Research degrees in Law

Program Overview

The PhD in Law from Nottingham Trent University offers full-time, part-time, and distance learning options. Supervised by experts, students develop research skills and knowledge in a range of legal topics. The program provides career support through conferences, networks, and training in transferable skills, preparing graduates for academia or other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Nottingham Trent University Law School offers a PhD research degree in Law. This program is available for full-time or part-time study, and is now also available by distance learning. The program also offers a PhD by Published, Creative or Established Work. The program is designed to develop knowledge and skills of all aspects of the research process, including the funding and dissemination of research. This will ensure that you have the necessary expertise to successfully complete your doctoral programme and lay sound foundations for your future career.

Teaching:

Researchers in the Law School have interests in a diverse range of legal topics and use a variety of methodologies, both doctrinal and socio-legal. During your research you will be supported by a dedicated supervision team with both specialist knowledge in your field of activity and experience of successful doctoral supervision.

Careers:

Your career developmentNottingham Trent University prides itself on the real-world relevance of its courses, and places particular emphasis on helping students to develop the academic and practical know-how that encourages initiative, innovation and academic excellence.All our research degrees incorporate a programme of supporting studies designed to develop knowledge and skills of all aspects of the research process, including the funding and dissemination of research. This will ensure that you have the necessary expertise to successfully complete your doctoral programme and lay sound foundations for your future career.Participation in academic conferences, seminars and external networks will cultivate contacts, skills and knowledge essential for successful research practice. These abilities are also transferable to a wide range of other careers. The School offers opportunities to study for a PhD by full-time or part-time study, and is now also available by distance learning.We also offer a PhD by Published, Creative or Established Work.Researchers in the Law School have interests in a diverse range of legal topics and use a variety of methodologies, including theoretical, doctrinal and socio-legal research. Candidates interested in pursuing a postgraduate research degree should contact the Postgraduate Research Tutor, Helen O’Nions, or the member of staff whose expertise aligns with the proposed project. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.All candidates have access to a dedicated research librarian, and state-of-the-art library and information services including the full gamut of research databases. They also have access to a range of academic software as well as legal and social science databases such as Westlaw, Lawtel, Hein-on-line and LexisNexis, and to numerous other databases across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Candidates have access to a large pool of workstations and storage space in the NTU Doctoral School. This newly refurbished accommodation provides congenial space for doctoral students to work, mingle, talk about their projects and share ideas.The Law School is proud to host the Early Career Researchers’ Forum, wherein both ECR staff and PGR students are encouraged to share experiences and wisdom of the first steps in an academic career.The Doctoral School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers. There are also opportunities for many candidates to take up posts as hourly paid lecturers or research assistants within the Law School. This will ensure that you have the necessary expertise to successfully complete your doctoral programme and lay sound foundations for your future career.We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.Participation in academic conferences, seminars and external networks will cultivate contacts, skills and knowledge essential for successful research practice and the Law School ringfences a fund to enable postgraduate researchers to engage in such activities. These competencies are also transferable to a wide range of other careers. Students may also take part in the Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education training programme.