Research Degrees in Law PhD

NLS has a diverse and vibrant community of postgraduate research candidates who are an integral part of our community. The School offers opportunities to study for a PhD by full-time or part-time study, and is now also available by distance learning.

We also offer a PhD by Published, Creative or Established Work.

Researchers in the Law School have interests in a diverse range of legal topics and use a variety of methodologies, including theoretical, doctrinal and socio-legal research. Candidates interested in pursuing a postgraduate research degree should contact the Postgraduate Research Tutor, Helen O’Nions, or the member of staff whose expertise aligns with the proposed project. Currently, members of staff have expressed interests in reviewing proposals on the follow areas:

• Conflict, Rights and Justice
• Legal Education and Legal Practice
• Environmental Law
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Advocacy
• Intellectual Property Law
• Sports Law
• Business and Insolvency
• International Criminal Law.

Supporting your studies

Carrying out research for a PhD or ProfD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.

The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.

All candidates have access to a dedicated research librarian, and state-of-the-art library and information services including the full gamut of research databases.  They also have access to a range of academic software as well as legal and social science databases such as Westlaw, Lawtel, Hein-on-line and LexisNexis, and to numerous other databases across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Candidates have access to a large pool of workstations and storage space in the NTU Doctoral School. This newly refurbished accommodation provides congenial space for doctoral students to work, mingle, talk about their projects and share ideas.

The Law School is proud to host the Early Career Researchers’ Forum, wherein both ECR staff and PGR students are encouraged to share experiences and wisdom of the first steps in an academic career.

The Doctoral School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers. There are also opportunities for many candidates to take up posts as hourly paid lecturers or research assistants within the Law School. and we seek to maximise such opportunities to provide career development.

Researcher training and career development

In addition to studying for a research degree, our Doctoral Plus programme is designed to develop knowledge and skills of all aspects of the research process, including the funding and dissemination of research. This will ensure that you have the necessary expertise to successfully complete your doctoral programme and lay sound foundations for your future career.

We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.

Participation in academic conferences, seminars and external networks will cultivate contacts, skills and knowledge essential for successful research practice and the Law School ringfences a fund to enable postgraduate researchers to engage in such activities. These competencies are also transferable to a wide range of other careers. Researchers are also invited to take part in our research seminar series and Research Away Day, giving you the opportunity to present your work and discuss with other researchers at NTU.

There are some opportunities for research students to prepare for an academic career by teaching undergraduate students or undertaking research assistance. Students may also take part in the Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education training programme.