University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD in Law is a supervised research degree focused on producing an original doctoral thesis that makes a substantive contribution to legal knowledge. Students work closely with one or more supervisors from the School of Law and have access to interdisciplinary expertise across the wider university. Your research topic may cover doctrinal analysis, empirical legal studies, comparative or international law, socio-legal approaches, legal theory, or interdisciplinary areas such as law and technology, environmental regulation, human rights, commercial and corporate law, or criminal justice.

While the degree is primarily research-led rather than taught, most students undertake formal research training in the first year. Typical components include:

• Development and refinement of a detailed research proposal and literature review
• Research methods training (qualitative, quantitative, doctrinal or mixed methods as appropriate)
• Regular supervisory meetings and progress reviews, including an upgrade assessment from MPhil to PhD where required
• Participation in law school seminars, workshops and research clusters; opportunities to present work in progress
• Optional taught modules or short courses in specialist topics, research skills, or professional development offered by the School of Law and the Doctoral College

The degree culminates in submission of a substantial thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). The School encourages early engagement with publication, conferences and policy outreach, and supports opportunities to teach undergraduate/ postgraduate seminars where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong academic record. Typical entry expectations include a good master's degree in law or a related discipline (or an upper second-class honours degree with a convincing research profile), backed by a demonstrable ability to carry out sustained independent research. Candidates should submit:

• A clear and feasible research proposal outlining research questions, methodology and contribution to the field
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Two or three academic references addressing research potential
• A personal statement and CV detailing relevant experience

Selection also depends on the availability of suitable supervision within the School of Law and the quality and fit of the proposed project. International applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university regulations. Applicants without a master's degree may be considered in exceptional cases where they have an outstanding undergraduate record and relevant research experience.

Career prospects

A PhD in Law from the University of Nottingham prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths. Common destinations include:

• Academic careers: postdoctoral posts, lectureships and research fellowships in universities and law schools
• Legal practice and advocacy: research-heavy roles in chambers, specialist legal practice, or as advisers in complex regulatory or commercial matters
• Public sector and policy: advisory and research positions in government departments, legislative bodies and regulatory agencies
• Think tanks and NGOs: policy research, human rights advocacy and consultancy roles
• Corporate and consultancy roles: legal research, compliance, risk management and policy development in industry
• Judicial and tribunal support roles: legal research posts and clerking positions

The programme also helps develop transferable skills in project management, critical analysis, communication and independent scholarship that are valued across public, private and third sectors.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham's School of Law is research-active with a diverse community of doctoral researchers and a broad range of supervisory expertise across public, commercial, criminal, international and comparative law. You will benefit from interdisciplinary links across the university and from structured support provided by the Doctoral College, including training in research methods, professional development and opportunities for teaching experience.

Research students have access to extensive library collections, specialist legal databases, and regular research seminars, conferences and reading groups that foster scholarly exchange. The School supports engagement with regional, national and international research networks and encourages doctoral candidates to publish and participate in policy engagement. Supervision is tailored to the needs of each candidate, with clear progress milestones and a supportive environment aimed at producing high-quality, impactful research.