At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- World-class researchResearch Quality
- Lively and supportive research cultureStudent Experience
- Specialist research groupsExpertise
- Opportunities for teaching experienceProfessional Development
- Funding for research activities (£700 for MPhil/PhD, £350 for LLM by Research)Financial Support
The Law research program at Oxford Brookes University offers both PhD and LLM by Research degrees, providing an engaging and supportive environment for advanced legal study. Students benefit from working alongside internationally recognized academics within specialized research groups, contributing to cutting-edge projects. The program encourages active participation in research activities and offers close supervision to help students achieve their academic goals. Whether pursuing a PhD or an LLM by Research, you will become part of a vibrant research community dedicated to producing world-class legal scholarship.
Curriculum
The program offers various routes for postgraduate research, including MPhil/PhD, PhD Direct, PhD by Published Work, and LLM by Research. The chosen route depends on your academic qualifications and research experience. All students enrolling in the MPhil/PhD route initially register as probationer research students and typically transfer to full PhD status after making sufficient progress.
- MPhil/PhD Route (Full-time)
- Initial registration as probationer research student
- Transfer to full PhD status (normally after 18 months)
- Thesis submission (80,000 - 100,000 words)
- PhD Direct Route (Full-time)
- Direct registration for PhD study
- Thesis submission (80,000 - 100,000 words)
- PhD by Published Work
- Submission of published work and critical appraisal (7,500 - 15,000 words)
- LLM by Research (Full-time)
- Research training (equivalent to up to one semester's taught program)
- Major research project
- Thesis submission (30,000 words)
Careers
Oxford Brookes University is dedicated to fostering the careers of its researchers. Doctoral programs integrate research skills training, leadership experience, and teaching practice. Personalized careers advice is also embedded into the program to support your professional development.
- Lecturer
- Teacher
- Policy Adviser (for international organisations)
- Barrister
- Solicitor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD Law programme?
- For the MPhil/PhD or PhD Direct routes, you need a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree or an equivalent qualification. For the PhD by Published Work, you must have a clear association with Oxford Brookes University. The LLM by Research requires a lower second-class UK honours degree or equivalent.
- How do I apply for the PhD Law programme?
- First, contact a potential supervisor to ensure your research interests align with the faculty's expertise. Then, submit a provisional research proposal (1500-2000 words) via email to hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk. Finally, complete the formal application process once your proposal is confirmed as supervisable.
- What is the duration of the Law PhD programme?
- The MPhil/PhD route typically involves initial registration as a probationer research student, transferring to full PhD status normally after 18 months, followed by thesis submission. The PhD Direct route allows for direct registration for PhD study, culminating in thesis submission.
- What are the estimated living costs for international students?
- Estimated living costs per year range from £16,796 to £22,256. This includes accommodation, food, and other personal expenses based on a 52-week postgraduate course.
- What English language proficiency is required?
- You need an IELTS Academic score of overall 6.5–7, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component. IELTS certificates must be less than two years old.
- What are the potential career outcomes after completing the PhD Law programme?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Lecturer, Teacher, Policy Adviser for international organisations, Barrister, or Solicitor. The program also integrates research skills training and offers personalized careers advice.
Entry requirements
MPhil/PhD, PhD DirectA first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree, a relevant master’s qualification, or an equivalent qualification.
PhD Direct (additional)Exceptional level of preparedness and aptitude for PhD study, such as an MPhil degree or outstanding performance at Masters level in a closely aligned area.
PhD by Published WorkA clear and demonstrable association with Oxford Brookes University (e.g., past student, staff, associate lecturer, or research collaborator).
LLM by ResearchA lower second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification.
IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5–7, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
IELTS certificates must be less than two years old. Full-time students must commit a minimum of 35 hours per week (44-week year) to research, with paid employment not exceeding 20 hours per week (including a maximum of 6 hours teaching). Part-time students must commit a minimum of 15 hours per week (44-week year) to research. Applicants must also meet residence requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are not specified on the program page. Please refer to the university's main fees section or contact the admissions team for international rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are not specified on the program page. Please refer to the university's main fees section or contact the admissions team for home rates.
LivingEstimated living costs per year for a 52-week postgraduate course range from £16,796 to £22,256. This includes accommodation (£135-£240/week), telephone (£11/week), food (£50/week), household goods/laundry (£22/week), course essentials (£5/week), and other expenses like leisure and travel (£100/week).
Living costs are estimates and can vary based on individual lifestyle and accommodation choices. Accommodation figures are based on self-catered university halls or shared private housing in Oxford. Students are advised to budget carefully and utilize available discounts.
How to apply
1. Contact a potential Director of StudiesIt is strongly recommended to identify and directly contact a potential supervisor before submitting a full application. Review the research group pages and individual staff profiles within the Oxford Brookes Law School to find a staff member whose research aligns with your proposed focus.
2. Submit a provisional research proposalEmail your provisional research proposal (1500–2000 words, including a title and summary of the subject area) to the Research Administrator at hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk. The proposal should cover an introduction, evidence of background reading, proposed research methods, and research aims.
3. Complete the full applicationOnce your research interests are confirmed to be supervisable, proceed with the formal application process. Ensure all required documentation, including academic transcripts, English language test results, and references, are prepared.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD Law programme?
+
For the MPhil/PhD or PhD Direct routes, you need a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree or an equivalent qualification. For the PhD by Published Work, you must have a clear association with Oxford Brookes University. The LLM by Research requires a lower second-class UK honours degree or equivalent.
How do I apply for the PhD Law programme?
+
First, contact a potential supervisor to ensure your research interests align with the faculty's expertise. Then, submit a provisional research proposal (1500-2000 words) via email to hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk. Finally, complete the formal application process once your proposal is confirmed as supervisable.
What is the duration of the Law PhD programme?
+
The MPhil/PhD route typically involves initial registration as a probationer research student, transferring to full PhD status normally after 18 months, followed by thesis submission. The PhD Direct route allows for direct registration for PhD study, culminating in thesis submission.
What are the estimated living costs for international students?
+
Estimated living costs per year range from £16,796 to £22,256. This includes accommodation, food, and other personal expenses based on a 52-week postgraduate course.
What English language proficiency is required?
+
You need an IELTS Academic score of overall 6.5–7, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component. IELTS certificates must be less than two years old.
What are the potential career outcomes after completing the PhD Law programme?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Lecturer, Teacher, Policy Adviser for international organisations, Barrister, or Solicitor. The program also integrates research skills training and offers personalized careers advice.