Joao Costa

One year of M.Phil followed by (if wanted) three years of PhD dissertation time. This course is structured similarly to the M.Phil. in Criminology but with additional research training: A compulsory core seminar course "Criminological Theories" (examined by a 3,000 word essay). A compulsory core seminar course "Criminological Research Methods" (examined by a 3,000 word methodological essay or through an exercise in critically evaluating a published piece of empirical research). Two further courses selected from approximately twelve optional seminar courses offered each year (each course is examined by a 3,000 word essay). The Joint Schools course in Social Science Research Methods, examined by an exercise in designing a proposal for a project of empirical research (4,000 words), and other exercises. A short thesis (not exceeding 18,000 words) on an approved criminological topic chosen by the student.

- Subjects: International Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Criminology and European Union Law, concluded with an average of 18/20 – top of the class. - Thesis arguing on the unconstitutionality of an article of the Portuguese Criminal Code (to be published as a book with Almedina in late 2013).

- Score of Very Good (maximum) after the defence of a written critical dissertation on corruption in the public sector.

- Main Readings Include: Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Stuart Mill, Robert Nozick, Amartya Sen, Charles Taylor, Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, John Locke and Ronald Dworkin. - Score of A-.

- Includes Erasmus Exchange Program (University of Bologna), school year of 2009/2010. - All the major law-related sectors were covered, from the public to the private sector. - Graduated first out of 350 students, with an average of 17/20. - Prémio Eduardo Correia Award, for being the best law student at the University of Coimbra. Financial award from the ALUMNI Association of the Law Faculty of the University of Coimbra, 2011. - Doutor Manuel de Andrade Award, for graduating from the Law Faculty top of the class of 350 students, 2009/2010. Financial award from the Doutor Rangel de Sampaio Foundation. - Doutor Luiz Cabral de Moncada Award, for the highest score in Juridical-Philosophical Sciences. Financial award from the Law Faculty of the University of Coimbra, 2009/2010. - Doutor Marnoco e Sousa Award, for the highest score in Juridical-Political Sciences. Financial award from the Law Faculty of the University of Coimbra, 2008/2009. - Three times winner of a financial award given to the 3% best students attending the University of Coimbra, from the University of Coimbra, 2007-2010.