Marymount University

What you'll study

This research‑led PhD centres on independent, original research into topics at the intersection of gender, international law and comparative legal analysis. Core elements include advanced research methods, theoretical foundations in feminist and gender theory, international human rights law, comparative constitutional and statutory analysis, and specialised seminars on areas such as gendered migration, reproductive rights, conflict and post‑conflict justice, and transnational regulatory frameworks.

• Research methods and theory: qualitative and mixed‑methods design, comparative legal methodology, critical and feminist theory, empirical legal studies.
• Advanced subject seminars: international human rights and gender; comparative family, labour and criminal law; gender and transitional justice; migrants’ and refugees’ rights; gendered impacts of trade, investment and security law.
• Professional development: academic writing and publishing, pedagogy and teaching practice, grant writing and policy engagement.
• Comprehensive assessment: preparatory examinations or portfolio to demonstrate command of the field before embarking on full‑time dissertation research.
• Doctoral dissertation: an original, supervised research project that contributes new knowledge to gender, international or comparative law, culminating in a defended thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (for example an LLM, MA or equivalent) in law, human rights, international relations, gender studies or another closely related discipline, with strong academic performance. A substantial background in legal study or policy work is expected.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating prior degree(s) at an appropriate level.
• A clear and feasible research proposal that aligns with the programme’s thematic strengths and potential supervisors.
• Writing sample such as a dissertation chapter, published paper or equivalent substantial piece of academic work.
• References (typically two academic referees, or one academic and one professional referee where appropriate).
• For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of English language proficiency according to the university’s published requirements.
• Shortlist interviews with potential supervisors may be part of the admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of research‑intensive and leadership roles. Typical career pathways include academic posts (tenure‑track or teaching and research positions), positions in international organisations and intergovernmental bodies, policy and research roles in think tanks or non‑governmental organisations, human rights advocacy, and specialist legal or consultancy work on gender and international law.

Because of the programme’s applied research and professional development components, alumni also move into senior policy advisory roles, programme management in global development agencies, and strategic positions in civil society where expertise in comparative legal frameworks and gender analysis is required.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount University offers a supportive, small‑cohort doctorate experience with close, personalised supervision tailored to individual research interests. Its location close to Washington, D.C. gives doctoral students ready access to international organisations, policy institutes, courts and NGOs, enabling research that engages directly with practitioners and decision‑makers.

The university emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration across law, social sciences and humanities, and provides mentoring in research dissemination, teaching and professional engagement. Students benefit from workshops, guest lectures from regional experts, and opportunities to participate in policy‑oriented research projects that connect academic scholarship to real‑world legal and social change.