An interdisciplinary subject, criminology draws on a range of perspectives relating to crime looking at sociology, psychology, and law, and as such provides new opportunities for scholarship and advanced research. Postgraduate research in the School of Social and Political Sciences is informed by the expertise of its team of academics who have long-standing links to government, research organisations, and the voluntary sector. Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis. The School aims to provide appropriate support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required, as well as the development of knowledge. Students are asked to contribute to the School's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work and to develop links with appropriate external networks.