| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Law MPhil/PhD at Birkbeck, University of London is an advanced research degree focusing on social and legal theory. Supervised by renowned academics, students engage in independent research and benefit from a vibrant research community. The program offers flexible study options, part-time or full-time, and prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, policy, and beyond.
Program Outline
Law MPhil/PhD at Birkbeck, University of London:
#Degree Overview:
An advanced research degree
The Law MPhil/PhD at Birkbeck, University of London, is an advanced postgraduate research degree. It requires original research culminating in a substantial dissertation of 60,000 to 100,000 words.
Focus on social and legal theory
MPhil/PhD researchers at Birkbeck benefit from a diverse program focusing on social and legal theory. The program welcomes applications not just from lawyers, but also from anyone interested in researching a broad range of substantive areas of national, European, and international law.
Expert supervision and resources
Research students are supervised by internationally renowned academics. Additionally, students benefit from classes in legal theory and research and presentation skills, seminars, and access to extensive library facilities.
A vibrant research community
The program fosters a vibrant research community organizing workshops, reading groups, a work-in-progress group, and frequent social events.
Research areas
- Race, gender, and culture
- Law and humanities
- Policy, practice, and activism
- Regulation, risk, and surveillance
- Human rights
Key objectives
- Specialize in innovative research
- Foster critical and multidisciplinary scholarships
- Promote collaborative research
- Pursue national and international network building
- #Outline:
Part-time or full-time
Starting dates
Students can begin their studies in either October 2024 or January 2025.
Course schedule
The program follows a flexible schedule with regular meetings between students and their supervisors.
Modules
- Research Frameworks
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Independent research
A significant portion of the program involves pursuing independent research within the chosen focus area.
#Assessment:
Dissertation
The primary assessment method is the dissertation, which needs to be 60,000 to 100,000 words in length.
Upgrade viva examination
Students progressing from MPhil to PhD status go through an upgrade viva examination where they defend their work to academic staff.
#Teaching:
Teaching approach
The program utilizes a multi-faceted teaching approach including:
- Supervision by internationally renowned academics
- Classes in legal theory and research methods
- Seminars and workshops
- Work-in-progress groups
- Extensive library resources
Faculty expertise
The program benefits from the expertise of academics with international recognition for their research.
Careers:
Potential career paths
Graduates of the program find various career paths in fields such as:
- Academia
- Research
- Policy
- Law practice
- NGOs
- International organizations Additionally, scholarships are available for highly qualified candidates.
Location
The program is offered at Birkbeck, University of London, which lies at the heart of Bloomsbury, placing students near numerous research institutions and libraries.
Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024, January 2025 Part-time home students: £2,539 per year Full-time home students: £4,786 per year Part-time international students: £7,525 per year Full-time international students: £14,885 per year
