PhD in Law & Legal Studies in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom offers 20 PhD programmes in Law & Legal Studies across 12 universities, providing researchers with access to some of the world's most eminent legal scholars and law libraries. The University of Oxford, the University of London, the University of Exeter, and Lancaster University are among the institutions in this listing, spanning common law, international law, human rights, and comparative legal theory. Tuition ranges from roughly €19k to €37k per year for international doctoral candidates.
UK Law PhD programmes are typically three to four years in duration and follow a supervised research model. Oxford Brookes University, the University of Birmingham, and other listed institutions offer interdisciplinary legal research environments. Many universities fund doctoral positions through scholarships or graduate teaching assistantships, which can offset or eliminate tuition and living costs.
Corporate insolvency law: perspectives and principles
This is a book review of Vanessa Finch's work on UK corporate insolvency law. The book examines the efficiency, expertise, accountability, and fairness of current UK laws and procedures, while also questioning whether fundamentally different approaches are needed for the law to evolve effectively. It explores various methods of company financing, the reasons behind corporate failures, and potential designs for rescue-oriented processes. The book is intended for academics, students at advanced undergraduate and graduate levels, and legal practitioners.
DPhil in Law
The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Law at the University of Oxford is the Faculty's most advanced research qualification, designed for students who wish to make an original and significant contribution to the field of law. This program involves extensive independent research, culminating in a thesis of 75,000 to 100,000 words. You can pursue this DPhil either full-time or part-time, allowing flexibility for your studies. As a DPhil candidate, you will work under the supervision of leading academics, benefiting from Oxford's world-class libraries and research facilities. The program aims to develop your expertise in legal scholarship and research methodologies, preparing you for a career in academia, research, or other high-level professional roles. The DPhil is a rigorous and rewarding journey for those passionate about legal inquiry.
Global Anti-Terrorism Law
This program delves into the historical and legal evolution of global anti-terrorism law, tracing its roots back to the strategies employed by imperial powers to suppress resistance from colonial subjects. It challenges the common perception that the 'war on terror' began with the 9/11 attacks, revealing a much older and complex legal history behind counterterrorism measures worldwide. The program examines how the definition and application of 'terrorism' have been shaped by political interests and power dynamics. It highlights the concept of 'asymmetrical warfare,' where the tactics of resistance against dominant forces became labelled as terrorism, often by imperial powers themselves. This perspective underscores how anti-terrorism law has historically been a tool to control dissent and maintain power, rather than a neutral legal framework. Furthermore, the program explores the inherent 'duplicity' within liberal democracies, where adherence to the rule of law and civil liberties can be selectively applied. It critiques how anti-terrorism measures have sometimes operated outside these principles, particularly concerning 'the enemy within' or colonial subjects. The contemporary state of global anti-terrorism law is also discussed, questioning the increasing reliance on raw power over legal justifications in international conflicts.
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies - Experts Search
The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) at the University of London is a hub for legal research and expertise. The Institute hosts a searchable database of its experts, including fellows, staff, and students. You can find individuals based on their surname, position held, and research areas. Research areas covered include Law, History, Philosophy, Academic Support, Digital Resources, and Library services. This platform allows you to identify specialists in various legal fields and related academic disciplines.
Law
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.
Law LLM by Research, MPhil and PhD
Engage in independent, supervised research for your Law LLM by Research, MPhil, or PhD. You will develop a thesis that presents an original piece of research, contributing new knowledge and understanding to your chosen legal field. The program offers intensive subject-specific supervision and training in legal research methodologies and core skills. You'll also have the opportunity to join research groupings within the school and participate in student-led career development seminars. Newcastle Law School provides a stimulating international academic environment, drawing together staff and students from diverse backgrounds. As a postgraduate research student, you will be part of the HASS Graduate School, which offers a comprehensive training program covering research techniques, essential professional skills, and personal development support.
Law PhD / MPhil / MJur
Pursue advanced legal research with our PhD, MPhil, or MJur programs. These postgraduate degrees offer a flexible pathway for you to deepen your expertise in a chosen area of law. The PhD is a three-year full-time program, the MPhil is a two-year full-time program, and the MJur is a one-year full-time program, all allowing for a September start, though other start dates are possible. You can engage with the program either in person or online.
MPhil at the Refugee Law Initiative
PhD - Aston Law School
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.
PhD in Law by Research
The University of London offers a PhD by research through the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), a leading national institution for legal research. This program allows you to conduct in-depth independent research in a chosen area of law, contributing significantly to your field. You will receive guidance from expert supervisors and have access to world-class resources, including the IALS Library, considered the UK's national law library. The program is designed to develop your expertise and transferable skills, preparing you for academic or other professional careers.
PhD in Refugee Law
Undertake doctoral studies at the University of London's School of Advanced Study (SAS), a leading academic centre focused on international refugee law and policy. As a PhD student within the Refugee Law Initiative (RLI), you will contribute to cutting-edge research and become part of a national focal point for advancements in these critical fields. The RLI fosters interdisciplinary research, drawing on a global network of experts, practitioners, and affiliates to support innovative, practice-focused research aimed at impacting legal and policy responses to refugee and displacement issues. You have the flexibility to study either online from anywhere in the world or in person in London. The program allows for full-time study over three to four years or part-time study for up to six years, accommodating your personal and professional commitments. You will be supervised by a team of specialists and benefit from a comprehensive research training program offered by SAS and its constituent institutes.
PhD Law
A PhD in Law at the University of Hertfordshire is an internationally recognised degree that signifies a high level of research achievement. This program is designed for exceptional doctoral students who wish to undertake a substantial, original research project over an extended period. You will develop extensive subject expertise and independent research skills under the guidance of a supervisory team, typically comprising two or more academic staff members. The program focuses on developing your individual research programme and crucial research skills, supported by a postgraduate seminar series. You will have opportunities to present your work at conferences and in publications, culminating in a substantial written thesis that you will defend in a viva voce examination.
Pro-competition Regulation in the Digital Economy: The United Kingdom’s Digital Markets Unit
This article examines the UK's approach to regulating the digital economy, focusing on the proposed Digital Markets Unit (DMU). It discusses the growing international consensus that traditional competition enforcement needs to be augmented to address challenges posed by digital markets, such as high concentration and the dominance of a few large tech firms. The UK's "pro-competition" regulation aims to proactively shape the behavior of powerful digital companies by setting clear expectations for their conduct. This approach, influenced by the "Furman Report," seeks a balance between supporting competition dynamics and implementing necessary regulatory interventions. The article traces the origins of the DMU and the pro-competition regime back to the 2019 "Unlocking Digital Competition" report. This report argued against both the idea that competition is impossible in digital sectors and the notion that existing regulations are sufficient. It proposed a more interventionist approach than traditional competition law but less prescriptive than utility-style regulation. The core idea is to enhance competition rather than replace it entirely, acknowledging the unique characteristics of digital markets like network effects and the importance of data. The proposed regime, centered on the DMU within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is designed to address specific competition issues arising in digital markets. These include concerns in online search, social media, digital advertising, app stores, and hardware markets, where a small number of major companies (GAFAM: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft) often dominate. The article delves into the causes of this concentration, such as economies of scale, the strategic advantage of data for incumbents, and network effects.
Research Degrees at Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University offers research degrees where students work alongside world-class academics on projects designed to make a significant impact. Available research degrees include PhD, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Master by Research (MRes), and Master of Laws by Research (LLMRes). Students can choose to study full-time, part-time, or at a distance.
Sophisticated Tax Evasion by the Super-Rich
Research conducted by LSE Assistant Professor of Economics, Daniel Reck, and colleagues, reveals that sophisticated tax evasion by the wealthiest individuals is significantly more prevalent than previously understood. The top one percent of earners in the US, for instance, fail to report approximately 21% of their income to the IRS. This level of non-compliance is substantially higher than earlier estimates, which relied on data from random audits that are less effective at detecting the complex evasion methods employed by high-income taxpayers. The study highlights two primary methods: offshore tax evasion, often involving hidden accounts in countries with banking secrecy, and evasion through "pass-through businesses," where income is routed to owners for tax purposes in ways that are difficult for auditors to trace. These sophisticated strategies mean that the actual tax gap for the top 0.1% of earners is roughly double what conventional estimates suggest. This research has crucial implications not only for potential government revenue generation but also for the accurate measurement of economic inequality, suggesting that overall inequality is greater than reflected in standard income statistics.
Writing about rape: law, criticism, and drama, from Shakespeare’s Titus to The Lawes Resolutions.
This PhD research examines the representation of rape within legal, critical, and dramatic contexts, tracing its depiction from Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" to "The Lawes Resolutions of Women's Rights". The study investigates how rape has been portrayed and understood across different eras and disciplines, offering insights into societal attitudes, legal frameworks, and artistic interpretations.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Law PhD cost in the UK?
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International tuition ranges from roughly €19,000 to €37,000 per year. Fully funded studentships (covering fees and providing a stipend) are available at most research-intensive universities and should be actively sought.
Which UK universities offer a PhD in Law & Legal Studies?
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Twelve universities are listed, including the University of Oxford, the University of London, the University of Exeter, Lancaster University, the University of Birmingham, and Oxford Brookes University.
Can international students apply to a UK Law PhD?
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Yes. UK universities welcome international PhD students in Law. You will need a strong master's degree (or equivalent) in Law, a compelling research proposal, and English language proficiency at a high academic level.
What entry requirements are typical for a UK Law PhD?
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Most programmes require a Law LLM or a master's degree with a distinction or merit. A detailed research proposal aligned with a supervisor's expertise is critical, and many programmes require an interview.
How do I apply for a PhD in Law in the UK?
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Apply directly to universities, identifying potential supervisors before submitting. Key funding deadlines often fall in December–January for UKRI and university scholarships. Contact prospective supervisors early to discuss research fit.