Postgraduate students at SSPSSR enjoy intellectually invigorating opportunities to share and develop their research in “critical criminology” thanks to Kent’s participation in the Common Study Programme (or ‘Common Sessions’).
Kent is one of 15 participating universities across Europe and the US which hosts Common Sessions on a revolving schedule every six months – typically a three/four day conference is hosted every October/November, followed by another in April/May. Kent lasted hosted the Common Sessions in spring 2018.
The Common Sessions enable MA students, PhD students and academics to exchange ideas and build their networks. (For students studying Kent’s Criminology MA programme, there is a bursary available to help cover the travel and accommodation costs involved.)
SSPSSR Lecturer in Criminology Dr Michael Mills said: ‘The Common Sessions give staff and students the opportunity to deliver papers on many topics under the umbrella term of critical criminology’. Briefly defined, “critical criminology” reflects a wider variety of criminological ideas and perspectives. Dr Mills said: ‘What unites them, though, is that they are oriented towards questioning taken-for-granted or “common sense” ideas about crime discussed in mainstream media and politics. As such, a lot of discussions at the common sessions explore thought-provoking and cutting-edge ways we can think about the causes of crime, issues around policing and punishment, and a whole range of issues. They also explore how our understanding of what crime is can be shaped by culture and power – ie why societies criminalise some behaviours, but not others, how this criminalisation plays out.’
Unlike most academic conferences, the Common Sessions is student oriented, with students delivering the majority of the presentations. Presentation topics can include findings from undergraduate dissertations, ongoing research at Master’s or PhD level, or insights from coursework. Dr Mills said: ‘No-one is ever forced to present at the conference – and plenty of people attend without presenting. Nevertheless, our students are also always encouraged if they feel confident enough to do so. After every Session, the Kent contingent returns inspired with new ideas and enthusiasm for their studies and wider work.’
Dr Mills has been attending Common Sessions since he studied for his MA and PhD at Kent. He said: ‘My first time at the Sessions was in Porto in 2008. Since then, I’ve been to over a dozen sessions in Denmark, London, the Netherlands… and many places elsewhere. At some, I’ve presented work of my own (as both a PhD student and then later as a member of staff). At others, I’ve gone purely to enjoy the social events, reconnect with friends, and see other people presenting their research. Every single time, a trip to Common Sessions is a special and memorable one filled with intellectual stimulation, a great deal of socialising, new ideas and new friendships. I always come back immediately looking forward to the next conference six months later! It’s a massive part of our MA programme and a really unique opportunity for students who chose to come to Kent for their postgraduate study.’
Dr Mills says it’s the broad range of social events that surround the conferences that are key to the experience: ‘If you ask anyone who’s been to one or more Common Sessions, they’ll probably tell you that this informal side to the conference is even more memorable than the conference itself. Throughout the evenings, staff and students get the opportunity to discuss the day’s events and cultivate friendships that can last decades! As well as the student presentations, it’s this social and friendly nature to the Common Sessions that make it such a special tradition and a true highlight of the calendar for Kent students and staff alike.’
Benefits for students who attend the Common Sessions:
- Develop presentation skills in supportive environment: You get formal and informal feedback on your presentations from staff and students throughout the Common Sessions network. You might receive feedback through questions from the audience. Or it might be through conversations at evening social events. The network provides a supportive environment in which to develop your skills
- Intellectual inspiration: the Common Sessions offers an intellectually invigorating diversity of cutting-edge presentations and debates. You gain insights into criminological topics being researched by staff and students across a range of countries.
- Build new connections: the Common Sessions provide a unique opportunity to build new connections. The conferences are well-known as a place in which enduring international friendships are made. They’re also a great way for students to get to know the lecturers at Kent in greater depth.
Postgraduate study at SSPSSR
Explore the full range of postgraduate programmes at SSPSSR. Our MA and PhD courses offer you specialist knowledge in your chosen area of social science and an advanced level of skills.
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