PhD Law

The law group has diverse interests with specific, discipline-leading, strengths in intellectual property, cyberlaw, discrimination, human rights, family, legal theory, legal history, cultural heritage and environmental law. Our staff profiles and School research pages will provide further insight into how we could help match your ambition.

You work on an advanced research project with a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies. You are normally registered as an ‘MPhil/PhD’ candidate and will apply to transfer to ‘PhD’ status 12–21 months after registration, based on your progress to date. You are expected to fully engage with your personal skills development and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.

Research plays a vital role in the life of the School of Law, Criminology and Government and postgraduate research students are central to our research community. Research in the School is varied and exciting, innovative and world-leading. We carry out research in a range of environments and with a breadth of specialisms. The School has disciplinary expertise in Law, Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy, International Relations and Politics and we are committed to inter-disciplinary research with our research groups incorporating all these areas.

Overseas applicants must submit their application 4.5 months prior to the proposed programme start date. For Home/EU applicants the deadline is 2.5 months prior to the proposed programme start date. There are three possible start dates per year, 1 October, 1 January and 1 April.