure

Supervision within this program is available in an extensive range of research areas, including:

• Crime and security analysis
• Design and technology
• Forensic science
• Future crime

Location

The Department of Security and Crime Science at UCL is home to ground-breaking facilities, including the Jill Dando Institute Research Laboratory and the Forensic Science Evidence Interpretation Lab.

Fees and Funding

Fees for this Course

• UK students: £6,400 (full-time), £3,200 (part-time)
• International students: £38,300 (full-time), £19,150 (part-time)

Additional Costs

There may be costs associated with optional external conferences for PhD students, which can range from approximately £200 to £2,000.

Funding Your Studies

For a comprehensive list of funding opportunities available at UCL, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Next Steps

Applicants must consider whether the UCL Department of Security and Crime Science has the relevant expertise available to offer sufficient supervision in their chosen area of research. Before applying, applicants should identify at least two UCL academics to supervise their research and write a personal statement with a research proposal.

UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_ progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_ postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_ hands-on approach.

Services

Student services