PhD Law

A PhD in Law from Kingston University is a great choice if you want to become a legal researcher or university teacher. It can also prepare you for research roles in government, business, or other organisations.

You will choose your research topic with the help of your supervisor. The course is flexible, so you can plan your studies in a way that fits your research. You will also receive support for fieldwork and collecting information. Regular meetings and workshops will help you stay focused and build your research skills.

Studying the Law PhD at Kingston University also gives you the chance to teach undergraduate students. This teaching experience helps prepare you for a job in higher education. You will attend training sessions and research seminars, including masterclasses and workshops on legal research methods. These events also give you the chance to meet other PhD students and staff.

The Department of Law at Kingston is small and friendly, and you will be part of a close academic group, where it’s easy to get to know staff and other students. The Law PhD from Kingston University gives you a strong and supportive place to grow as a researcher and prepares you for a career in law or education.

Kingston University is located in Kingston upon Thames, a town by the river in South West London. It began as the Kingston Technical Institute way back in 1899 and became a university in 1992.

The university has four main faculties, including: Business and Social Science; Engineering, Computing and the Environment; Kingston School of Art; and Health, Science, Social Care and Education. Many courses let students get real-world practice through projects and work placements, giving them valuable experience. Kingston also does important research in many fields.

Many people who have studied at Kingston University have gone on to do interesting things. For example, actor Ben Barnes, TV presenter Laura Woods, and artist Grayson Perry all studied there. These examples show how the university helps its students gain the knowledge and skills they need for a wide range of jobs and careers.

• You will need two personal references from academic referees confirming your suitability for the programme.
• Evidence of relevant educational, professional and personal experience. 
• Your ability to meet the high intellectual and personal demands of the programme
• Your potential to complete the programme within the designated time.

Grade Requirements:

• A first or second-class honours undergraduate degree and a master's degree in Law or a law-related subject are required to study this course.   

English Proficiency:

• All non-UK applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements. For this course, an Academic IELTS of 7.0 overall with special conditions in all elements is required.

For the 2025/26 academic session, the tuition fee to study a PhD in Law at Kingston University is £17,300. Please note that fees are provisional and subject to change.

Kingston University offers several scholarships and financial aid options to support students financially. One of the available opportunities is the SEDarc Open Competition for doctoral awards. The full-time doctoral stipend for this award for 2025/26 is £22,780. Levels are likely to rise slightly for 2026/27 but have not yet been confirmed. Awards will be for 3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time. Thesis submission for examination is required by the end of the funding period.

Graduates with a PhD in Law from Kingston University will be well-prepared for employment in exciting roles such as the following:

• Attorney 
• Legal Consultant 
• Policy Analyst
• Law Professor 
• Legal Researcher
• Mediator

Applications for this course can be made using the university's online application platform. Our trained counsellors at AHZ are always happy to help if you have any questions.