Hidden and Forbidden - Empiricizing Dark Knowledge
Summary
Dark Knowledge may be considered by society to be the knowledge that deviates from societal norms and may pose a danger to the moral or physical conditions of everyday life. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) 2014 World Drug Report suggests that the hidden Dark Net drugs markets have ‘the potential to become a popular mode of trafficking in controlled substances in years to come’.
An exploratory project, this work seeks to extend this emergent research area beyond its current theoretical position, and will identify types and forms of dark knowledge relating to illegal drugs markets present on the Dark Web, and to use those in the production of a classified framework for Dark Knowledge, for use by drug enforcement agencies.
Supervisor
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Research Themes
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
For Academic Year 2022/2023
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,596 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,760 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,298 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £14,850 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £8,910 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £7,425 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise avaliable funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, deadlines, time frames, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Two academic references
- A transcript or mark sheet for all graduate qualifications
- A draft research proposal, or at least a short summary to indicate the potential area of research (Refer to Section 8 of the Application Form)
For applicants whose first language or language of university education is not English, applications must include:
- Certificate of English language competency score of IELTS 6.5 and 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
- Students who can demonstrate successful completion of tertiary (university or college) studies in a country whose national language is English, may be exempted from this requirement.
Ready to start this Research Degree? Find out about our entry requirements, application dates and how to apply.
Have a question about this Research Degree? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.