Law - Research

The PhD in Law is the highest degree offered by the Department of Law. By definition, it is intended to be a qualification obtained after rigorous and original research that contributes to the state of legal scholarship. Towards that end, the structured PhD programme offers a framework which facilitates independent research, whilst providing milestones for measuring progress.



Students will be equipped with methodological and analytical tools for advanced research in law through a number of taught modules across the Faculty. These will be supplemented by periodic one-on-one supervision meetings. Students will also have opportunities to actively engage in other aspects of academic writing and publishing during the course of their education. In addition, the Department of Law’s research seminar series offers a constructive forum for presenting and debating research.



In addition to developing their own research topic with their supervisor(s), students will be required to take 30 credits worth of modules over the duration of their programme of doctoral research. 15 of these will be generic/transferable modules offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, and 15 in subject/specialist modules which are being developed by the School.





Code Module Credits Semester Compulsory



SO802A The Craft And Logics Of Social Research I 10 1 No

CTL1 Professional Certificate In Postgraduate Teaching & Learning: Tutors & Demonstrators 5 1 and 2 No

GST1 Personal Development And Employability Module 5 1 and 2 No

GST2 Finding Information For Your Thesis 5 1 and 2 No

GST3 Academic Writing Module 5 1 and 2 No

LW855 Advanced Communication Skills (Conference Presentation) 5 1 and 2 No

LW856 Advanced Communication Skills (Publication) 5 1 and 2 No

LW857 Seminar Series 5 1 and 2 No

LW860 Legal Research Methodology 5 1 and 2 No

FSS1 Quantitative Methods In The Social Sciences 5 2 No

Candidates should ordinarily have a master's degree in law. Candidates with a 1st class undergraduate degree will be considered in exceptional cases.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

4 years Full-time, 6 years Part-time.

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Commences: September (or other agreed time)

The skills acquired during the programme of doctoral study will prepare students for a wide range of careers including academia, private industry, and public service.

Staff members' research is broadly in the areas of employment law and policy, EU law, human rights law, constitutional law, property law, criminal law, international law, and legal theory. Detailed information about research interest is available at the following link: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/law/our-research