PhD Law

This course is central to the work of the School of Law. Our diverse, intellectual community brings together legal and socio-legal scholars, criminologists, ethicists, economists and sociologists who undertake doctrinal and empirical research, resulting in the production of a wide range of scholarly and policy-oriented publications. Our research shapes law, policy and social change through active engagement with policy-makers, legislators, NGOs and activists working in a broad range of disciplines and sectors. We invite you to explore our research themes, through which we encourage collaboration and debate within the School and beyond. Our research degrees involve sustained, in-depth study into a specific topic, which is then written up as a thesis for examination.

Successful graduates are able to progress within a wide variety of roles in the legal professions and associated fields. For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) you must successfully complete a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of your capacity to pursue research and scholarship, and to make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge. You must prepare a substantial thesis of up to 80,000 words, and also satisfy the examiners in an oral examination on the subject of the thesis. The subject is chosen by the candidate, but must be approved by the School's Research Committee.