Marymount University

What you'll study

This research-led doctoral programme emphasises advanced legal scholarship and applied professional enquiry. Core study revolves around advanced research methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), research design, legal theory and doctrine, and the ethical dimensions of legal research. Students undertake intensive seminars on contemporary issues in law and professional practice, such as comparative regulatory frameworks, administrative law, compliance and governance, access to justice, and interdisciplinary approaches to legal problems.

• Research Methods and Design: advanced qualitative and quantitative methods, research ethics, proposal development and methodologies specific to doctrinal and empirical legal research.
• Legal Theory and Contexts: critical legal theory, jurisprudence, public law, private law specialisms and interdisciplinary perspectives that situate legal problems within social, economic and political contexts.
• Professional Studies and Practice: applied courses addressing regulatory practice, compliance, dispute resolution, policy analysis and leadership within legal and public sector organisations.
• Seminars and Colloquia: compulsory participation in research seminars, peer review groups and opportunities to present work-in-progress to faculty and external practitioners.
• Doctoral Dissertation: an original, substantial piece of supervised research that makes a significant contribution to legal knowledge or professional practice; typically developed over the duration of the programme and defended at an oral examination.

Programme delivery is research-focused and tailored to each candidate: while there are taught components to build methodological rigour, the primary emphasis is individual supervision, regular progress reviews and engagement with relevant professional stakeholders. Opportunities exist for collaborative projects, conference presentations and publication in peer-reviewed outlets.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master’s degree (such as an LLM, MA or MSc) with a record of strong academic performance, or an equivalent qualification demonstrating readiness for doctoral study. Substantial professional experience in legal practice, public service, regulatory agencies, compliance or allied sectors can be considered, particularly for candidates whose professional record demonstrates capacity for independent research.

• Academic transcripts from previous higher education.
• A detailed research proposal outlining the intended research question, methodology and contribution to knowledge or practice.
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating professional and/or academic experience.
• References, normally including at least one academic referee; professional references may be acceptable where relevant.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if previous study was not in English, in line with university requirements.

Admission is selective and may include an interview with faculty, assessment of research fit with available supervisors and consideration of the applicant’s capacity to undertake sustained doctoral-level work. Part-time study and flexible arrangements may be possible for practising professionals.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of senior roles across academia, public policy and professional practice. Typical career pathways include university or college faculty positions, research fellowships, senior roles in law firms, regulatory bodies, government departments and non-governmental organisations. The programme also prepares candidates for leadership positions in compliance, corporate governance, judicial administration and consultancy, and for roles that require high-level research, policy analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

Because of the programme’s applied focus and proximity to national policy centres, graduates often move into positions that influence regulatory practice, reform initiatives and multidisciplinary projects. The emphasis on publication and presentation helps support transitions into research-intensive careers and commissioned research roles.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount University offers a student-centred doctoral environment with close supervision and a strong emphasis on applied research that addresses real-world legal and professional challenges. The university’s location provides access to regional policy, legal and professional networks, creating opportunities for collaboration, internships and engagement with practitioners and policymakers.

Students benefit from small cohorts, personalised mentoring, and faculty who combine scholarly expertise with professional experience across law, public administration and regulatory fields. The programme supports interdisciplinary approaches and encourages dissemination through conferences and journals, while offering flexible study arrangements that accommodate practising professionals.

Overall, the PhD in Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at Marymount University is designed for candidates who want rigorous doctoral training, practical impact and pathways into advanced professional or academic careers.