ASTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
PhD - Aston Law School
PhD · Taught in en · UCAS N/A
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€19k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 3 yearsFull-time duration
- ESRC approved Research Methods trainingStructured training
- Up to £1,500Conference funding
- Strong record of PhD completionsProven success
- Supportive supervisor-student connectionsPersonalised guidance
- Vibrant research communityEngaging environment
The PhD programme at Aston Law School is designed for individuals aspiring to become academics or professional researchers in the legal field. Students will engage in in-depth research across a wide array of legal and interdisciplinary themes, benefiting from a supportive research environment. The program aims to equip students with essential research skills through taught modules and provides opportunities for presenting at conferences and publishing their work, culminating in the submission and viva voce examination of their thesis.
Curriculum
The PhD programme is structured over three years, integrating taught research methods with independent research, leading to a doctoral thesis.
- Year 1
- Research Design, Practice and Ethics
- Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods
- Foundations in Qualitative Research Methods
- Year 2
- Year 3
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- The tuition fee for international students on the full-time PhD programme is £16,590 per year.
- What are the academic entry requirements?
- Applicants need a First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree and a Master's degree with Merit or Distinction in a relevant subject.
- How long is the PhD programme?
- The PhD programme is structured over three years of full-time study.
- What is the language of instruction?
- The language of instruction for the PhD programme is English. International students who are not from a majority English-speaking country should check the university's English language requirements.
- When are the application deadlines?
- The application deadline for October enrolment is June 1st, and for January enrolment, it is September 15th. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, especially for international students.
- Are there any scholarships available?
- The College of Business and Social Sciences advertises a number of PhD studentships each year. Further details can be found on the university's Funded Studentships webpage.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA First or Upper Second Class Honours in a relevant subject.
Masters DegreeA Masters degree with Merit or Distinction in a relevant subject.
Qualifications from overseas institutions are considered for equivalence. Exceptional candidates demonstrating required knowledge and capabilities, even without meeting all criteria, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Dr David Salmons (d.salmons@aston.ac.uk), PhD Lead in Law, for informal advice on your research proposal before applying.
Fees
Tuition (international)£16,590 per year (full-time)
Tuition (home)£5,238 per year (full-time)
Living—
UK students, including EU students with settled or pre-settled status living in England, may be eligible for a non-means tested, low-interest loan towards tuition and living expenses through the Doctoral Loans Scheme (www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan).
How to apply
1. Contact the PhD LeadIt is advised to contact Dr David Salmons (d.salmons@aston.ac.uk), the PhD Lead in Law, for informal advice and guidance on your research proposal before making a formal application.
2. Prepare Your ApplicationEnsure you meet the academic entry requirements (First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree and a Master's degree with Merit or Distinction in relevant subjects). If you are not from a majority English-speaking country, check the English language requirements on the university website.
3. Submit Your Application OnlineApply through the Aston University online application portal. Be aware of the application deadlines for your desired intake (June 1st for October enrolment; September 15th for January enrolment).
4. Receive and Accept OfferIf your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter detailing conditions and deadlines for acceptance. You will need to accept the offer and pay any required deposit by the specified deadline.
5. Meet Offer ConditionsFulfil all conditions stated in your offer letter (e.g., providing final transcripts, English language test results) by the deadline. These deadlines align with CAS Shield submission deadlines for international students.
6. Visa Application (International Students)International students requiring a visa will need to apply for a student visa. Applications received close to or after the final application deadline may require a super priority visa; ensure eligibility is confirmed by the Visa Team.
Scholarships
BSS PhD Studentships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
The tuition fee for international students on the full-time PhD programme is £16,590 per year.
What are the academic entry requirements?
+
Applicants need a First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree and a Master's degree with Merit or Distinction in a relevant subject.
How long is the PhD programme?
+
The PhD programme is structured over three years of full-time study.
What is the language of instruction?
+
The language of instruction for the PhD programme is English. International students who are not from a majority English-speaking country should check the university's English language requirements.
When are the application deadlines?
+
The application deadline for October enrolment is June 1st, and for January enrolment, it is September 15th. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, especially for international students.
Are there any scholarships available?
+
The College of Business and Social Sciences advertises a number of PhD studentships each year. Further details can be found on the university's Funded Studentships webpage.