Dartmouth University

What you'll study

Although Dartmouth does not run a dedicated PhD in Law, doctoral-level research in gender, international and comparative law is commonly pursued in interdisciplinary doctoral programmes or in law faculties at universities that offer PhD or SJD degrees. Typical areas of study for this field include feminist and queer legal theory, human rights and humanitarian law, migration and refugee law, comparative constitutional law, international criminal law, gender-based violence and transitional justice, and the intersections of law with race, labour, health and development.

Core research training for this subject combines advanced coursework and seminars with sustained original research. Typical taught content or research preparation modules include:

• Advanced legal theory and jurisprudence (feminist, critical race, postcolonial perspectives)
• Comparative method and comparative constitutional law
• International human rights law, humanitarian law and institutions
• Research methods: qualitative methods, comparative methods, ethnography, archival research and legal doctrinal methods
• Specialist topics such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, migration and asylum law, transnational family law and labour law
• Interdisciplinary seminars drawing on sociology, political science, anthropology, public policy and history

Doctoral structure typically includes an initial period of taught or research-methods training, confirmation/qualifying assessment, comprehensive exams or major research proposals (depending on the host institution), followed by a sustained period of supervised dissertation research leading to an original thesis that makes a substantive contribution to scholarship in gender, international and comparative law.

Entry requirements

Entry to a PhD in this field normally requires a strong first degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) or a related social science degree (e.g. political science, sociology, international relations) plus a relevant master’s degree (LLM, MPhil, MA, MSc) or substantial research experience. Typical expectations are:

• A strong academic record at undergraduate and postgraduate level
• A research proposal outlining the intended area of study, research questions, methodology and a preliminary bibliography
• Evidence of research potential, such as publications, conference presentations, or a high-quality master’s dissertation
• Letters of academic reference that address research ability and fit with supervisors
• Proof of English language ability where required

Because Dartmouth does not offer a traditional PhD in Law, applicants wishing to pursue similar research at Dartmouth should contact relevant departments (for example, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Government, Anthropology or the Dartmouth Institute for Research) to discuss possible supervision arrangements or look to collaborative programmes and visiting-scholar options. Applicants who require a formal legal doctorate should consider institutions with established law PhD or SJD programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD focused on gender, international and comparative law pursue a broad range of careers. Typical pathways include:

• Academic careers in law schools, political science, sociology or interdisciplinary gender studies departments
• Research and policy roles in international organisations (United Nations agencies, regional human rights bodies), national human rights institutions and NGOs
• Legal and advisory roles in public organisations, think tanks and advocacy groups focusing on human rights, gender equality, migration and transitional justice
• Positions in government, diplomacy and international development where expertise in law, gender and comparative systems is required
• Consultancy, public-interest litigation support, and leadership roles in civil society and charity sectors

Skills developed during doctoral study—advanced legal analysis, comparative research methods, qualitative and empirical research skills, and high-level writing and communication—are also valued in non-academic settings including policy analysis, programme design and evaluation, and public engagement.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Dartmouth provides strengths that can be valuable for interdisciplinary legal research even without a standalone law doctorate. The institution’s small, research-active environment supports close supervisory relationships and cross‑departmental collaboration. Relevant advantages include strong programmes and faculty expertise in gender studies, international relations and public policy, and opportunities to work with centres and institutes that address global issues.

Students interested in doctoral work on gender, international and comparative law at Dartmouth benefit from access to interdisciplinary seminars, research networks, and the possibility of co‑supervision with scholars in allied departments. Prospective students should contact faculty whose research aligns with their project to discuss fit and supervision, and should also explore law-focused doctoral programmes elsewhere if they require a formal PhD or SJD awarded by a law faculty.

If you are considering doctoral study in this field and would like advice tailored to your background and research proposal, contact Dartmouth’s relevant departments or the graduate admissions office to discuss available pathways, potential supervisors and how best to structure an interdisciplinary project that addresses gender, international and comparative law.