St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme is built around sustained independent research leading to a substantial doctoral thesis, supported by advanced seminars and directed supervision. Core intellectual emphases include feminist and gender theory in law, international human rights instruments and enforcement mechanisms, comparative constitutional and family law, migration and refugee law, transitional justice, and the role of international institutions in shaping gender norms.

• Advanced research methods for legal scholarship (qualitative, doctrinal, comparative and interdisciplinary approaches)
• Theory and methodology in gender and sexuality law
• Comparative approaches to family, criminal and labour law affecting gendered populations
• International human rights law, treaty mechanisms and litigation strategies
• Law and development, post-conflict justice and reparations from a gender perspective
• Elective seminars in related fields such as socio-legal studies, public international law, migration studies and comparative constitutional law

Students typically undertake an initial period of structured research training and seminars, pass a qualifying or comprehensive assessment, and then proceed to full-time thesis research under the guidance of a supervisory team. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, placements with international organisations or NGOs, and participation in teaching and conference activity are integral to the programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a strong primary law qualification (for example a JD or LLB) and a relevant postgraduate degree such as an LLM or Master’s with a substantial research component, or equivalent research experience. A clear, focused research proposal that aligns with the programme’s specialism in gender, international and comparative law is expected.

• Strong academic transcripts from prior degrees
• Evidence of research potential (e.g. a research proposal, writing sample or prior thesis)
• Academic references, normally two, commenting on suitability for doctoral research
• Where applicable, evidence of English language proficiency at a level appropriate for doctoral study
• Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documentation of professional or research experience

Career prospects

Graduates typically move into academic careers as scholars and teachers in law schools and university departments, or into research roles in think-tanks and policy institutes. The specialised expertise in gender and international/comparative law also prepares graduates for senior roles in international organisations, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, human rights and women’s rights NGOs, strategic litigation units, and legal policy advisory positions.

Other pathways include senior advocacy and programme leadership in civil society, consultancy on gender-sensitive legal reform, and positions with international courts, tribunals or tribunals’ secretariats. The programme’s emphasis on rigorous research and publication prepares graduates to influence policy debates and legal doctrine at national and transnational levels.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s offers doctoral candidates the advantages of a law school located within a global city: proximity to courts, diplomatic missions and United Nations offices, plus access to a diverse range of practitioners and civil society organisations. The university’s law faculty includes scholars working on international, comparative and gender law, providing supervisory expertise across the programme’s core themes.

Students benefit from comprehensive library collections, opportunities to engage with clinical and pro bono programmes, and an interdisciplinary campus community that facilitates collaboration with social science, public policy and human rights researchers. The school supports doctoral training through seminars, research workshops, conference funding and mentorship aimed at preparing graduates for scholarly publication and professional impact.