Senior Lecturer in Law
College of Law
PhD in Law (+3 pathway)
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start of programme
- September
- Attendance mode
- Full-time or part-time
- Location
- On campus
- Fees
-
Home (full-time): £5,055 per year
International (full-time): £23,390 per year - Course code
- N5Z1
Course overview
The +3 PhD in Law 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 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.
Applicants must normally have an advanced degree equivalent in level and content to the School of Law’s MRes in Law (note that applicants without an MRes but with an LLM or MA in Law should apply for the MPhil/PhD programme).
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.
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.
In addition, there is a departmental director of doctoral studies (research tutor) with overall responsibility for doctoral candidates who provides further support to students.
Why study a Law Research Degree (PhD) at SOAS?
- 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
- We are ranked 14th in the UK for Law (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We are ranked 12th in the UK for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We are ranked 6th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide Subject League Tables 2026)
Structure
Structure
During their first year, doctoral candidates work on their project and attend seminars where their projects are discussed with other doctoral candidates. Doctoral candidates must carefully plan their time so that they can finish their draft thesis well in time before the end of their third year of registration. The process followed by each doctoral candidate is guided by their research project. This may include a period of field research if required by the nature of the project undertaken. Doctoral candidates are also encouraged to take part in the Law School's research activities and events, including the PhD Colloquium, activities organised by Research Centres in the College of Law and informal reading groups.
Teaching and learning
Knowledge
- Familiarity with legal approaches to research;
- An understanding of the philosophical, ethical and political issues at the heart of law research (as well as possible solutions to such problems);
- Critical comprehension of theoretical and empirical literature.
Intellectual (thinking) skills
- Planning and execution of an appropriate research design;
- Understanding and utilization of appropriate research methods.
Subject-based practical skills
- Interpretation and critique of published research.
Employment
SOAS PhD Law graduates leave SOAS as scholars who are civic minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to their communities and societies. With a thorough understanding of the legal dimensions underlying many of our global challenges today, our PhD graduates are valued by universities, research institutions, policy think tanks and national and international governmental and non-governmental institutions.
