Program Overview
The PhD in Law at Royal Holloway University of London is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on applied, theoretical, and doctrinal research across various legal and social science fields. The program provides a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for students to conduct their research, with opportunities for collaboration, placements, and career development. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in academic research, legal practice, policy and advocacy, and non-governmental organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The PhD in Law program at Royal Holloway University of London is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on applied, theoretical, and doctrinal research across various legal and social science fields. Aligned with the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), the program boasts a strong research environment with 100% of its research impact assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Equip students with advanced research skills in law and related disciplines.
- Foster a stimulating research environment for students to collaborate and contribute to multidisciplinary research groups.
- Provide opportunities for students to gain valuable research experience through placements with external organizations.
- Prepare students for successful careers in academic research, legal practice, and other sectors.
Program Description:
The PhD in Law program is a full-time program that typically takes 4 years to complete. Students are initially registered for an MPhil and participate in an upgrade process before the 20th month of their studies. Successful completion of the upgrade process requires submission of thesis chapters and a formal presentation to a Departmental panel. Following the upgrade, students progress to PhD registration and are expected to submit their thesis by the end of their third year of full-time study (8th year for part-time students). The program provides a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for students to conduct their research. Students benefit from:
- Working within multidisciplinary research groups.
- Participating in monthly seminars and annual research impact events.
- Receiving training in research methods and attending workshops organized by the College-wide Doctoral School.
- Opportunities to present their research at academic conferences.
Outline:
Program Content:
The PhD in Law program offers a wide range of research areas, including:
- Crime and Punishment
- Families and Children
- Health and Social Care
- Rights and Freedoms Students can also choose to focus on specific legal fields such as:
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Human Rights Law
- Public Law
Structure:
The program is structured around thematic research clusters that allow students to specialize in their chosen area of interest. Students are expected to attend relevant seminars and participate in research activities organized by their chosen cluster.
Course Schedule:
The program does not prescribe a specific course schedule, allowing students to tailor their studies to their research interests.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Thesis: Students are required to submit a thesis that demonstrates their original contribution to theoretical and applied knowledge in their chosen field.
- Presentations: Students present their research progress at seminars and conferences throughout their studies.
- Originality and innovation of research
- Depth and rigor of analysis
- Quality of writing and presentation
- Contribution to the field of law
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program offers a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Supervision: Students receive individual supervision from academic staff with expertise in their research area.
- Seminars: Students participate in regular seminars on various legal and research-related topics.
- Workshops: Students attend workshops on research methods, academic writing, and career development.
Faculty:
The program boasts a distinguished faculty with expertise in various legal and social science fields. Students benefit from working with leading academic researchers who are actively engaged in their respective fields.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to legal research, encouraging students to engage with other social science disciplines to gain a broader understanding of legal issues. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through placements with external organizations.
Careers:
Career Paths:
The PhD in Law program prepares students for diverse career paths such as:
- Academic research: Graduates can pursue careers as researchers at universities, research institutions, or government agencies.
- Legal practice: Graduates can pursue careers as lawyers, solicitors, or barristers.
- Policy and advocacy: Graduates can work in policy development, legislative drafting, or advocacy organizations.
- Non-governmental organizations: Graduates can work in NGOs focusing on human rights, social justice, or other relevant areas.
Career Outcomes:
The program boasts a strong track record of alumni success. Graduates have secured positions in prestigious universities, leading law firms, government agencies, and prominent NGOs.
- Home (UK) students tuition fee per year : £4,786
- EU and international students tuition fee per year : £18,200
- Other essential costs : There are no individual costs greater than £50 per item.
Royal Holloway University of London
Overview:
Royal Holloway, University of London is a public research university located in Egham, Surrey, England. It is known for its beautiful campus, which features Victorian Gothic architecture and extensive grounds. The university is a member of the University of London and has a strong reputation for academic excellence.
Services Offered:
Academic Support:
The university provides a range of academic support services, including study skills workshops, writing centers, and tutoring programs.Career Services:
Royal Holloway offers career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.Student Support:
The university provides a comprehensive range of support services for students, including counseling, disability support, and financial aid.Accommodation:
Royal Holloway offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments.Library:
The university has a large and well-equipped library with extensive collections of books, journals, and electronic resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Royal Holloway offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs and societies, sports teams, and social events. The campus is located in a picturesque setting, with extensive grounds and a variety of facilities, including a theater, a sports center, and a student union.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
Royal Holloway is a highly ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence.Beautiful Campus:
The university's stunning Victorian Gothic campus provides a unique and inspiring learning environment.Vibrant Student Life:
Royal Holloway offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and social events.Excellent Support Services:
The university provides a comprehensive range of support services for students, including academic, career, and personal support.Academic Programs:
Royal Holloway offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Science and Engineering
- Business and Management
- Law
- Education
Entry Requirements:
Academic qualifications:
- Candidates for the MPhil/PhD program must have undergraduate and taught Masters's degrees in a relevant subject.
- The Master's degree should typically include training in advanced research methods and/or doctrinal research and be awarded with a Distinction or high Merit.
Research proposal:
- The research proposal must be approximately 2,000 words in length (excluding the reference list) and include the following sections:
- Title: A short summary of the project focus.
- Introduction, research question, and rationale:
- Explanation of the focus, main research question and aims.
- How the project will contribute to knowledge in the field.
- The thesis argument and intended demonstration.
- Justification for the project and explanation of the applicant's suitability.
- Why the Department of Law and Criminology is an appropriate location for the project.
- Literature review:
- Relationship of the project to existing research.
- Summary of current scholarship on the topic and how the project builds on it.
- Demonstration of knowledge in the field and the project's contributions.
- Data and methodology:
- Data sources (qualitative/quantitative, doctrinal).
- Specific methods for collecting or generating data.
- Explanation for the chosen research methods.
- Description of the analytical strategy.
- Justification of any required software.
- Ethical implications of the project and how they will be addressed.
- Description and justification of fieldwork (if applicable).
- Proposed thesis structure and timeline:
- Thesis structure outline.
- Demonstration of organization and argument development.
- Proposed project timeline.
- Reference list:
- Sources cited in the proposal using the discipline's standard citation system.
Selection process:
- Applications will be reviewed by a panel of academic staff in the Department of Law and Criminology.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language requirements:
- All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English.
- Applicants must have good enough written and spoken English to cope with their studies.
Required scores:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, Writing 7.0, no other subscore lower than 5.5
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall, Writing 69, no other subscore lower than 51
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C
