City

What you'll study

The programme is driven by an individual research project under the guidance of experienced supervisors from City’s law faculty. Candidates undertake a sustained piece of original scholarship that contributes to knowledge in their chosen specialism, which may include public law, commercial law, criminal law, human rights, international law, financial and regulatory law, IP and technology law, or comparative and socio-legal studies.

Alongside the thesis, students take part in a structured doctoral training programme that covers research methods, advanced doctrinal and empirical techniques, legal theory, academic writing and presentation skills. Regular research seminars, workshops and reading groups provide disciplinary breadth and peer feedback. Progress is monitored through annual reviews and formal milestones (such as confirmation/transfer from MPhil to PhD), culminating in submission of a doctoral thesis and an oral examination (viva voce).

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong master’s degree in law (LLM or equivalent) or a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate law degree with substantial research experience. Those with a relevant professional background and demonstrable research potential may also be considered. You must submit a clear research proposal, academic references, transcripts and a sample of written work.

International applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency in English where their prior degree was not taught in English. Shortlisted candidates are usually interviewed by potential supervisors to assess fit and feasibility of the proposed project.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a range of careers where high-level research, analysis and communication skills are required. Common pathways include academic posts and postdoctoral research, roles in the judiciary and higher courts, specialist legal practice and consultancy, policy-making and advisory positions in government, international organisations and NGOs, and research or strategy roles in think tanks and industry (including in-house legal teams for regulated sectors such as finance and technology).

Why study at City

City is located in the heart of London, offering excellent access to courts, legal firms, regulators and international organisations, which supports empirical and practice-oriented research. The Law School combines a strong research-active faculty with a supportive supervisory culture and a programme of doctoral training and transferable skills development.

Research students benefit from a lively research environment, regular events and seminars, and access to the resources of major London libraries and professional networks. City’s links with the legal profession and policy bodies help students develop applied impact for their research and build careers beyond the academy.