Law Research Degrees
Study for a research degree at Newcastle Law School. You'll become a key member of our world-leading research community.
World-leading research in a stimulating environment
Newcastle Law School is a hub for world-leading research.
We boast a diverse community of researchers.
They engage in and produce internationally recognised research and publications.
We provide a stimulating international academic environment.
It brings together staff and students from a variety of backgrounds.
The purpose of a PhD in Law is to carry out original research investigation. You test analytical arguments or legal provisions.
Students can select a research project on any legal, socio-legal or interdisciplinary topic. That's subject to availability of expert research supervision.
We assign students to a supervisory team. We are able to offer supervision in a very wide range of legal subject areas. Students register for:
- 3 years (with a further 1 year for writing up, if necessary) for full-time study
- 6 years for part-time study
The research thesis will be approximately 80,000-100,000 words in length. It will be examined by Viva Voce.
An MPhil degree can be a great pathway to a PhD. The thesis submitted at the end of the programme will typically be, at most, 50,000 words.
MPhils enable students to undertake short or more confined pieces of original research.
Students register for 1 year, with a further 1 year for writing up. A Viva Voce may be required at the discretion of the examiners.
The LLM by research can be used as preparation for an MPhil or PhD research. The thesis submitted at the end of the programme will typically be, at most, 30,000 words.
A student registered for the LLM by Research is required to spend a minimum period of:
- 12 months in full-time study
- 24 months in part-time study
Students need to complete module LAW8148, Applied Research Methods in Law. A Viva Voce may be required at the discretion of the examiners.
Finding a supervisor
Before applying, you should find a supervisor from our academic staff. They should specialise in the area of research you're interested in.
Find out about our research strengths areas
You could also take a look at some of our postgraduate students' research profiles. Our research students are all supervised by at least two members of staff.
