Course overview
The Law Research Degree (PhD) programme accepts candidates wishing to undertake a significant and original research project leading to a PhD in Law.
Studying for a PhD involves research on a chosen legal topic, normally over a period of 3-4 years full time (or longer part time), with a view to producing a dissertation/thesis of up to 100,000 words. The thesis must make a distinct and original contribution to knowledge of the subject. A unique feature of the postgraduate research student body at SOAS is its focus on international, critical and/or regional legal study, often involving fieldwork in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
Law supervisors
An important feature of study for a PhD is the close relationship between the doctoral candidate and their first supervisor, with whom they meet regularly and consult closely. This relationship is supported and strengthened by a second supervisor – another member of staff with an interest in the candidate’s research – who works to supplement the first supervisor. We encourage candidates to make contact with potential first supervisors, with relevant expertise in the topic the candidate wishes to study, before they apply. Details of staff research interests are on the law staff webpage.
There is a departmental director of doctoral studies (research tutor) with overall responsibility for doctoral candidates who provides further support to students. In addition, all incoming PhD candidates undertake the School of Law’s Postgraduate Research Training Seminar in their first year.
Applicants must normally have an advanced degree equivalent in level and content to the School of Law’s LLM or MA. Please note, applicants wishing to apply for scholarships are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure an offer (if appropriate) can be made in time. Ideally, applicants should apply to SOAS at least 6 weeks before the relevant scholarship deadline.
Why study a Law Research Degree (PhD) at SOAS?
- We are in the UK Top 20 and World Top 200 for Law (QS World University Rankings 2021).
- Our research publications have been rated first in the UK - and our School of Law rated sixth in the UK - in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
- SOAS provides a unique environment and opportunity to engage with relevant issues taught by our expert staff who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience of working and teaching in the field. This includes acting as advisors to national, regional and international bodies, and in multiple roles and affiliations with civil society organisations and actors.
- Doctoral candidates are encouraged to contribute to the research activities of the department. Doctoral candidates are active in the various research centres run in the School of Law and are encouraged to participate in conferences and other projects organised by the department. Doctoral candidates have the chance to participate in the School of Law PhD Colloquium which is held once a year. The colloquium, which is organised by a committee of PhD candidates, gives doctoral candidates the opportunity to present their research to colleagues and staff.
- The SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
- Many SOAS doctoral candidates spend some time doing field work for their research in Asia, Africa or the Middle East. The School, and other members of SOAS, through their various connections with individuals and institutions in relevant universities and governments, facilitate this work with personal contacts and introductions.
- SOAS’s language training facilities are available to doctoral candidates to develop their facility in an appropriate language for research purposes.
- Doctoral candidates have opportunities to lead clinical projects, such as with the SOAS Environmental Policy Clinic and are encouraged to set up their own initiatives related to their work.
- Doctoral candidates have opportunities to participate in journals that are housed within SOAS School of Law, such as the Law, Environment and Development Journal.
- Doctoral students can participate in internal research clusters and events that are geared towards early and mid-career academics.