PhD in Law

Programme Introduction

The PhD in Law is an advanced research degree designed for those who wish to make substantial contributions to legal scholarship. The program is tailored for individuals with a strong academic background in law and a desire to engage in in-depth research on complex legal issues. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of legal topics, develop critical thinking skills, and produce original research that can influence legal theory, practice, and policy.

Programme Modules

1. Advanced Research Methods I: This module introduces students to the fundamental research methodologies used in their field of study. It covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis, equipping students with the essential tools for conducting high-quality research.

2. Advanced Research Methods II: Building on the first module, this course delves into more complex research techniques, such as advanced statistical modeling, longitudinal studies, and specialized methods relevant to the student’s specific research area. It prepares students to tackle sophisticated research challenges and develop innovative approaches in their dissertations.

3. Thesis Seminar: This seminar supports students as they begin to develop their dissertation projects. It provides a forum for presenting research proposals, discussing challenges, and receiving constructive feedback from peers and faculty. The seminar is crucial in helping students refine their research questions and methodologies before embarking on their dissertation work.

Course Overview

The PhD program is structured to balance coursework with independent research, providing a comprehensive academic and professional development pathway for students. The program typically unfolds as follows:

1. Coursework

   • Core Modules: Students begin with essential courses such as Advanced Research Methods I and II. These modules equip students with a robust foundation in research methodologies and theoretical frameworks specific to their field.
   • Thesis Seminar: During this period, students participate in the Thesis Seminar, where they develop their dissertation proposals and engage with the academic community for feedback and guidance.

2. Thesis Research

   • Thesis Part I+II+III: This initial phase of the dissertation involves developing the research proposal, conducting a comprehensive literature review, and designing the research methodology. Students work closely with their supervisors to refine their research questions and methods.
   • Thesis Part IV+V+VI: In this phase, students conduct their research, collect and analyze data, and begin to draft portions of their dissertation. Regular progress reviews with supervisors help ensure that the research stays on track.
   • Thesis Part VII+VIII+IX: The final phase focuses on completing the dissertation. Students synthesize their findings, finalize their analysis, and prepare the full dissertation for submission. This phase culminates in the defense of the dissertation, where students present their research findings to a panel of experts.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire a deep understanding of advanced legal theories, principles, and practices.
• Conduct original and significant research that contributes to legal scholarship.
• Critically analyze legal issues from multiple perspectives, including ethical, social, and political contexts.
• Demonstrate expertise in specialized areas of law, tailored to the student’s research interests.
• Effectively communicate complex legal concepts and research findings in both written and oral forms.
• Influence legal practice and policy through scholarly research and thought leadership.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD in Law program are well-prepared for a variety of prestigious and influential roles, including:

• Academic positions in universities and law schools as professors or researchers
• Legal advisory roles in international organizations, NGOs, or government bodies
• Senior positions in law firms, particularly in areas requiring deep legal expertise
• Legal consultants specializing in areas such as international law, human rights, or corporate law
• Judges or legal scholars contributing to the development of legal systems and jurisprudence
• Policy-making roles that shape national and international law

The PhD in Law opens doors to leadership roles in legal academia, research, and practice, allowing graduates to make a lasting impact on the legal profession and society.