Law Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The PhD and MRes programmes are closely linked to our growing and dynamic research culture. You'll benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff, working alongside a portfolio of dynamic and popular masters programmes.

Academic supervision
A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more in the Division of Law.

7 top reasons to study Law here
Research facilities: dedicated PhD study areas with computers exclusively to be used by research students.Professional networking: Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and present their research findings..Dynamic Research Culture: benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff.Free tablet: Advanced technology and e-learning, a free tablet will support your studies.Comprehensive reading resources: via our virtual learning environment, a personal e-law library worth £6,000.Postgraduate seminars: attendance at a number of seminars offeredStudent Support: regular contact with your supervisor and postgraduate research tutor within the school throughout the duration of the programme..
Research areas related to law
Access to Justice
Business Law
Company Law
Civil Litigation
International Commercial Law
International Investment Law
International Commercial Arbitration
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Criminal Law
Sexual Offences
Criminal Evidence
Criminal Legal Theory
Sentencing and Punishment
Legal Theory and Approaches
Constitutional Law
Critical Legal Studies
Critical Race Theory
Law and Literature
Law and Political Economy
Law and Technology
Philosophy of Law
Socio-Legal Studies
New Media and Technology Law
Human Rights
Business and Human Rights
International Human Rights Law
Global South and Human Rights
Human Rights in Action
Socio-Economic Rights
Theory and History of Human Rights
International Law
International Criminal Law
Public International Law
United Nations
Terrorism
Third World Approaches to International Law
Gender, Feminism and the Law
Research culture

Research students who study at LSBU become a vital part of our dynamic research culture and are one of the essential elements which make LSBU an exciting intellectual environment.

All research students are enrolled in the LSBU’s postgraduate Key Skills programme. In addition, you can undertake research methods training from relevant MA and MSc courses, as well as taking part in specialist events and activities, which ensure an inclusive and thriving research culture.

MRes programme
An MRes is distinct from a taught Masters in that your final output will be an extended dissertation (30,000 words) rather than module-based coursework and exams.

PhD programme
A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.

The School of Law and Social Sciences Graduate School provides a focal point for the management and support of our PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes.

To find out more about what to include in your proposal download ourLaw and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.