Which postgraduate research programme is right for me?
PhD
The purpose of a PhD in Law is to undertake research that makes an original contribution to the legal field you are examining. Students may choose from a range of methodologies when undertaking that research, with appropriate training being provided.
Students can develop a research project in any legal, socio-legal or interdisciplinary field, subject to us being able to provide expert research supervision in that field. Care is taken in appointing a supervisory team that will enable the student to access the necessary expertise to undertake their chosen research project.
Students register for:
- 3 years for full-time study
- 6 years for part-time study
- There can be a further 1 year for writing up, if necessary
The research thesis will be approximately 80,000-100,000 words in length. It will be examined by Viva Voce.
MPhil
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.
LLM by Research
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.