Widener University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme is built around advanced research training and sustained supervision to produce a substantial, original doctoral thesis in an area situated at the intersection of gender, international and comparative law. You will typically combine taught research methods and theoretical coursework with specialised seminars and independent research. Core areas of study commonly include:

• Feminist and gender theory in law — critical theories of gender, intersectionality and the role of law in producing and challenging gendered hierarchies.
• International human rights law — treaty regimes, comparative enforcement mechanisms, and international accountability for gender-based harms.
• Comparative constitutional and administrative law — comparative approaches to gender equality, family law, and reproductive rights across jurisdictions.
• Transitional justice and gendered harms — mechanisms for redress and recognition in post-conflict and post-authoritarian settings.
• Migration, labour and violence against women — legal frameworks affecting migrant and refugee women, trafficking law, and labour protections.
• Research design and methodology — qualitative and quantitative methods, comparative methods, doctrinal research, archival and fieldwork techniques, and interdisciplinary methods drawing on sociology, political science and anthropology.

Programme structure typically begins with a period of taught modules or seminars in research methods and substantive topics, followed by comprehensive/qualifying examinations and transition to full-time dissertation research under the guidance of one or more supervisors. Students are expected to present work-in-progress at internal seminars and may have opportunities to teach undergraduate or master’s level modules and to participate in clinics or policy placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong prior academic preparation in law or a closely related discipline. Typical requirements include:

• A first degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) with high academic standing; applicants with an advanced law degree (LLM, MPhil) or substantial research experience are strongly preferred.
• A clear, focused research proposal showing how the intended doctoral research relates to gender, international or comparative law, including proposed questions, methodology and potential literature.
• Academic transcripts, a substantial writing sample (for example, an LLM dissertation or published article), and at least two academic references that can attest to research potential.
• For international applicants, evidence of proficiency in English as required by the university (accepted tests or equivalent qualifications).
• Where relevant to the proposed research, evidence of language skills or field access for comparative or empirical work may be requested.

Selection emphasises scholarly potential, the fit between applicant research interests and available supervision, and the feasibility of the project within the programme’s intellectual strengths.

Career prospects

Graduates from doctoral programmes in this field pursue a range of careers including:

• Academic posts in law schools and interdisciplinary departments, teaching and continuing research in gender, international and comparative law.
• Research and policy roles in governmental and intergovernmental organisations focused on human rights, gender equality and international law.
• Positions in non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups working on women’s rights, refugee and migration law, transitional justice or development law.
• Legal policy advisory roles in international institutions, think‑tanks and consultancy organisations.
• Senior positions in legal practice where deep comparative or international expertise is valued, including as specialist counsel, compliance officers or in-house advisors on gender and human rights issues.

The programme’s emphasis on research methods, publication and presentation prepares graduates for competitive academic appointment and leadership roles in policy and advocacy.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a supportive doctoral environment with access to experienced faculty whose work spans international human rights, feminist legal theory and comparative law. The university’s small cohort model fosters close supervision and peer feedback, while opportunities to teach and engage in applied projects help build a portfolio of experience beyond the doctorate.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary links across social sciences and professional schools, practical training through clinical and policy engagement opportunities, and a research culture that encourages publication and conference participation. For researchers focused on gender and international/comparative law, Widener provides a setting in which sustained mentorship and applied experience combine to develop both scholarly excellence and practical impact.

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