Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme is not a taught course but an examined research award that recognises an existing body of work as the basis for the PhD degree. Applicants submit a collection of published or otherwise publicly available legal work (for example, peer‑reviewed journal articles, monograph chapters, books, commissioned reports, or substantial practice outputs) together with a substantial critical commentary. The commentary provides an overarching narrative that explains how the submitted works constitute a coherent and original contribution to legal scholarship, demonstrates methodological rigour, places the work in relation to relevant literature and outlines the development of the candidate's research trajectory and future research agendas.

Assessment normally comprises the submitted portfolio and commentary, and an oral examination (viva voce). Candidates will liaise with a supervisory team from the Nottingham Law School to agree the suitability and boundaries of the submission, and may be required to supply additional context, such as publication history, editorial processes, and evidence of impact where appropriate.

Entry requirements

• Applicants are expected to demonstrate a substantial and coherent body of published or publicly accessible work in law that together meet doctoral level expectations of originality and contribution to knowledge.
• Typical applicants will already hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as a Master's degree) and often a higher research degree or equivalent research experience. Exact requirements are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Applicants should provide a clear submission proposal outlining the selected works, the proposed critical commentary, and a statement explaining how the submission meets the criteria for a PhD; they must also supply copies or links to the works, a curriculum vitae, and references.
• English language competency must meet the university's doctoral research standards where the applicant's prior education or publications are not in English.
• Admission is subject to approval by Nottingham Trent University's doctoral admissions processes and agreement of an appropriate supervisory team within Nottingham Law School.

Career prospects

Graduates who obtain a PhD by published work in Law enhance their standing for a wide range of roles. Common career paths include academic and research posts (lectureships, research fellowships), senior roles in legal practice and in‑house counsel positions, policy and legislative advisory roles in government or international organisations, think tanks and NGOs, and senior positions in the judiciary or legal reform bodies. The award also supports careers that value demonstrable research excellence and impact, such as consultancy, expert witness work, and leadership roles in professional bodies.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

• Nottingham Law School has a broad programme of research activity and supervision expertise across commercial law, criminal law, human rights, public law, socio‑legal studies and other areas; the School supports doctoral candidates through a structured supervisory team.
• The university provides doctoral researchers with access to the Nottingham Trent Doctoral College and researcher development programmes that cover research methods, publication and career development tailored for experienced researchers.
• Candidates benefit from comprehensive library resources, electronic legal databases, and interdisciplinary collaboration across social sciences and business faculties, which can strengthen contextualisation and impact of submitted work.
• As a city‑based campus, Nottingham Trent University offers strong professional and civic links locally and internationally, which can assist candidates in evidencing impact and engagement for practice‑led or policy‑oriented scholarship.