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Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

• Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
• Duration:  3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

• Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
• Credits: 44 units
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition : $64,350 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

• Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

• Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
• Duration:  5-6 years
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

• Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $67,720 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

• Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

• Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
• Duration:  3-5 years
• Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

• Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Credits: 75 semester credit hours
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

• Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• Acceptance rate: 90.3%
• Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

• Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
• Credits: 77 quarter credits
• Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Personal essay and/or research proposal
• Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

• Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
• Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
• Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
• Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
• Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
• Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

• General Counsel ($170,183 )
• Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
• Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
• Project Manager ( $76,264 )
• Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Presentation
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Phd in law: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in law.

A PhD in law, commonly known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), is a postgraduate academic degree that normally represents the greatest level of education one can obtain in the discipline of law.

It is a research-oriented degree intended for those interested in pursuing advanced studies in legal research, theory, and scholarship.

Individuals who already have a law degree, such as a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Master of Laws (LLM), who are interested in pursuing a career in legal academia or undertaking research in law-related disciplines, typically pursue a PhD in law.

Advanced courses in legal theory, research methodologies, and specialized fields of law are frequently required, as is the completion of a major and unique research effort, usually in the form of a doctoral thesis or dissertation.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Law?

Individuals with a PhD in law’s earning potential might vary substantially based on criteria such as the country or location of work, the type of institution or organization, the amount of experience, and the subject of expertise.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for postsecondary law teachers in the United States was $126,930 in May 2020, with the top 10% making more than $197,230.

However, it is crucial to remember that salaries can vary greatly depending on criteria such as the academic position’s rank, the institution’s location, and the individual’s level of experience and competence.

Earning potential with a PhD in law might also vary substantially in other legal fields, such as government, private practice, or non-profit organizations.

Legal researchers or policy analysts, for example, may earn wages ranging from moderate to high, depending on the organization’s budget and the individual’s level of knowledge.

Individuals with a PhD in law who work in private law firms may earn varied wages depending on their function, amount of experience, and the size, location, and practice area of the firm.

What is expected job growth with PhD in Law?

Job growth for those having a PhD in law might vary depending on factors such as country or location, field of concentration, and demand for legal skills in various sectors. Individuals holding a PhD in law may be able to find work in academia, research institutions, government, non-profit organizations, and private practice.

Individuals holding a PhD in law may be able to find work in academia, research institutions, government, non-profit organizations, and private practice.

For example, in academia, for example, the availability of tenure-track posts, research funding, and enrollment trends in law schools or universities may all influence job growth for law professors or legal scholars. Job growth in academia can be competitive and varies depending on the institution’s location and reputation, as well as the demand for legal instruction and research.

What can you do with a PhD in Law?

Individuals with a PhD in law, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), can pursue a wide range of job options. Individuals with a PhD in law may pursue the following careers:

1. Academic careers: Many law PhD holders choose to work as law professors or legal scholars at universities or research institutions. They may teach law courses, do research, write academic papers and books, and contribute to the progress of legal knowledge in their area of specialization. Academic positions in law schools, universities, research institutes, and think tanks may be offered.

2. Legal research and policy analysis: Legal researchers and policy analysts with a PhD can work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or think tanks. They may perform legal research, study laws and policies, provide legal advice, and help build legal frameworks and policy recommendations in areas such as human rights, international law, environmental law, and social justice.

3. Legal consulting: Law PhD holders can act as legal consultants, providing specific legal advice to private enterprises, corporations, or organizations. They may provide legal counsel, legal research, produce legal documents, and strategic direction on legal concerns and ramifications.

4. Legal advocacy: Some people with a PhD in law act as legal advocates, representing clients in court, litigating, or lobbying for legal reforms. They may work in law firms, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups, and they may specialize in civil rights, criminal justice, immigration law, or public interest law.

5. Government and public service: People with a PhD in law can serve as legal counsel, policy consultants, or legislative analysts in government agencies. They may help to establish and execute laws and regulations, advise government officials, and conduct legal research and analysis to help guide decision-making.

6. Entrepreneurial initiatives: Some law PhD holders may choose to launch their own legal consulting businesses, research centers, or other law-related entrepreneurial ventures. This could include offering specialized legal services, producing legal software or instruments, or coming up with creative solutions to legal problems.

7. International organizations: Individuals with a PhD in law may work with international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, or other intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations, where they can contribute to legal research, policy creation, and legal advocacy on global concerns.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Law?

The specific requirements for a Ph.D. in law can vary depending on the program and institution. However, here are some general bullet points that may outline the common requirements for obtaining a Ph.D. in law:

• Completion of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree from an accredited law school.
• Strong academic background, typically with high grades and academic achievements.
• Demonstrated research skills, including the ability to conduct independent and original research.
• Proficiency in legal research methods, legal writing, and critical analysis.
• Submission of a research proposal or statement of purpose outlining the intended research topic or area of study.
• Completion of coursework, seminars, and/or workshops related to legal research and methodology.
• Successful completion of comprehensive exams or qualifying exams.

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How long does it take to get a phd in law.

The length of a PhD in law, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), varies based on the country, the specific program, and the individual’s progress toward completion. A PhD in law, on the other hand, normally takes 3 to 5 years to finish.

Several factors can influence the length of a PhD in law program, including the complexity of the research topic, the time required to conduct original research, the availability of funding and resources, and the individual’s ability to meet program requirements and milestones on time.

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Do you need a masters in law to get a phd in law.

In most situations, a Master’s degree in law (such as an LL.M.) is not required in order to pursue a Ph.D. in law, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD).

The particular prerequisites for admission to a Ph.D. in law program, on the other hand, can vary based on the country, program, and institution awarding the degree.

Some Ph.D. programs in law may require or prefer applicants to have a Master’s degree in law or a related area, but others may admit students directly from a Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree program.

Applicants without a Master’s degree in law may be required to complete additional courses or meet other requirements throughout the Ph.D. program to compensate for any gaps in their academic background.

They may be required to take basic courses in legal theory, research methodologies, or other relevant areas, for example. This can, however, differ depending on the program’s criteria and the individual’s academic background.

What are the Best PhD in Law Degree programs?

1. harvard law school – doctor of juridical science (sjd) 2. yale law school – doctor of the science of law (jsd) 3. stanford law school – doctor of the science of law (jsd) 4. columbia law school – doctor of the science of law (jsd) 5. new york university (nyu) school of law – doctor of juridical science (sjd) 6. university of cambridge faculty of law – doctor of philosophy in law (phd) 7. university of oxford faculty of law – doctor of philosophy in law (dphil) 8. london school of economics and political science (lse) – phd in law 9. georgetown university law center – doctor of juridical science (sjd) 10. university of michigan law school – doctor of the science of law (jsd), leave a comment cancel reply.

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Ph.D. Common Questions

1. How do you look upon practice experience in applicants?

Practice experience can be a useful qualification for admission, but it is not required. Applicants must complete their J.D. degree before enrolling in the Ph.D. in Law program. This means that students may apply during their third year of law school, but most applicants will have had at least one year of post-law school experience of some kind. Often that experience will be a clerkship, but it may also include law practice, a public interest fellowship, government work, or even experience in a pursuit largely unrelated to law. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee also welcomes applications from candidates with a number of years of post-law school experience. Applicants who have spent more than a couple of years after law school in practice should relate their practice experience to their scholarly agenda or use their personal statements to explain their change in direction.

2. I have a clerkship, or I intend to apply for clerkships, following graduation. Can I take a leave from the Ph.D. program to take a clerkship?

While we are pleased to welcome applications from students in their third year of law school, many applicants will have spent at least one year after law school in a clerkship. We recognize that the continuing disarray in the clerkship market has affected the post-graduate planning for many students, and we will offer the possibility of a leave of absence during the program to take up a clerkship opportunity. Applicants to the Ph.D. program should be candid about their clerkship plans in their applications and should keep the Law School's Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs informed of any developments that occur after they submit their applications.

3. What should I submit as my writing sample? Can I submit a brief or other piece of practical legal writing?

Your writing sample should be the piece of writing that is the strongest evidence that you will complete an excellent dissertation on the subject you have proposed. This might be a paper you wrote in law school, a student note, or even a law review article you have already published. Your writing sample need not be on the same subject as your research proposal, but it may be helpful if it is. Except in unusual circumstances, co-authored works will not be accepted.

If you wish, you may submit a piece of practical legal writing as an additional writing sample, but you should also submit a piece of legal scholarship. The Ph.D. in Law program is designed to prepare candidates for careers in legal scholarship, and your prior legal scholarship is the best evidence of your future potential.

Please note that your writing sample should be no longer than the equivalent of 30 published pages (or roughly 15,000 words)—you may need to select an excerpt from a longer article or paper.

4. I do not have a J.D. degree from a U.S. law school, but I have a first law degree from a university outside the United States. Can I apply for the Ph.D. in Law program?

The Ph.D. in Law program at Yale Law School is designed specifically for candidates with J.D. degrees from U.S. law schools. You may, however, consider applying for admission to Yale Law School's LL.M. degree program. For more information, please consult the LL.M. program's website .

5. How is the Ph.D. in Law degree related to the J.S.D. degree?

Both are doctoral degrees, which are the highest academic degrees in law awarded by Yale University, but the programs have different structures and are designed for different purposes. The more structured Ph.D. program is designed specifically for students whose first degree in law is a J.D. from a U.S. law school, and the Ph.D. is formally awarded by Yale University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . The J.S.D. degree is designed principally for students who received their first degree in law from a non-U.S. institution and subsequently received their LL.M. at Yale Law School. Unlike the Ph.D., the J.S.D. is awarded by Yale Law School, not the Graduate School.

6. What if I have more questions? Whom should I contact?

If your question is not answered on this website or on the Graduate School’s website, you may e-mail questions to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

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Everything You Need To Know Before Doing A PhD In Law

So, you’ve mastered the art of legalese, conquered the casebooks, and now the allure of a PhD in Law beckons.

Moreover, Before you dive headfirst into the world of legal academia, let’s unravel the mysteries and demystify the process of pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Law. Buckle up, future legal scholars – here’s the lowdown.

What Is A PhD In Law?

Here we go, inquisitive ones, be ready to fasten your belts as we unravel a PhD in the law. Not just a degree, it becomes a journey into the unfamiliar landscape of the legal system, which I don’t find in the legal dramas on TV.

Let’s go back to the beginning. A Ph.D. in Law is not just that common type of degree with which you merely learn statutes and it is over.

It is the peak of the academic legal world, the Jedi Master level of legal education . Paint it as your golden opportunity to truly explore the intrigues of legal waters no man has gone before and come out the expert on it.

The Commitment Factor

You want to be a law scholar? Be ready for the most serious and everlasting promise you ever made. This is not a sprint but a marathon. Consider the time span of three to five years in the intellectual field.

You and your research are about to embark on a very long journey – one which lasts for a lifetime – like a sophisticated legal romance novel without the clichéd dialogue.

What’s Your Legal Niche?

As a first step, determine what legal arena interests you most before embarking upon this stupendous travel. Humanize: Be it environmental law, human rights, or any secretive realm like space law – name your legal match. Your PhD is your spending your love for that particular area of law.

Supervisors

Alright, so in your head, be the superhero (since in actual fact, you kinda are). There is no superhero who doesn’t need a devoted and brave sidekick, isn’t it? Congratulations! It’s time to meet your boss; your Gandalf and your Batman, your Robin and your Spiderman.

They guide, mentor, and rarely even offer to make the mother of all bombs that will change your entire worldview as a student.

The Research Proposal

Each masterpiece is made of ideas, and a plan, and your PhD is not an exception. Off you go – the proposal of research – your route to academic triumph. With a successful occurrence of this, you are sure to be on the way to deciphering the riddles of legal academia.

Funding Your Legal Education

Let’s address the elephant in the room: funding. However, if a PhD degree is your intellectual calling, your landlord will still demand that you pay the rent. Study the scholarships, grants , and funding programs. Your money machine has to have some brain muscle.

Life Beyond the Law Library

Contrary to the common belief, the PhD is not only about joining a sleepy library. Join legal conferences, socialize with fellow legal brains, as well as, take a moment to watch your favorite TV series on Netflix. It’s a matter of sanity in the middle of the legal ruin.

And here comes the climax – your D-Day – the defense of the thesis. Conceive it as the legal Olympics; there you defend your intellectual property. Sail through that and you’ll be a litigious Doctor of Philosophy.

How To Get A Ph.D. In Law?

So, you’ve got the legal bug, the burning desire to delve into the intricacies of the law beyond what your LLB or JD provided . A Ph.D. in Law is calling your name, and you’re ready for the challenge. Let’s break down the roadmap to turning those legal dreams into reality.

Finding Your Passion

Before you plunge into the Ph.D. abyss, ask yourself, “What legal puzzle keeps me up at night?” Identify your legal passion; it’s the compass that’ll guide you through the academic labyrinth. Whether it’s environmental law, criminal justice, or the wild world of international law, find your legal muse.

Crafting Your Research Proposal

Picture your Ph.D. journey as a grand adventure, and the research proposal is your treasure map. It’s not just a formality; it’s your chance to articulate your research vision. Be clear, concise, and convincing – your academic destiny hangs in the balance.

Choosing Your Supervisor Wisely

Meet your academic Yoda – your supervisor. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a mentorship. Choose someone who not only knows the legal ropes but also aligns with your research interests. They’ll be your guiding star through the academic galaxy.

Funding Your Legal Crusade

Let’s be real; pursuing a Ph.D. isn’t a cheap date. Explore scholarship options, grants, and funding opportunities.

Moreover, your brilliance deserves financial backing, so don’t shy away from funding Fandango.

Crafting Your Magnum Opus

Your thesis is the pièce de résistance of your Ph.D. Think of it as a legal manuscript that’ll make waves in academia. Dive deep, conduct rigorous research.

Moreover, present your findings with flair. It’s your chance to contribute something significant to the legal conversation.

Balancing Act of PhD in law

As you immerse yourself in the legal wilderness of writing, remember to balance work and life. Yes, the library is your second home, but don’t forget to attend conferences, network, and occasionally indulge in some self-care.

Moreover, A burnt-out Ph.D. candidate is nobody’s idea of success.

Defending Your Intellectual Fortitude

The day has arrived – your thesis defense. It’s your chance to showcase the intellectual muscle you’ve been flexing for years. Be confident, articulate, and ready to tackle questions.

Moreover, This is the final showdown before you emerge as a legal Jedi.

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD In Law?

Alright, future legal scholars, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of a Ph.D. in Law. But let’s address the elephant in the courtroom – just how long is this academic escapade going to take? 

Buckle up; we’re about to navigate the twists and turns of the Ph.D. timeline .

The Legal Marathon: Setting Realistic Expectations

First things first – a Ph.D. in Law is no sprint. It’s a marathon, a scholarly expedition into the depths of legal academia. 

While the specific timeline can vary, the average duration is typically three to five years. 

Moreover, It’s not just a degree ; it’s a commitment to becoming the Jedi Master of your legal niche.

The Proposal Prelude: Year One

Year one kicks off with the grand proposal dance. This is where you pitch your tent in the academic campground. You’ll be refining your research question, crafting that all-important proposal, and finding your academic bearings.

Moreover, It’s the year of laying the groundwork for the epic journey ahead.

Supervisory Bonding: Years One and Two

Enter the academic Yoda – your supervisor. The early years are all about forging that mentorship, refining your research design, and diving into the sea of legal literature.

Moreover, This phase is where you build the foundation for your thesis and develop the crucial academic muscle required for the journey.

Funding Fandango: Concurrent with Years One and Two

Ah, the funding quest – it’s like searching for the golden key to the academic kingdom. While not everyone embarks on this quest simultaneously, securing funding often happens alongside the initial years of research.

Moreover, Scholarships, grants, and financial backing become your academic sidekicks.

The Write-Up Wilderness: Years Two to Four of PhD in law

Welcome to the write-up wilderness, where the real magic (and sometimes madness) happens. Years two to four are all about immersing yourself in the legal labyrinth, conducting research, and crafting that magnum opus of a thesis.

Moreover, It’s where you refine your legal arguments and contribute your unique perspective to the academic conversation.

Thesis Tango: Years Four and Five of PhD in law

As you waltz into years four and five, it’s showtime – the thesis defense is looming on the horizon. This is the crescendo of your academic symphony.

Moreover, Nail the defense, and you emerge as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, ready to wield your legal prowess in the wider world.

Life Beyond Law School: The Aftermath of PhD in law

Congratulations, Doctor! The journey might be over, but the adventure is just beginning. Whether you choose academia, policymaking, or even intergalactic legal consultancy (who knows?).

Moreover, the world of law is now your oyster.

What Can You Do With A PhD In Law?

So, you’ve conquered the academic summit, and now you’re armed with a shiny new PhD in Law. But wait, what’s next? Fear not, intrepid legal scholar, because the world is your jurisdiction.

Let’s explore the myriad paths that open up when you wield the mighty title of Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

Academic Odyssey: Shaping the Legal Minds of Tomorrow

One of the classic moves post-PhD is diving into academia. Picture yourself as the wise sage of the law school , molding eager minds and imparting your wisdom.

Moreover, You become the beacon of legal enlightenment, guiding the next generation of lawyers and thinkers.

Policy Architect: Building Legal Bridges Beyond Academia

Ever dreamed of influencing policy and shaping the legal landscape beyond the ivory tower? With a PhD in Law, you’re equipped to dive into the world of policy-making.

Moreover, Become the architect of legal frameworks, advising governments and organizations on navigating the complex waters of law and justice.

Legal Luminary in Practice: Consulting and Expert Testimony

Step into the limelight as a legal expert sought after by law firms , corporations, or even governments. Your expertise becomes a valuable commodity.

Moreover, From consulting on intricate legal matters to providing expert testimony in courtrooms.

Moreover, your PhD is your ticket to becoming a legal luminary in the practical realm.

International Law Trailblazer: Navigating Global Legal Waters From Your PhD in law

With a PhD in Law, you’re not confined by borders. Dive into the dynamic world of international law. Whether it’s shaping global policies, working with international organizations, or advocating for human rights on a global scale.

Moreover, your expertise can have a far-reaching impact.

Research Maestro: Contributing to Legal Scholarship

Fuel your passion for research by continuing to make waves in legal scholarship. Your PhD isn’t just a culmination; it’s a launchpad for further exploration.

Moreover, Contribute articles, publish books, and be the driving force behind advancements in legal knowledge.

Corporate Counsel with a Twist: Navigating Legal Complexities From Your PhD in law

Corporations are always in need of legal wizards to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. Your PhD sets you apart.

Moreover, bringing a depth of understanding and critical thinking that can be invaluable in corporate legal departments.

Legal Entrepreneur: Carving Your Own Niche From Your PhD in law

Feel the entrepreneurial spirit bubbling within? Your PhD can be the foundation for launching your own legal consultancy or business.

Whether it’s providing specialized legal services or developing innovative legal solutions, the entrepreneurial path is yours to carve.

Interdisciplinary Explorer: Bridging Law with Other Fields From Your PhD in law

The beauty of a PhD is its interdisciplinary potential. Blend law with other fields like technology, business, or even environmental science.

Moreover, Become a trailblazer at the intersection of law and diverse domains, solving complex problems that span multiple disciplines.

Beyond Earth: Legal Consultancy for Space Ventures

Okay, this one might be a bit out there, but in the era of space exploration, who’s to say your legal expertise can’t extend beyond Earth?

Moreover, Imagine being the go-to legal consultant for interstellar ventures – because why not dream big?

Final Thoughts 

Congratulations, Doctor of Philosophy in Law !

Moreover, wait, is it the end or merely the prologue? The legal world is your oyster now. Whether you choose academia, policymaking, or intergalactic diplomacy – the journey has molded you into a legal maestro.

So, future legal scholars, armed with this roadmap, venture forth into the world of legal academia. Your PhD adventure awaits, filled with twists, turns, and the occasional ‘Eureka!’ moment. May your legal curiosity know no bounds!

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Nilanjana is a lawyer with a flair for writing. She has a certification in American Laws from Penn Law (Pennsylvania University). Along with this, she has been known to write legal articles that allow the audience to know about American laws and regulations at ease.

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S.J.D. Program

The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is Harvard Law School’s most advanced law degree, designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue sustained independent study, research and writing. In recent years we have created a vibrant intellectual community of young scholars from around the world, most of whom will secure teaching positions in their home countries, the U.S., or third countries. We typically have around 60 S.J.D. candidates (most of whom are in residence) representing 25-30 countries, drawn primarily from among Harvard’s top LL.M. graduates. Ultimately, candidates are expected to produce a dissertation that will constitute a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship.

There are five stages to the S.J.D. program:

• Completion of a study plan which includes course work
• Successful completion of an oral examination
• Two presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium
• Submission and acceptance of a doctoral dissertation
• Successful oral defense of the dissertation

The first two of these requirements—preparation and completion of a study plan, and successful completion of the oral (general) examination—are normally completed during the first year or two of study. The S.J.D. candidate normally completes the remaining requirements—presentations at the S.J.D. colloquium, submission and acceptance of the dissertation, and oral defense of the dissertation—during the three years after completion of the oral examination.

Each S.J.D. candidate pursues the degree under the supervision of an overall faculty supervisor selected by the candidate and approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies. This supervisor must be a full-time member of the Harvard Law School faculty.

Program of Study

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Doctoral Programs

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• Prospective Students
• Current Students

PhD Programme in Law

The opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools.

The London School of Economics is a world centre for advanced research and teaching with an outstanding reputation, with a campus situated in the heart of London, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Only a short distance from Europe's financial, legal and cultural centres, LSE stands at the crossroads of international debate, a location that is fundamental to our identity as an outward looking institution with an active involvement in UK and world affairs. Each year the School attracts many influential outside speakers. Regular events and seminars involving politicians, regulators, practitioners and academics take place to complement your studies. 

LSE Law School is one of the UK's pre-eminent research institutions for law. Our academics are the authors of influential and often path-breaking scholarship, and many have globally leading reputations.  LSE Law is also one of UK's largest law schools, with over 70 academic members of staff. It is a uniquely cosmopolitan academic community, with staff and students coming from all over the world.  Our academics draw on a wide range of literatures and traditions, and pursue analyses that seek to situate the law within the political, social and economic context within which it is formed and operates. 

PhD Programme

The PhD programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers the opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools. Students in our PhD programme receive excellent training and work under the supervision of leading scholars with strong international, comparative and interdisciplinary commitments. Our doctoral students become members of a lively academic community which is at the cutting-edge of legal scholarship and which plays a major role in the education of lawyers and law teachers from around the world.

We hope that the questions you have about our PhD programme will be answered in these web pages. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us , or see our Frequently Asked Questions  ...

PhD Funding

PhD Current research

PhD placements What do our PhD students do after leaving LSE?

FAQs Your questions about the PhD programme

PhD completions Browse our completed PhDs

Careers Our careers information and resources

Visiting research students How to apply as a visiting student

PhD Academy A dedicated space for PhD students

LSE Life Academic, personal, professional development

• School of Law

Ph.D. in Law PhD in Law

A Ph.D. requires a minimum of three years' study, at least two years of which comprises work done while in residence at the University of Washington. Students enter the Ph.D. program having already identified a dissertation supervisory chair and additional committee members (referred to as the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee), who will support and shepherd them through the Ph.D. curriculum and dissertation writing process.

Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits, at least 60 of which must be taken at the University of Washington, in order to receive a doctoral degree.

I. Requirements

Overall course requirements.

Ph.D. students must successfully complete a minimum of 90 credits including at least 60 course credits and 27 dissertation credits (LAW 800—minimum two credit hours per quarter). With the approval of the Ph.D. Program Director and Steering Committee, an appropriate master’s degree from an accredited institution may substitute for up to a maximum of 30 of the course credits.   This determination of substituting master’s credits takes place at the time when the presumptive chair agrees that the Ph.D. student’s prospectus is ready to defend at a General Examination.   The 60 course credits also include courses required by the School of Law as described immediately below.

Required Competencies:

The primary requirement is the production of a dissertation that, in the opinion of the Ph.D. Doctoral Supervisory Committee, represents a novel and significant contribution to the discipline of law. In addition, Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate competencies in four areas: 

• Understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world.
• An understanding of a research methodology area relevant to the topic of their dissertation research.
• Subject matter expertise in the area of their dissertation research.
• The ability to present and discuss the results of their dissertation research.

An understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world

This requirement will be satisfied by 8 credits of coursework as follows:

• Required course: B550 American Legal Systems and Methods (4 credits) or equivalent
• Additionally, students will have to complete B557 Graduate Writing Seminar (4 credits) or the equivalent to demonstrate understanding of the American legal system.

Research Methodology

Broadly speaking, modern academic legal research is supported by one or more of the following:  jurisprudential approaches, qualitative approaches, quantitative approaches. Competency will be satisfied by at least 3-4 credits of coursework as follows, chosen in consultation with the supervisory chair:

• PPM 502 Research Design (4)
• EDPSY 586 Qualitative Methods of Educational Research I (4 credits)
• ARCH 567 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• CS&SS 536 Analysis of Categorical and Count Data (3)
• LAWA 595 Jurisprudence and Moral Philosophy (4)

Elective courses: Law A599 Legal Research Methods (3 credits), Law   A 549 Advanced Legal Research   (4 Credits) 

Subject Matter Expertise (10-12 credits of subject discipline required courses)

The remaining courses to fulfill the credit requirement are to be chosen based on the Ph.D. student’s dissertation research topic. For instance, students with a focus on intellectual property must complete that discipline’s required courses. The same is true for sustainable international development, health law, etc.

Presentation/Discussion Competency

The presentation/discussion competency will be satisfied by successful completion of the general and final examination process described below.

Other Requirements

Law 600 tutorial with supervisory chair (1-2 credits per quarter).

In addition to the above requirements, students are expected to take 1-2 Law 600 credits with their supervisory chair per quarter to facilitate regular communication during the time leading up to their general exam. The chair will monitor the student’s academic progress and advise on appropriate courses to be taken (at the law school and in other departments on campus) related to the Ph.D. student’s research.

First- and Second-Year Elective Courses

All Ph.D. students are expected and encouraged to take subject-matter courses relevant to their dissertation research topic as part of their 60 credits of coursework. There is a rich variety of courses available in the School of Law and in other schools and departments across the University of Washington campus. For example, the   Graduate School has a variety of graduate certificate programs   that not only may be pertinent to student’s research interests but may provide an additional credential to enhance a student’s academic portfolio.

II. General Examination

Completion of 60 course credits (up to 30 credits from an accredited LL.M. or other pertinent master's degree may be counted toward the 90-credit total) and a Dissertation Prospectus approved by the Doctoral Supervisory Committee are required prior to this exam.

Students must pass an oral   General Examination   designed around individualized readings determined in consultation with the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee, and a Dissertation Prospectus that contains the student’s detailed dissertation study plans, including research questions and the chosen methodology and study plan to answer them.

To be eligible for the General Exam, the student must have completed a minimum of 60 course credits (including credits being taken the quarter of the exam) of which at least 18 credits must be at the 500 level and above. Numerical grades must be received in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the University of Washington. The Graduate School accepts numerical grades in department approved 400-level courses accepted as part of the major and in 500-level courses (this excludes 499 credits). 

Students are required to write and successfully defend a Dissertation Prospectus that outlines a detailed plan for the Ph.D. dissertation. The General Examination tests the student’s understanding of, and facility with, the scholarly literature that relates to the proposed dissertation topic, along with the strength of the proposed research proposal and its design.

III. Final Examination (Doctoral Defense)

In addition to a successful General Examination, the Ph.D. candidate must complete at least 27 dissertation credits over a period of at least three quarters. Candidates total credit count must reach 90 and they must have completed their doctoral dissertation.

To complete the degree, the candidate must complete a   Dissertation Defense   (also known as the   Final Examination ) administered by the Supervisory Doctoral Committee and devoted to the presentation and defense of the dissertation. It should be noted that the Graduate School requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA to obtain a graduate degree. For the final Dissertation Defense, students must get their committee members’ signatures on the UW Graduate School Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee Approval form and submit that before the end of the quarter (the form will be provided at or prior to the student’s defense and submission instructions are on the form). More detailed information is on the Ph.D. Program’s Canvas page.

Students must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the General and Final Examinations are taken.

IV. Official Submission

After a successful Final Examination, the dissertation must be submitted in the required format to the University of Washington Graduate School by 11:59 p.m. PST on the  last day of the quarter . The PhD Candidate must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the dissertation is submitted.

For details of degree requirements please see Graduate School Policies-Doctoral Degree .

Ph.D. in Law

• Current Ph.D.s in Law
• PhD Admissions

Graduate Programs, UW School of Law William H. Gates Hall Box 353020 4293 Memorial Way Seattle, WA 98195-3020, USA gradlaw@ uw .edu

Law and Psychology

Jd/phd — law and psychology.

There are nearly as many intersections between law and psychology as there are areas of policy regulation. Conflict resolution and negotiation; judgment and decision-making capacity; prejudice and stereotyping; criminal responsibility; competency; assessment of evidence, including the reliability of eyewitnesses, and lie detection; hedonics; developmental psychology and educational policy; addiction and drug policy—these are just a few of the frontiers open to scholars and practitioners educated in both law and psychology.

Stanford has a rich tradition of collaboration between its psychology department and law school, with faculty members co-authoring publications, and students working together and enrolling in interdisciplinary programs. Stanford’s psychology department has long been considered the strongest in the nation, with an atypical breadth of scholarly strength that supports a wide range of student interests. Stanford is also one of the nation’s leading centers for neuroscience research , bringing together biologists, psychologists, social scientists, and policymaker-lawyers to deepen our understanding of the brain.

Students pursuing a JD/PhD in law and psychology generally go on to academic careers in law schools, psychology departments, policy jobs, and think tanks. However, issues pursued through this joint degree program are also highly relevant to legal practice. Every day, litigators and negotiators make strategic decisions based on accounts of human decision-making. Those who regulate markets make decisions based on accounts of how people process distinct sorts of information. Those who work with medical ethicists make judgments that depend on assumptions about competency or the nature of pain.

Special Requirements

Students must have completed a year of law school before entering the psychology department or have completed a year of psychology graduate school before applying to the law school.

Course Requirements

As many as 54 quarter units of approved courses may be counted toward both degrees. No more than 31 quarter units of approved courses that originate outside the law school may count toward the law degree.

The maximum number of law school credits that may be counted toward the PhD in psychology is the greater of: (i) 36 quarter units; or (ii) the maximum number of units from courses outside the department that PhD candidates in psychology are permitted to count toward the PhD under general psychology department guidelines or in the case of a particular student’s individual program.

Note to applicants:  The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards full funding to Stanford graduate students from all disciplines, with additional opportunities for leadership training and collaboration across fields. Joint Degree applicants are encouraged to apply to the  Knight – Hennessy Scholars Program.  Please be aware that the Knight-Hennessy Scholars applications are due in early Autumn one year prior to enrollment. View dates and deadlines: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/dates-and-deadlines .

Janet Cooper Alexander

• Frederick I. Richman Professor of Law, Emerita

Ralph Richard Banks

• Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor of Law
• Faculty Director, Stanford Center for Racial Justice

Henry T. Greely

• Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law
• Director, Center for Law and the Biosciences
• Professor, by courtesy, Genetics
• Chair, Steering Committee of the Center for Biomedical Ethics
• Director, Stanford Program in Neuroscience and Society

Mark G. Kelman

• James C. Gaither Professor of Law

Deborah Hensler

• Judge John W. Ford Professor of Dispute Resolution

Daniel E. Ho

• William Benjamin Scott and Luna M. Scott Professor of Law
• Professor of Political Science
• Professor of Computer Science (by courtesy)
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic and Policy Research
• Director of the Regulation, Evaluation, and Governance Lab (RegLab)

Robert J. MacCoun

• James and Patricia Kowal Professor of Law
• Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Alison D. Morantz

• James and Nancy Kelso Professor of Law
• Director of SIDDLAPP
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute of Economic Policy Research

Robert Weisberg

• Edwin E. Huddleson, Jr. Professor of Law
• Faculty Co-Director, Stanford Criminal Justice Center

• Schools & departments

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Law

Discovery Day

Join us online on 21st August to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

The Edinburgh Law School is a vibrant, collegial and enriching community of legal, sociolegal and criminology researchers and offers an excellent setting for doctoral research.

Edinburgh Law School is ranked 3rd in the UK for law for the quality and breadth of our research by Research Professional, based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).

Our doctoral researchers are key to the School’s research activities, and we work hard to ensure that they are fully engaged with staff and projects across all of our legal disciplines.

You will find opportunities in the following fields:

• company and commercial law
• comparative law
• constitutional and administrative law
• criminal law
• criminology and criminal justice
• environmental law
• European law, policy and institutions
• European private law
• evidence and procedure
• gender and sexuality
• human rights law
• information technology law
• intellectual property law
• international law
• legal theory
• medical law and ethics
• obligations
• contract delict
• unjustified enrichment
• property, trusts and successions
• Roman law and legal history
• socio-legal studies

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Doctoral researchers enjoy full access to the University’s research skills training which the Law School complements with a tailored research and wider skills programme.

The training programme in Year One (six seminars) includes workshops on research design, writing and research ethics.

The focus of the training programme in Year Two and Three is on supporting the dissemination of work with opportunities to present work.

Opportunities are also available for research exchanges through the League of European Research (LERU) network, as well as an annual research training exchange programme with KU Leuven.

• Find out more about the training and support available

Doctoral researchers are able to draw upon a fantastic range of resources and facilities to support their research.

The Law School has one of the most significant academic law libraries in the UK which offers outstanding digital resources alongside a world-leading print collection (almost 60,000 items including a unique collection for Scots law research).

You will also have access to the University’s Main Library which has one of the largest and most important collections in Britain, as well as the legal collection of the National Library of Scotland.

Career opportunities

Upon completion of the PhD, the majority of our students progress to postdoctoral research or lecturing and teaching roles.

Recent graduates have also found employment in roles as diverse as prison governor, solicitor and policy adviser for organisations including:

• the International Criminal Court
• Anderson Strathern
• HM Prison Service

Our PhD programme

Edinburgh Law School can offer expert supervision across an exceptional range of subject areas for PhD study.

A PhD at Edinburgh Law School involves undertaking independent research, culminating in the submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words, which should be an original piece of work that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of study and contains material worthy of publication.

As a doctoral student, you will join a diverse community of around 100 postgraduate researchers and will become an integral part of the intellectual life of the School.

• Find our more about studying for a PhD at Edinburgh Law School

Studying for a PhD video

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

• PhD Law: a UK 2:1 honours degree in law, arts or social sciences, and a UK Masters degree with at least 60% in the taught section and 65% or more in the dissertation, or their international equivalents.

The majority of our applicants have studied law, but we are a comprehensive Law School covering a range of approaches to legal topics including social science, historical and philosophical enquiry; applications from non-law students with relevant studies and experience will be considered and if you require further guidance please contact us.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in writing and 23 in all other components.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 185 in writing and 176 in all other components.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 70 in writing and 62 in all other components.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

• School of Law funding opportunities
• Research scholarships for international students
• Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Office
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2022
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Law (Postgraduate Research Office)
• Old College
• South Bridge
• Central Campus
• Programme: Law
• School: Law
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Law - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd law - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to master’s and doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The PhD in Law is designed to provide advanced training for outstanding graduate students who have already obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree or its equivalent. The PhD is a research-intensive degree that prepares graduates for opportunities in law teaching, legal research, policy development, public and governmental service, and the practice of law.

The degree requirements include course work, comprehensive exams, a dissertation proposal and defence, a dissertation, and an oral dissertation exam. Working closely with a supervising faculty member, a student in the PhD program is expected to produce a book-length piece of original legal scholarship and of publishable quality.

The PhD provides an opportunity for focused study in a chosen field of law. It does not, of itself, qualify a holder for entry to the legal profession in British Columbia or any other certification for legal practice.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

The Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia is a leader in Indigenous legal education. [My research supervisors] have advocated for space for Indigenous Laws before it was common parlance in Canada.

Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, KC

Quick Facts

Program Enquiries

Admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 100

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior degree requirements.

Completion of either an LLB or JD and a Masters degree.

Document Requirements

Additionally to the required documents please submit: C.V. or resume Dissertation Proposal: PhD degrees in the Allard School of Law at UBC are dissertation-based degrees involving original research. Dissertation (PhD) proposals form an important part of the admissions process and help to guide the assignment of supervisors and supervisory committees. A proposal should outline a research project that could reasonably lead to a dissertation that makes an original scholarly contribution in the chosen field of legal study. The PhD dissertation proposal is approximately 10 pages (2,500 words), excluding bibliography. Clarity of expression is important. Please upload your thesis proposal under "Writing Sample". List of possible thesis supervisors: All applicants must submit a list indicating your first and second choice for a thesis supervisor, this list should be uploaded to your application form. There is no need to secure a thesis supervisor nor is it is necessary to contact potential thesis supervisors prior to submission of an application as many faculty members prefer that applications are referred by the Graduate Committee for their review.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Research facilities.

Allard Hall, the home of the Peter A. Allard School of Law, was opened in 2011. The latest technology connects the Faculty with campuses, courthouses and offices around the world, and a new, state-of-the-art UBC Law Library serves as a vital academic hub for students and the legal community. Natural light, contemporary classroom designs, expanded student service spaces, a student forum space at the centre of the building, and new research spaces are all part of the new facility. The Law Library has a research collection of approximately 225,000 volumes.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 1 student received Teaching Assistantships valued at $1,054.
• 2 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 2 students was $6,313.
• 10 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 10 students was $4,505.
• 20 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 20 students was $20,705.
• 8 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 8 students was $20,750.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

24 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 1 is in a non-salaried situation; for 1 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 22 graduates:

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, alumni on success.

Craig Bateman

Job Title Copy editor, legal researcher, and writing consultant

Employer Self employed

Robert Russo

Job Title Lecturer

Employer Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion Rates & Times

Upcoming doctoral exams, monday, 9 september 2024 - 9:00am.

• Research Supervisors

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Affolder, Natasha (International Environmental Law, Biodiversity Law, Law and Sustainability)
• Ahmad, Hassan (transnational tort law; interaction of domestic jurisdiction and liability principles with international law; business and human rights law; Law and political economy)
• Aloni, Erez (Law and legal practice; Law; Contracts; family law; law and sexuality)
• Arbel, Efrat (Law and legal practice; Law; Constitutional law; Gender and Law; Legal and Critical Theory; Prison Law and Policy; Refugee Law; Tort Law)
• Bakan, Joel Conrad (Constitutional Law, Legal Theory, Socio-Legal Studies)
• Benedet, Janine (Law and legal practice; Penal Law; Labor Standards and Laws; Human Rights and Liberties, Collective Rights; prostitution and pornography; sexual abuse of girls; sexual harassment in employment and education; sexual violence against women)
• Beswick, Samuel Peter (Private law; Common law; Comparative law; Torts, private obligations and product liability law; Legal theory, jurisprudence and legal interpretation; Law; Law and time; Limitations; Remedies; Tort Law; Restitution and unjust enrichment; Public authority liability)
• Bhandar, Brenna (Law and legal practice; property law)
• Biukovic, Ljiljana (Adaptation of international legal norms by national governments, the impact of regionalism on multilateral trade negotiations and the development of European Union Law,European union Law, International Trade Law, International Dispute Resolution, E-commerce, Comparative Law )
• Cheng, Jie (Comparative Constitutional Law; Chinese Law and Governance; Hong Kong and Macau Basic Laws; Land Property Law; Information Law)
• Christie, Gordon (Legal Theory, and trans-cultural tort law, Aboriginal law, Indigenous legal orders, Indigenous legal theory, Legal Theory and trans-cultural tort law)
• Clifford, Robert (Aboriginal and Indigenous law)
• Cui, Wei (Law and legal practice; Taxation; Law; Social Organization and Political Systems; Chinese administrative law; Chinese legislative system; law and development; Law and political economy; tax and development; tax policy)
• Cunliffe, Emma (Women and the law, evidence, experts, courts and media, open justice, pathology and law, criminal law, SIDS, child homicide )
• Dauvergne, Catherine (Immigration, Immigration Law, Refugee Law, Legal Theory, Globalization)
• Duff, David (Tax Law Tax Policy Environmental Taxation Charities, Tax law and policy, environmental taxation, comparative and international taxation, and distributive justice)
• Etxabe, Julen (Law and society; Literature and critical theory; History and philosophy of law and justice; Law and humanities; Legal Theory and Jurisprudence; Human Rights; Political Theory; Law and literature; Cultural Studies)
• Flynn, Alexandra (Law and society; Municipal Law; Local Governance; property law; Administrative Law; Experiential legal education; Socio-Legal Studies; Law & Cities)
• Ford, Cristie (Law and legal practice; Law; Regulation; Social, Economical and Political Impacts of Innovations; Laws, Standards and Regulation Impacts; Administrative Law; Ideological, Political, Economical and Social Environments of Social Transformations; Financial innovation and fintech; financial regulation; Legal innovation and law tech; regulation & governance theory; securities regulation; the legal profession; Innovation and the law)
• Goldbach, Toby Susan (Law and legal practice; Political Culture, Society and Ideology; Procedural Law; Jurisprudence; Comparative Law; Dispute Resolution; Judicial Politics; law and development)
• Goold, Benjamin (Law and legal practice; Law; Border Studies; Criminal Justice; Human Rights; migration; Privacy; security)
• Gordon, Sara (Law and legal practice; Intersection of psychology and mental health with the criminal justice system; Criminal law and criminal justice; Health law and policy; Legal methodology and interdisciplinary approaches)
• Grant, Isabel (Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Psychiatry and Law)
• Harris, Douglas (Property law (except intellectual property law); Canadian history; property law; condominium law; legal history; Law & Cities)
• Hastie, Bethany (Labour & Employment Law, Human Rights, Socio-Legal Studies, Access to Justice)

Doctoral Citations

Sample Thesis Submissions

• Sustainable development : Africa's hidden and not-so-hidden contribution to its law, politics, and history
• Africanization of international investment law : reconciling sustainable development, climate action, and foreign investment in the global south
• Rethinking the Antarctic governance and legal framework through the creation of an international legal framework for mining operations in Antarctica
• Overlapping criminal offences and gendered violence : what is overlap and when is it part of the problem of overcriminalisation?
• Climate discourse polluted : a cumulative effects analysis of the fossil fuel industry’s tactics to influence public discourse
• The financialization of housing in Canada and federally-backed mortgage securitization : public risks, private benefits
• Bishops on the bench : why Constantine legislated Christian bishops into the role of judges

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• LLM - Master of Laws (Common Law) (LLMCL)
• LLM - Master of Laws (LLM)
• LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

Further Information

Specialization, ubc calendar, program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Oludolapo Makinde

Haley Hrymak

Many of the academics I admire and look up to are at UBC. UBC is the ideal place for my work given my focus on BC, my supervisors’ skillsets, and my connection to the legal community and anti-violence sector across BC. I am also very thankful for the funding UBC has offered me to complete my...

Melanie McPhail

Growing up in the Vancouver area, I was thrilled at the opportunity of continuing my graduate studies close to home after spending over a decade in Ontario. Additionally, studying at UBC provides me with the opportunity to work with Dr. Cristie Ford, a leading scholar in regulatory governance.

Considering Vancouver as your next home?

This city won’t disappoint. It has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches and all four seasons, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow.

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The PhD programme

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Finance overview    Funding    How to apply

The PhD is awarded after three to four years of full-time research (or five to seven years of part-time study) on the basis of a dissertation of 80,000 words (exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography, but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter). Examination for the PhD involves an oral examination (viva) by two examiners.

Research students who intend to undertake PhD research are in the first instance automatically registered for a one-year research training programme leading to the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Legal Studies. They are assigned a supervisory team by the Degree Committee of the Faculty, ordinarily consisting of a supervisor (who is principally responsible for directing and assisting the research) and an advisor (who provides a second point of contact for academic advice). At the end of the first year, the Degree Committee decides whether students should be registered for the PhD. This decision is taken on the basis of the student’s personal progress log, first-year dissertation of 15,000 words, viva conducted by two assessors from within the Faculty, and outline of plans for the full research project. Candidates who successfully complete the requirements of the CPGS and the first-year progress review are retrospectively registered for the PhD.

All full-time PhD students are ordinarily required to be resident in Cambridge for the duration of their research (save where given leave to work away from Cambridge for academic reasons or whilst undertaking fieldwork), and during the first year in particular must attend weekly research training sessions in the Faculty.

This overview of the PhD programme must be read in conjunction with the detailed information available under the 'Courses' section (see, in particular, the Course Directory) of the Postgraduate Admissions website . Further information on postgraduate admission to research courses in the Faculty of Law is available from [email protected] or +44 (0)1223 330039.

The Faculty of Law The David Williams Building 10 West Road Cambridge CB3 9DZ United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 1223 330033 Email: [email protected]

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Enhance your knowledge of a highly specialised area of law by conducting your own research.

The PhD is suitable for students who have an interest in conducting independent and highly specialised academic research which may not be available as postgraduate courses. Our academics have expertise to supervise   in an extensive range of legal topics which would enhance the professional expertise and standing of those who complete this degree.

The PhD is therefore suitable for law graduates and legal professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge of highly specialised areas and for those who wish to become legal academics.

Structure/ Programme

A candidate for a PhD qualification must successfully defend a research proposal within six months of registration (in the case of full-time candidates) or twelve months of registration (in the case of part-time candidates).

A Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded on the successful submission of a doctoral thesis which should make a substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field of investigation. The length of the thesis should be between 70 000 and 100 000 words.

The minimum period of registration for the PhD is two years (full-time) and four years (part-time). The maximum period of study is two years in addition to the minimum period of study.

Entry Requirements

• A master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from Wits University or another university.

Your application should include a CV, an academic record (transcript) and a short proposal, also known as an expression of interest.

The short proposal is a document of 7 – 10 pages that outlines the applicant’s proposed research and the research questions to be investigated. It should include a provisional title as well as a provisional bibliography.

Applications are considered on the basis of candidates’ academic record, the strength of their expression of interest and the availability of an appropriate supervisor in the School.

Prospective research students are therefore further encouraged to approach potential supervisors in advance of their application, i.e. to find a member of staff in the School of Law who is willing in principle to supervise their proposed research. Profiles of our staff and their research and/or supervision interests, as well as their contact details are available on the School of Law website. You can also access a list of  staff research and supervision areas .

If you do find a willing potential supervisor, indicate this on your expression of interest. You may however proceed with your application even if you do not find a potential supervisor beforehand. In that case, the Postgraduate Studies Committee will endeavour to allocate a supervisor to you in the event that your application is successful.

University Application Process

• Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC) . Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.  Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
• Please apply online . Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal .
• Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the  Self Service Portal .
• Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students , please check this section .

For more information,  contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits .

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here . Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities.  NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.  External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

DPhil in Law

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) is the most prestigious of the Law Faculty's research degrees. It entails writing a thesis over a period of three, or at most four years (six to eight years for part-time students). 

All students will be admitted to Probationer Research Student (PRS) status in the first instance, and all students except those who have previously completed the faculty's MPhil in Law programme will undertake a course in legal research methods during the first year as a full-time student or in the first two years as a part-time student. This provides training in legal research methodology, but it will also expose you to the diversity of and intellectual challenges involved in legal scholarship and serves as a forum of peers in which you can discuss the methodological challenges involved in your own research. The course comprises seven compulsory two-hour seminars during Michaelmas term while in Hilary term, students must attend eight hours of seminars from a wider range of options, including seminars offered by other social sciences departments and the faculty’s Centres for Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies. Students must also attend the course conference at the start of Trinity term.

The Faculty can provide supervision for a wide range of different topics and a  list of completed doctorates gives a general sense of the breadth and depth of the research undertaken by its students.

A typical week for a student during their first two terms will involve attendance at a legal research training methodology class and perhaps participating in a discussion group (of which there are over 30) or auditing a BCL seminar that relates to their own research topic; apart from which they will be spending their time engaged in their own research. You will also meet with supervisors to discuss your work as explained in the supervision section below. After the third term (providing you transfer to full DPhil status) you may undertake fieldwork and research trips, depending on the nature of your research topics, and there may be opportunities to undertake paid research assistance or to teach undergraduate students.

If you are a part-time student, you will be required to be physically present in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days per year, normally coinciding with the full terms of the academic year, to be arranged with the agreement of your supervisor. You should expect to meet with your supervisor (either in person or, where available, online) up to nine times throughout the academic year, and in the first two terms, you will be required to undertake the legal research training methodology course (either in person or, where available, online).

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Law Faculty and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Law Faculty.

On admission as a research student, you will be assigned a supervisor with whom you should meet regularly to discuss your work and provide feedback and advice.  Students generally meet their supervisors nine times per year. For the DPhil, there is likely to be a greater concentration of meetings during the first two terms, while you are in the process of defining your research topic, and in the final stages leading up to submission of the completed thesis.

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of four terms as a full-time PRS student (eight terms as a part-time PRS student), you will be expected to apply for, and achieve, transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status by submitting a research outline and a substantial piece of written work. These are assessed by two members of the Law Faculty, who will also interview you about your work. This application is normally made by the third term for full-time students (sixth term for part-time students). A similar exercise then takes place between your sixth and ninth terms (twelfth and fifteenth terms for the part-time pathway) when you will apply for Confirmation of DPhil status.

After three or at most four years (no later than eight years for the part-time pathway), your thesis will be read by two examiners, who conduct an in-depth oral examination known as a viva voce. The thesis must make a significant and substantial contribution to its field. On the basis of the examiners’ report, you will either be awarded the DPhil (which may be subject to major or minor corrections) or referred back to make revisions to the thesis.

Graduate destinations

DPhil students will pursue a range of career paths after completion of the doctorate. Many will take up academic posts, or pursue postdoctoral research of one sort or another. Some will enter legal practice as solicitors, barristers, advocates, and judges; others will become legal advisors advising government departments, non-governmental organisations and private companies.

The University of Oxford has an excellent careers service with which the department has close ties. The Careers Service organises a number of events of specific interest to students wishing to pursue a career in law, and offers one-to-one advice from members of staff with knowledge and experience specific to the legal sector.

The Law Faculty has an extensive network of relationships within the legal profession and each year offers a number of talks and events run by law firms and barristers’ chambers.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in law. Exceptionally, students with first-class honours in other subjects may be considered if the subject is relevant to the proposed area of research.

In the absence of an undergraduate degree in law, candidates may be admitted with a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification in law at distinction level.

Most students admitted to the programme have a previous master's qualification but this is not a formal requirement.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Part-time applicants will also be expected to show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and, if applicable, an employer's commitment to make time available to study, to complete coursework, and attend course and University events and modules. Where appropriate, evidence should also be provided of permission to use employers’ data in the proposed research project.
• Publications are not expected. They may, in certain circumstances, advantage an application but it is appreciated that the opportunity to publish may vary considerably depending on factors such as the stage the student has reached in their graduate career and the structure of the course(s) they have studied. Consequently, a lack of publications will not be assessed negatively.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

The Law Faculty is fortunate to have outstanding library facilities provided by the Bodleian Law Library. As part of the Bodleian, the Law Library shares in all the advantages of being part of the largest university library in the country, including the receipt, under legal deposit legislation, of legal material published in the UK and Ireland. 

The Law Library offers the vast majority of its holdings - some 550,000 items - on open shelves across four floors. Selected low-use material is housed in a book storage facility and is retrievable within half a day. The library serves a large community of graduate readers and academics in their research requirements. The strength of the collection lies in the depth of its UK holdings, combined with extensive holdings for European and Commonwealth jurisdictions. In addition the library holds materials relating to international law, Roman law, and jurisprudence. To complement the paper collection, the Law Library provides a wide range of online legal resources. The Bodleian’s collection of Official Papers is also housed in the Law Library.

The library has 40 reader workstations, which provide access to the internet, legal databases, Microsoft Office applications and Endnote. There is a Graduate Reading Room, a large seminar room, two IT rooms and three small ‘discussion rooms’ for private study or group work. The wireless network extends throughout the library. The law librarians offer a range of classes and one-to-one sessions to support the specific research needs of graduate students.

Oxford’s Faculty of Law, one of the largest in the UK, offers you the opportunity to study alongside some of the best law graduates of your generation, under the direct supervision of some of the world’s leading legal scholars.

Oxford's reputation for master's-level legal education has few equals. All of the courses on offer involve intensive work to a very high academic standard, and the BCL and MJur are exceptional in their use of tutorials as a principal means of course delivery. Both of these programmes offer an extensive variety of options and the opportunity to specialise in certain fields or to select a diverse combination of courses. For those with more specialist interests, the faculty also offers the MSc in Law and Finance, the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice, the MSc in Taxation, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice, the MSc in Intellectual Property, and the MSc in International Human Rights Law (formerly known as the MSt in International Human Rights Law and offered by the Department of Continuing Education).

For its research students, the faculty offers a wider range of legal and interdisciplinary specialisms corresponding to the diverse interests of faculty members. For many research students the ultimate goal will be a DPhil, the Oxford term for a doctoral qualification, but the faculty also offers a one-year MPhil course which can either be taken in its own right or as a route into the DPhil. As a research student, you can expect to work closely with a specialist supervisor who will help you develop your ideas and pursue your thesis to a successful conclusion.

Research students play a central role in the intellectual life of the faculty, collaborating in numerous discussion groups and colloquia and participating in many BCL, MJur and MSc course seminars.

Centre for Criminology Pursuing an innovative programme of criminological research and delivering high quality education.

The Centre for Criminology is an independent unit of the University’s Faculty of Law. The centre is dedicated to pursuing an innovative programme of criminological research and to delivering high-quality graduate education in criminology. It has a vibrant programme of research, aimed principally at fostering and developing clusters of research activity around seven substantive areas:

• security, rights and justice
• penal culture, policy and practice
• politics, legitimacy and criminal justice
• crime and the family
• psychology, criminal justice and law
• victims and victimisation
• criminal justice, citizenship and migration.

Members of the centre are committed to:

• connecting criminological work to the broader concerns of the social sciences;
• thinking comparatively about crime and punishment;
• bringing together sociological and normative approaches to the analysis of crime and justice; and
• working at the intersections between criminology and public policy.

These approaches to the study of crime and criminal justice inform teaching and doctoral supervision in the centre. They create an intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment to pursue your study in criminology.

Centre for Socio-Legal Studies At the forefront of multidisciplinary research into the nature and role of law in society.

The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) brings together scholars with diverse academic backgrounds and ambitions, who pursue their own research topics and are also encouraged to collaborate widely and develop multifaceted research programmes. Researchers address fundamental questions about the nature of law, its relations with morality, religion, and justice, and its role in regulation, government and community, the nature of rules and legalistic thought, the development of laws, legal systems and legal cultures, and the social character of the rule of law.

The CSLS welcomes students who wish to pursue research in any aspect of socio-legal studies, broadly defined. The centre's staff have a range of expertise in socio-legal research and methodologies and draw on a range of cognate fields, including anthropology, jurisprudence, political science, regulation studies, economics and sociology. Supervision can be offered in most areas of social-legal studies.

The CSLS has a community of around thirteen full-time research staff and thirty-three graduate research students. Links with leading scholars in Oxford’s Faculty of Law and throughout the University enhance the breadth of the centre’s research and the resources made available to students.

Courses offered by the faculty

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the faculty's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Full-time study.

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Part-time study

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further additional expenses, such as travel and research expenses. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for grants from the Faculty or your College to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with academic staff before you apply. However, it is suggested that you consult the  list of research and subject groups on the Law website  to check that your research interests fall within an area in which the Law Faculty has research expertise.

You may also wish to refer to the  list of academic staff  for details of individual Law Faculty members' research interests.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents . 

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) who you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees: Three overall, academic strongly preferred

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Academic references are strongly preferred, but a professional reference will be accepted as long as you also provide two academic references. If you are currently completing a course at Oxford, then at least one reference must be from someone who has taught you on that course.

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement and motivation.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Research proposal: A maximum of 600 words

You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English. The overall word count may exclude any bibliography or footnotes.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• the coherence of the proposal
• the originality of the project
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• your ability to present a reasoned case in English
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course.

It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.

Written work: One essay, a maximum of 2,000 words 

An academic essay or other writing sample from your most recent qualification, written in English, is required. This may be an extract from a longer piece - in such cases, the piece should be prefaced by a note which puts the work in context.

The work must be on a legal topic and written in English. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or footnotes.

This will be assessed for comprehensive understanding of the subject area; understanding of problems in the area; ability to construct and defend an argument; powers of analysis; and powers of expression.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply - Full time Apply - Part time

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Faculty of Law

• Course page  and FAQs on the faculty's website
• Funding information from the faculty
• Academic and research staff
• Faculty research
• Social Sciences Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 271496

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

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A subreddit dedicated to PhDs.

Is a PhD in law worth it?

I have been given the opportunity to pursue a PhD in Law (in a European country, I myself am from that country as well).The issue is that this is a sudden opportunity. I did not even apply to become a PhD-student. It is more like an offer from my current supervisor of my thesis.

I really do not know how to decide on this, thus I could really use your opinions on wether or not a PhD in Law is worth it or not. Especially when I am not sure if I ever see myself teaching law.

Originally I had made the decision to pursue another Masters' degree in International and European law. But now I do not know where I am standing...

Thank you so much for your input!

- A twenty-something-year-old person who does not have any clue what to do in the future, but 'enjoyed' studying law for the past five years.

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What can you do with a PhD in law?

UQ people Published 28 Aug, 2020  ·  5-minute read

Ever wondered what it's like to do a PhD in law at UQ? Choosing the right pathway can be hard, especially when there are so many unknowns out there.

What can you do with a PhD in law? How do you  choose the right PhD supervisor ? Are there any PhD scholarships available?

Law PhD candidate Unaisi and her supervisor Professor Jennifer Corrin have teamed up to answer some of your questions to help you decide what’s right for you.

What's your favourite thing about being a law PhD supervisor?

Jennifer: There are lots of good things. I get to share the journey with somebody who is researching an area that they're really enthusiastic about. Often I learn things from that. But it's really nice to see not only the growth of the research, but also the growth of the person doing the research.

Also, there are those little occasions where you see the student have a light bulb moment when they think "oh, I get it" and that's just so nice. I feel like cheering from the sidelines sometimes.

Why did you choose to do a PhD in law?

Una: I've always wanted to do a PhD. It has always been the ultimate goal. As an Indigenous woman, I feel like my research will be so important, and so that was one of the two motivators for me to do a PhD. I want to be able to do research that means something, and I feel with a PhD in law I can accomplish that.

How is your PhD different from your undergraduate studies?

Una: It's very different. It’s a personal journey. I feel like I'm alone, but I'm not alone. So really, in terms of getting the research done, if I'm not meeting my supervisor, I set the goals, the timelines and I need to meet those, as compared to my undergrad where my lecturers set all the deadlines.

Why are you passionate about advanced research?

Jennifer: I like to solve puzzles. One of my hobbies is cryptic crosswords. That's really what you're doing when you're doing a piece of legal research; you can look beyond what the law says, you can dig a little bit deeper to see what's wrong with the law and, of course, what's right with the law, and you can also go on from that to make recommendations.

I also like the fact that we can have positive impact. So, in certain times, you've got that impact where your ideas are actually taken on board by maybe policymakers or even governments or courts.

Unaisi and Jennifer discuss the next stage of Unaisi's law PhD

Why did you choose to do your law PhD at UQ?

Una: UQ was always at the top of my list of universities. I wanted somewhere where I had the right person guiding me throughout the process. I did research and saw UQ's placement in terms of universities in the world and in Australia. And, finally, my initials are UQ . My second name starts with a Q, so I was like, it's only right!

What's the best advice you would give to research students considering doing their PhD at UQ?

Jennifer: First I would tell them that it's a great place to do their PhD, because it’s a really nice collegial atmosphere. But I would also say choose something that you have a passion for, because the PhD journey is a long one . You do not want to be working on something that you're not enthusiastic about – your interest has to sustain you through that long journey.

"Try to find a supervisor who is enthusiastic about your topic, so when you're in those troughs that everybody has with their research, you've got somebody to talk to."

What scholarship have you been awarded and how did you find out about it?

Una: I am currently on the UQ graduate scholarship and I found out about it when I was putting together my application. So I went through the UQ website and looked at all the scholarships that I thought I would be eligible for. And I submitted my proposal and here I am.

Who do you think should do a PhD?

Jennifer: Anybody who's got a passion for research. It's got to sustain you throughout your candidature, so that passion is really important. I think that's much more important than getting rungs on the board for a career. I'd also say age is no barrier. You need to be somebody who is willing to persevere and step up to the challenge, because during the course of your candidature, there will be challenges.

How do you think your PhD in law will benefit you, professionally and personally?

Una: Professionally, it boosts myself as an academic, and as an Indigenous academic, and I would be building on work that you've already done in the Pacific. As an Indigenous researcher, it places me in good stead, and I hope that other Indigenous students would see me and build on that work again.

"Personally, this is an achievement not just for me as an Indigenous person and as a woman. The PhD would be celebrated by not just myself but my clan and my people. This is not just my achievement; this is an achievement for them as well."

What can you do with a PhD in law? Unaisi is proof that you can make a real impact.

What made you decide to be Una's supervisor?

Jennifer: I actually find this quite easy to answer, because here is somebody who is a talented lawyer in their own right. Also, of course, you have a great topic, and that topic is aligned with my research, so I felt that I could actually contribute to your journey and come along with you on your journey. I also liked the fact that you had a topic which you had a personal interest in, so obviously you have that enthusiasm to carry you through. As we're going along this journey together, I’m going to learn as much from you as you will from me.

What is your PhD topic?

Una: The PhD is on the Indigenous identity and how Indigenous people define themselves, how state laws define Indigenous people and how international law defines Indigenous people. Part of the research is looking at the descendants of the new Vanuatu and Solomon islanders who were taken to Fiji during the period of blackbirding.

What was your own PhD topic?

Jennifer: It might sound boring if I give you just the title, but it was about South Pacific jurisprudence. That involves conflict between customary laws and state laws. In particular, looking at those small island countries in South Pacific and looking at ways of reconciling those two very different systems.

How did you pitch your topic?

Una: I didn't have your contact but it was on the website, so I emailed you and we discussed the topic. It was back and forth, because I was in Nauru and you were here. It was fairly simple. I put together a proposal and then you had a look at it and you agreed to be my supervisor should I get it, and then I applied and I got confirmation.

Your research career begins here at UQ.  Explore our scholarships or apply now.

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What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Law and Policy Degree?

Our Doctor of Law and Policy features in-depth courses that are designed to help you become a service-oriented statesman or stateswoman.

This degree program is divided into 4 sections: policy, law, research methods and tools, and a 5-step capstone sequence. In the policy section of this degree, you will study the foundational aspects of statesmanship and public policy. You will also study the founding era, the Constitution, contemporary challenges, the role of the state, foundations of federalism, and policy analysis methodology.

The core law courses will cover the foundations of the American legal process, constitutional law, and public policy. You will also study economics, administrative law, and human rights law. The law courses are taught by our law school faculty – all of whom hold Juris Doctor degrees and are licensed to practice law.

The research methods and tools section of our Doctor of Law and Policy degree features courses in research, writing, and analysis for law and policy as well as public policy lawyering skills. In addition, this section of our DLP degree can teach you quantitative and qualitative methods that are useful in conducting public policy research. Our Doctor of Law and Policy also includes a capstone sequence. Throughout the capstone, you will be able to hone your research skills and study a research concept that you’re passionate about.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Elected official
• Journalist/reporter
• Legislative aide
• Policy analyst
• Research fellow

Featured Courses

• LPCY 702 – Constitutional Law and Public Policy
• LPCY 704 – Law, Economics, and Public Policy
• PLCY 700 – Foundations of Public Policy
• PLCY 703 – Contemporary Challenges to Constitutional Order and the Role of the State

Degree Information

• This program falls under the Helms School of Government .
• View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the Doctor of Law and Policy

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liberty university accredited.

Liberty University holds institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).

What resources will be available to me in this program?

You will have access to vast online resources through Liberty University’s library portal while pursuing your online Doctor of Law and Policy degree.

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• Updated on  
• Dec 29, 2022

Regarded as the highest degree in varied academic disciplines, a Doctorate of Philosophy ( PhD ) aims to provide students with a chance to delve deeper into a specific area of study. For a field like Law, a doctoral degree is suitable for those wanted to pursue their career as legal scholars and teachers. A PhD in Law incorporates intense coursework followed by detailed research in the chosen specialization. The program is devised for students who want to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced studies in the domain. If you also want to secure a doctorate degree in Law, you should definitely aim for attaining overseas education for the same. Through this blog, we will elucidate various aspects of PhD in Law, the eligibility criteria you need to fulfil, course structure and specialisations as well as top universities.

This Blog Includes:

Specialisations offered, course structure, top universities abroad offering phd in law, top colleges in india, entrance exams in india, phd in law: distance education, important books, eligibility for phd in law, application process , required documents .

Commonly offered as a 3-year degree, a PhD in Law implements a multidisciplinary approach and aims to impart students with the required theoretical background and research skills in the former part of the program while they are required to prepare their dissertation during the latter part. Often pursued as a full-time course, this degree prepares individuals for several leadership roles in Judiciary, Business, Academics as well as Government.

There are a plethora of concentrations available under PhD in Law from which applicants can choose from. These courses connect the vast discipline of law with its relevant sub-fields, hence students can opt for a unique course and specialize in the same. Selecting a particular specialization also helps to delve deeper into it by pursuing research. Take a look at the following list of PhD in Law specialisations: 

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Law
• PhD in International Law
• PhD in Legal Studies 
• PhD in Cyber Law
• PhD in Civil Law 
• PhD in Jurisprudence 
• PhD in Administrative Law Studies 
• PhD in Environmental Law  
• PhD in National Law Studies 
• PhD in Dispute Resolution  

Check Out: Law Subjects

The curriculum and syllabus of a PhD in Law can vary as per the specialisation as well the academic institution. But in order to provide you with a general overview, the following paragraphs describe the structure of this doctoral degree as followed for a 3-year program.

• In the first year of a PhD in Law, students get to focus on the coursework of their specialisations with their prospective Advisory Committees. Along with this, it also comprises a seminar regarding legal scholarships and methodologies. With all this, the degree also incorporates canonical workshops on legal scholarships in the first semester of the year. In the second semester, students are required to present a report on the same. 
• During the second year, you will get to work with the faculty dissertation committee. Students have to present the dissertation in a manuscript of almost a book’s length or 3 articles that can be published thus constituting the portfolio. Afterwards, the committees will provide their views on one’s dissertation prospectus and give their seal of approval if they liked the topic. Apart from this intense research work of PhD in Law, students ought to compulsorily participate in teaching activities where they can work as teaching assistants, co-teaching with faculty etc.  
• In the third year, students can either continue with their teaching as a professor of Law or they can go on with improvising their dissertation. In many cases, one can devote themselves to their research projects while pursuing teaching and at the conclusion of the third year, they will be required to submit their dissertation. However, the extension of the duration can also happen depending on a case-to-case basis.

Deciding the right university for a course can be a strenuous task and requires professional help. Leading law schools and universities around the globe possess the necessary capabilities to transform the personalities of enrolled students. These extra-edge attributes can help you have a kickstart in your career and convert your career aspirations into success. To grab a taste of global exposure and a plethora of opportunities in this field, here are some top-notch universities offering PhD in Law that you must consider:

Tabulated below are the top colleges in India offering a PhD in law. You can have a look here:

There are various entrance exams in India that you can apply for and attempt in order to be selected for a PhD in Law. They are mentioned below.

Did you know that you can pursue a PhD in law through distance education? A lot of established and good colleges as well as universities offer the course part-time or through correspondence. Tabulate below are some of the important colleges that offer PhD in Law through distance learning.

Tabulated below are the important and informative books you can refer to while pursuing a PhD in Law. You can check it out here: 

PhD Law Admission Process 

There are two ways of getting admission in PhD in Law. You can either get direct admission or merit. 

Direct Admission

• For direct admission, you must get the admission form from the college or university. You can get it both offline and online.
• To get the application form you can go to the official website of the institute or college and fill the form there. You can upload it there and then.
• Once you have completed filling out the application form you must go to the college for counselling and also attend the round of personal interviews.

Merit-Based Admission 

• The important exams conducted to give admission on the basis of merit include JMI Law Entrance Exam, CLAT, AILET – All India Law Entrance Test , NET – National Eligibility Test , and PET – PhD Entrance Test. 
• Students can apply for these exams both offline and online. The forms for the respective exams can be downloaded on their official websites. 
• Admission will be given on the basis of the subsequent marks obtained by students in these exams. 

To get enrolled in any degree, candidates need to meet certain prerequisites specified for the course by the institution. Since there are a lot of specializations available for PhD in Law, the eligibility criteria tend to differ from one university to another. Below listed are some essential requirements that you need to fulfil in order to apply for the program:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law such as LLB or any other related discipline 
• Master’s degree in Law, i.e. LLM although some universities may allow candidates having a postgraduate degree in similar disciplines  
• Students are also required to qualify for the LSAT exam with a good score. 
• Research Proposal (Around 1000 words): Describing the scope of the project along with undertaken dissertation. 
• If you’re applying to foreign universities, you need to give English Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS , TOEFL , etc.
• It is recommended for the candidates have a well-designed Curriculum Vitae.

This is another important aspect you need to keep in mind if you’re planning to become a lawyer. But the application process might get overwhelming. This is where the professional from Leverage Edu will help you. It’s important to complete the application process without any mistakes. Here are crucial things to consider:

• Call us and we will help you shortlist your favourite law universities . But you need to submit your application to multiple universities to broaden your chances of getting selected. 
• Compile all essential documents. Don’t make mistakes while submitting the documents. 
• Submit the application before the deadlines and start the application process for accommodation, students visa, and scholarships / student loans .
• Accept the offer letter

The documentation process is one of the most essential steps you should consider. But making some common mistakes will jeopardize your application. The documents you need to submit are::

• Educational certificates. As you’re going for a law degree, you need to provide your other mark sheets such as the 12th mark sheet, UG mark sheet, etc.  
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter of intent 
• Financial documents 
• Statement of purpose  

Career Prospects and Salary

After completing your PhD in law from a reputed university, you will be able to boost your chances of getting hired by top companies. Employers will take a look at your university name as it will have a huge impact on your employability. Therefore, make sure you complete your PhD degree from a reputed university to stand apart from the crowd. Here are the jobs you can get after completing your PhD in law:

• Law Professor
• Political Advisor
• Project Manager
• Compliance Manager

The salary of a lawyer who holds a PhD degree will vary from one designation to another as well as the country. Here’s a table:

Also Read: Law Entrance Exams India & Abroad     

Taw law and corporate law are the most effective.

If you want to get into a high-ranked university, you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realise your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

Team Leverage Edu

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Image: Emma Campbell

Studying law is challenging but incredibly rewarding – you learn a lot, meet countless interesting people and discover a great deal about yourself.

What is your degree?  

I studied a double degree in Law (Honours) and Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

As a prospective law student with a strong interest in public law, I couldn’t think of a better place to get my law degree than in the national capital. More broadly, I also knew that I wanted a well-rounded education from a highly-regarded institution. By choosing ANU, with its good reputation and its offering of double degrees, I was confident that I would be able to get that. 

How have you felt about moving to / living in Canberra?

Moving to Canberra has been fantastic. The city is wonderful - it’s full of great people, nice neighbourhoods and beautiful outdoor spaces. Given that Canberra is the home of so much political and legal activity, it also offers unique and really exciting opportunities for law students - which I have thoroughly enjoyed taking advantage of! Overall, even though moving away from home for university was daunting, I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What have been some of the highlights studying law at ANU? 

I’ve particularly enjoyed the practical opportunities that are offered by the ANU College of Law. Throughout my degree, I have interned in Commonwealth constitutional legal teams, completed a placement at a women’s legal centre in the Northern Territory and have also undertaken a clinical course at a local youth law centre. These practical opportunities, among others, have been highlights of my time at ANU and have allowed me to experience different areas of the law, discover new passions and expand my skillset.

Are there any scholars who have been influential to you throughout your law studies? 

I’ve been grateful for the influence of scholars at the ANU College of Law who specialise in my areas of interest, particularly public law, criminal law and social justice. I found it inspiring to see first-hand their passion for their respective areas of expertise, and to hear their stories and guidance about forging a career in these areas.

Have there been any challenging moments? How did you overcome these?  

There have been plenty of challenging moments throughout my degree. These usually arose at times when my workload became all-consuming, making me feel incredibly stressed and overwhelmed. To overcome those moments, I set myself small and achievable goals that helped me push through what otherwise felt like a daunting amount of work. I also took steps to maintain some perspective (for example, by setting aside time to spend with friends or to go out in nature), which helped alleviate the stress associated with those challenges.

What is your advice for prospective law students?  

Studying law is challenging but incredibly rewarding – you learn a lot, meet countless interesting people and discover a great deal about yourself. Despite the stress and hard work that comes with studying law, it’s an experience that I’m very grateful to have had and one that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who is considering it!

What is next for you beyond graduation?  

After graduation, I am taking six months off to do some long-awaited travel. I will then return to Canberra in 2025 to work as a Judge’s Associate in the Supreme Court of the ACT. 

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