Queen Mary, University of London

PhD and MPhil


The Queen Mary, University of London PhD programme is one of the largest Law PhD programmes in the UK with more than 180 research students.

The School of Law is ranked seventh in the UK for Law, based on the percentage of our staff rated 3* & 4* in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

There are several research programmes and units within the School, each one focuses on a particular area of law and brings together staff with similar research and teaching interests.

As a PhD student at the School of Law, you will be part of a diverse and cosmopolitan research community. Students come to the School from all over the world. See the profiles of our current PhD students.

There is a range of scholarships available to Law PhD students, see our Fees and Funding pages for more information.

The normal period of registration is 3-4 years; full time students must complete within four years and part time students within six years.

 

About the PhD programme

 

Research Culture

We regard our PhD students as a vital part of our research culture and encourage students to participate in the life of the School of Law. Students are invited to attend the regular staff research seminars at which faculty members and visiting scholars present their work in progress.

 

Supervision

Supervision is available in virtually all fields of law. All supervisors are qualified members of staff with their own major research projects and publications. See our staff expertise list to find staff in your proposed field of research.

 

Research training

Research training is offered through a series of seminars at which students are required to present their work, and through a formal research methods training course run at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Participation in these courses is a compulsory part of the first year of research. Additional courses are provided by the college on different aspects of the PhD research process.

 

PhD upgrade

Students are initially registered for the MPhil degree and are assessed for the PhD upgrade within the first 18 months of registration (or two years for part-time students). The decision to upgrade to PhD status is based upon the satisfactory completion of written work and a short presentation of work at an upgrade seminar.

Students who do not upgrade may continue for the degree of MPhil.

Full time students who do not make satisfactory academic performance and who do not submit their thesis for examination within the four year maximum (full time) may be de-registered.

 

Thesis

The thesis, which must be presented in accordance with University of London regulations, is read by at least two examiners appointed by Queen Mary, University of London, who also examine the candidate orally.

A PhD thesis must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality, shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power.

The length of a PhD thesis is a maximum of 100,000 words. An MPhil thesis is 50,000 words.

College regulations require that each student is normally allocated two supervisors and you may expect to see your primary supervisor every two weeks or so during term-time in the initial stages of your research.

 

How to apply for the PhD programme
Note: The School of Law requires additional documentation that is not specified on the online application form.

 


PhD Student and Alumni Testimonials

You can also view profiles and research areas of some of our current PhD students.

Luke McDonaghLuke McDonagh, Ireland
PhD student, Intellectual Property Law

"I am currently a PhD candidate researching under the umbrella of Intellectual Property law, specifically focusing on the intersection between Copyright law and the folk traditions of Ireland and Britain, especially those associated with the Celtic languages. I chose Queen Mary because of its excellent reputation for research, especially in the area of Intellectual Property. I was able to meet my supervisor, Mr Jonathan Griffiths, beforehand, and we discussed my potential topic in depth. We both felt that it was worthwhile..." Read more about Luke McDonagh.

Laise Da CorreggioLaise Da Correggio, Brazil, PhD

“I joined Queen Mary in September 2007 after being advised by colleagues that had studied there in the past and it has proven to be the right choice.

At Queen Mary I receive the personal and logistical support needed to conduct my research, which is concerned with competition law and policy in Brazil, particularly the creation of a policy for abuse of dominance cases. The academics are very approachable and members of staff are very helpful. I have regular and productive meetings with my supervisors..." Read more about Laise Da Correggio.

Fan YangFan Yang, China, PhD

"As a PhD student at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS), Queen Mary University of London, I have been exposed to one of the richest and most extensive programmes for research degrees in law in the country. In addition to a flourishing and vigorous research environment with a truly international reputation for excellence, the CCLS and the School of Law also have a reputation for taking great care of its students, showing them a friendly face and being concerned with their individual needs..." Read more about Fan Yang.

Wen Li, PhD

'As one of the truly global financial centres, studying in London will provide you unique opportunities to expand your vision, widen your horizon, as well as enhancing your educational background both academically and practically to your future career in the globalization era..." Read more about Wen Li.



 

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