PhD in Law

Program Overview

Aberystwyth University's PhD in Law fosters expertise in law or criminology, equipping students with research skills to conduct original investigations and contribute to the field. It prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, or legal professions, offering high-quality supervision, research training, and a supportive environment. The program emphasizes effective communication and thesis writing, with students showcasing their research through a substantial thesis.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Law at Aberystwyth University is a research-based degree that allows students to explore a specific legal or criminological topic of their choosing under the supervision of leading researchers in their field. The program is available on a full-time or part-time basis and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of law.

Objectives:

The PhD program aims to:

• Develop students' expertise in a chosen area of law or criminology.
• Foster students' ability to conduct original and independent research.
• Equip students with the skills necessary to communicate their research findings effectively.
• Prepare students for careers in academia, research, or other legal professions.

Outline:

Structure:

The PhD program typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. The first year is dedicated to research training, while the second and third years are devoted to full-time research into the chosen topic.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1: Research training, including quantitative and qualitative research methodology, social science research needs, and manuscript skills.
• Year 2 & 3: Full-time research and thesis writing.

Modules:

• Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis (for social scientists): This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to collect and analyze quantitative data.
• Manuscript Skills: Post Medieval Palaeographic and Diplomatic: This module focuses on the skills needed to analyze and interpret historical documents.
• Principles of Research Design: This module covers the principles of research design, including the selection of research methods, data collection techniques, and data analysis methods.
• Ways of Reading: This module explores different approaches to reading and interpreting texts.

Assessment:

The PhD program is assessed through the submission of a substantial thesis of approximately 80,000-100,000 words. The thesis is written under the supervision of a member of staff of the Department and is followed by a viva voce examination.

Teaching:

• Supervision: The Department of Law and Criminology provides high-quality supervision for postgraduate students.
Supervisors take a keen interest in students' progress and offer encouragement, guidance, and advice.
• Research Training: All postgraduate research students receive research training, which is an institutional requirement.
The training is tailored to the subject matter and methodology of the research project.
• Faculty: The Department of Law and Criminology boasts a team of experienced and renowned legal academics who are actively involved in research and teaching.

Careers:

A PhD in Law from Aberystwyth University can open doors to a variety of career paths, including:

• Academia: A PhD is a prerequisite for most academic positions in law.
• Research: PhD graduates can pursue careers in research institutions, government agencies, or private organizations.
• Legal Professions: A PhD can enhance career prospects in law firms, legal departments, and other legal organizations.

Other:

• The Department of Law and Criminology encourages postgraduate students to publish their research in the form of books and articles.
• The Department has a well-stocked library and generous and up-to-date information technology provision.
• The Department is committed to providing a stimulating and friendly environment for students.