The School of Law supports a thriving PhD community, largely through its three main research centres: The Centre for American Legal Studies, The Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Law, Science and Policy. We also contribute to the work of the University-wide Centre for Brexit Studies.

We are currently supporting students to undertake doctoral research on a variety of topics, including capital punishment, international human rights standards and trade agreements, and the interface of law and science in the context of public health and criminal justice.

The School of Law supports cutting-edge research that falls broadly within the themes of our three research centres, and aims to inform the resolution of global challenges. Our academics collaborate with international organisations, including the United Nations, Amicus, and the Nuffield Foundation, and their research has been cited widely by scholars, courts and practitioners.

Employment Opportunities

The PhD award is well established and valued professional qualifications within the legal sector and will enhance your career prospects. Should you want to follow a career in teaching and researching academic law in higher education, a PhD is highly desirable.

The value of PhD to employability

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry, government, policy-making, or commerce. Our law-based PhD research degree has been designed to help you achieve a career in research or academia.

After the PhD

Completing a PhD in law can open many doors, including to careers in academia, government, non-profit organisations, and private business.