Overview
The School of Law has over 100 years' experience of achievement in both education and research. We are ranked as a leading centre for legal research in the UK, and we offer PhD supervision across the legal field, supporting a range of approaches, from the doctrinal to the sociolegal, comparative, criminological and critical.
Our doctoral students go to exciting careers, including law schools across the UK. Our base in Belfast gives us direct contact with the legal profession and judiciary, allowing excellent access in terms of the study of law and legal practice. Our academics are recognised experts at home and abroad.
We are committed to making doctoral students part of the life of the School of Law and the wider university. We have created a bespoke training programme for new PhDs; more advanced students can avail of separate training opportunities offered by the School and the University's Graduate School. Our PhDs can apply for paid teaching experience from their second year; there are also opportunities to get involved in editorial work for the Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly, one of the UK's oldest law journals, and LawPod, a new podcasting venture hosted by the School of Law. Funding is available to support students who want to present their work at conference or expert seminars.
The £20 million investment in a new School of Law building has created excellent facilities for postgraduate researchers, with access to Queen's Graduate School just minutes away.
Learning Outcomes
Course structure
A PhD is awarded for original research in a topic chosen by the student. PhD studies may be undertaken on a full (3 years) or part-time (6 years) basis.
Research students are appointed a primary and secondary supervisor who will guide them through their research.
'The expertise of the faculty is second to none and they are always engaging and receptive.'
Andrew Godden
PhD Candidate, Northern Ireland
This independent research is complemented by programmes of training, provided both by the School of Law and by Queen's Graduate School, which is housed in a beautiful converted building just minutes from the entrance to the new 20 million-pound School of Law building.