Law - Research

A Master by Research is a qualification obtained after rigorous and original research that contributes to the state of legal scholarship. Towards that end, the structured research 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 Departments research seminar series offers a constructive forum for presenting and debating research.



The student must complete a thesis of approx. 30,000 words. In addition, students will be required to take 10 credits worth of modules over the duration of their programme from the structured PhD programme. 5 of these will be generic/transferable modules offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, and 5 in subject/specialist modules offered by the School of Law and Criminology.

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

2 years Full-time, 3 years Part-time

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.