Birmingham City University

PhD Law

Birmingham City University

Course overview

The PhD Law at Birmingham City University is designed for graduates with innovative ideas that can contribute to advanced legal research in society. The programme equips them with high-level research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to construct concrete legal arguments. It trains them to be professional in academia, research, and other relevant sectors.

Important learning areas include legal theory, human rights, environmental law, property law, commercial law, medical law and ethics, criminal law, legal education, American and international law, science-policy interaction, and research methodologies. Students participate in the school’s research centres, such as those focused on human rights or law and science.

Practical elements of the programme include teaching opportunities, regular supervision meetings with academic experts, industry placements, seminar involvement, peer presentations, and research dissemination at internal or external conferences. It comprises supervision, a mandatory PgCert in Research Practice, and culminates in a doctoral thesis and an oral examination (viva voce).

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit a personal statement to outline their interest in the course and any academic or professional background. A reference from an academic or employer is required. Students can also upload a CV to show their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in a law-related discipline.
  • Applicants must also submit a research proposal of no more than 1500 words.
  • Applicants with some funded opportunities may also be required to have a Masters-level degree 

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants who do not speak English as their first language need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each category.
  • Alternatively, a Secure English Language Test (SELT) may be required for those wishing to undertake pre-sessional English courses before starting the PhD programme.

Scholarships

  • Accelerate Scholarship

    If you come from a lower income family or household, you could receive an offer that is up to four grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.

    Up to £1,000

  • Bowater Financial Assistance Award

  • Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee discount for BCU graduates undertaking Master’s or PhD study.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • International Postgraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in 2026.

    Up to £3,000

  • International Undergraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in September 2026.

    Up to £5,000

  • Sports Scholarship

    Enhanced performance support funding.

  • The High Achievers' Scholarship

    You will be eligible for a £1,000 scholarship to get your university life off to a flying start.

    Up to £1,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme may pursue careers as:

  • Human rights advocate
  • Academic Researcher
  • University Lecturer
  • Legal Policy Advisor
  • Legal Consultant
  • Government Legal Advisor

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the full-time PhD Law programme is £15,120 per year for the 2025/26 academic year for international students. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may change.

Admission

Interested applicants can apply for the course directly on the university's website. For guidance, contact AHZ's trained counsellors.

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