PhD Law
University of EssexColchester Campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
The PhD Law in the University of Essex is a research degree for students who want to produce new legal research. It is not a taught programme. Instead, students develop their research topic, work with one or two supervisors, and write a thesis that adds new knowledge to the law. The normal study length is around 3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
Students can focus on areas such as human rights law, criminal justice, constitutional law, international law, commercial and business regulation, environmental law or legal theory. The topic depends on staff supervision availability and the student’s own research proposal.
Teaching is mainly one-to-one supervision meetings. Students also take part in research training sessions, research seminars, academic development workshops and conferences. The University of Essex PhD Law supports students in learning how to build a research profile, publish articles and present at academic events.
Assessment for the PhD Law at the University of Essex is by the final written thesis, followed by a project defence (examination), where the student explains and defends their research. Graduates with a PhD Law from the University of Essex often go on to academic teaching and research positions, research units, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, policy work or specialist legal analysis roles.
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall, and 6.5 in writing, with a minimum of 5.5 remaining components
Scholarships
Alumni Loyalty Discount
First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.
Up to 20% of feesEssex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship
School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.
Up to £5,500Global Talent Masters Scholarship
You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.
Up to £5,000Hugh Brogan Bursary
If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.
Up to £2,500Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary
The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.
Up to £776Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship
You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.
Up to £6,500Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship
The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.
Up to £11,025The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund
The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.
The Essex MBA Dean's Award
The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.
The Ronald J. Hill Fund
The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.
Up to £3,000University of Sanctuary Scholarship
Career opportunities
Graduates of the University of Essex PhD Law may move into roles such as:
- University Lecturer / Academic Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Legal Research Consultant
- International Organisation Legal Officer
- Government / NGO Legal Research Specialist
Cost of study
The tuition fee for international students for the PhD Law at the University of Essex is £20,625 per year (fees change depending on study and year of entry).
Admission
Applications for the PhD in Law from the University of Essex are submitted through the university’s postgraduate research application portal. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.
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