Cambridge Institute of Criminology Postgraduate Fund
Alumnus Kenneth Aliu (Hughes Hall, 2021)
The study of criminology and penology is central to understanding society and shaping a safer and more just future. Studying criminology nurtures critical skills in analysing criminological theory, evaluating evidence, developing policy, and applying rigorous, research-based reasoning to ethically tackle the complexities of justice and social order.
I am genuinely very grateful to have received the Jack Merritt Scholarship whilst studying for my master’s — without it, I simply would not have had the opportunity to come to Cambridge and learn from some of the brightest minds in criminology, or to develop the insights that are now central to my work.
Kenneth Aliu (Hughes Hall, 2021)
The Institute of Criminology has a worldwide reputation for excellence in both research and teaching and is one of the first criminological institutes to have been established in Europe. The Institute offers postgraduate courses including an MSt in Criminology, Applied Penology and Management, MSt in Applied Criminology and Police Management, in addition to an MPhil and PhD in Criminology.
The Institute’s student body is at the forefront of addressing some of Society’s most complex and urgent challenges, from crime prevention to justice reform, and in turn, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
Unfortunately, many students face financial barriers to postgraduate study, with increasing numbers unable to accept their offers due to a lack of funding. The Criminology Postgraduate Fund aims to provide essential financial support for tuition, research and fieldwork costs, ensuring that the future of Criminology remains diverse, vibrant and inclusive.
Recent MPhil graduate Kenneth Aliu (Hughes Hall, 2021) works as a Policy Advisor in Disability Justice and is a Laidlaw Foundation Fellow in Ontario, Canada. His project, 'Black Youth with Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System', addresses the intersection of race, ableism, and disability in Canada, aiming to improve the legal treatment of Black individuals with disabilities. Kenneth’s research and advocacy will lead to a deeper understanding of how the legal system treats Black individuals with disabilities and will help identify strategies to address these injustices.
Kenneth says: “Whilst at the Institute, my research focused on the legal, historical, and theoretical foundations underlying Nigerian drug policy and its entanglement with the criminal justice system and state formation. I am genuinely very grateful to have received the Jack Merritt Scholarship whilst studying for my master’s — without it, I simply would not have had the opportunity to come to Cambridge and learn from some of the brightest minds in criminology, or to develop the insights that are now central to my work. Receiving the Jack Merritt scholarship whilst at Cambridge was a profound affirmation of my path, and I am forever grateful.”
By supporting students like Kenneth, we ensure that the brightest minds can continue their studies, fostering a diverse group of researchers and practitioners who will shape the future of Criminology.
Next steps
You can contribute to the Criminology Postgraduate Fund online with gifts of any size making a meaningful impact. For more information or to discuss your philanthropic goals, please contact:
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