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Law PhD / PhD by Distance Learning / MPhil / MJur

Annual tuition fee 2024 entry: UK: £4,778 full-time, £2,389 part-time International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only) More detail .

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As a postgraduate researcher at Birmingham Law School you will be contributing to more than 85 years of research tradition, working alongside some of the country's most eminent legal scholars.

Our expertise spans a wide range of areas, including commercial law, criminal law, criminal justice, judicial administration, European law, public law, human rights, international law, private law, restitution, conflicts of law, international economic law, comparative law, health and social welfare, socio-legal studies, and legal theory.

ESRC funding for PhD students

The University of Birmingham is part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership, offering ESRC PhD studentships for campus-based programmes. ESRC awards are available for a range of social science disciplines including Applied Linguistics, Area Studies (African Studies), Economic and Social History, and Socio-Legal Studies.

Find out more

Postgraduate scholarships available

The College of Arts and Law is offering a range of scholarships for our postgraduate taught and research programmes to ensure that the very best talent is nurtured and supported.

Learn more about our scholarships

AHRC funding for PhD students

The University of Birmingham is part of the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership (M4C), offering Arts and Humanities Research Council PhD studentships for campus-based programmes. These include a number of Collaborative Doctoral Award opportunities. Each studentship includes research fees, a substantial maintenance grant and additional research training support. Applications are open until 12:00 (noon), 13 January 2021.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

As well as providing expert supervision from experienced members of staff, we offer a friendly and supportive environment for our postgraduate students and consider them an integral part of the School’s  research community .

• With supervision from academic staff, our PhD programme requires you to research and write a thesis of 80,000 words that makes an original contribution to knowledge. Full-time students are expected to complete their work within three years. This programme can also be studied by Distance Learning -  see whether distance learning is an option for you .
• The MPhil programme requires you to research and write a 60,000-word thesis under the supervision of academic staff. Full-time students are expected to complete their work within two years.
• The MJur programme requires you to research and write a 40,000-word thesis under the supervision of academic staff. Full-time students are expected to complete their work within one year.

Our current Law PhD students

To find out more about the range of research currently being undertaken by our PhD students and the academics providing supervision, read our  profiles of current doctoral researchers .

At Birmingham, I have the fantastic opportunity to work with talented people from across a range of different cultural backgrounds which broadens my horizons and helps me get to know the world better. My supervisors provide great support and assistance, while I can always find activities on campus that interest me outside of my research. Yunxiang

Why study this course?

• Academic expertise : You will be supervised by experts, internationally renowned for their research in the legal field. Many of our academics ‘wrote the book’ on their area of expertise, or have been commissioned by governments and other public bodies to carry out important applied legal research. The University of Birmingham is a Top 100 University in the World (QS 2024 Rankings).
• Postgraduate community : The postgraduate community at Birmingham Law School is lively and supportive. You will have the opportunity to organise and participate in a range of research events, as well as get involved in social events. It is not without significance that several members of the School’s academic staff were themselves postgraduate students here. You can also make the most of new, dedicated postgraduate study spaces in the Law School and neighbouring Frankland Building.  Read more about the postgraduate community at Birmingham Law School . 
• Employability : Birmingham is one of the top universities in the UK for graduate employment. Our Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER) offers support, whether you are looking to pursue a career in law, academia or elsewhere. 

The postgraduate experience

The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces, to careers support and funding opportunities. Learn more about your postgraduate experience .

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024 entry are as follows:

• UK: £4,778 full-time; £2,389 part-time *
• International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only)

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.

The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

* For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2024.

Eligibility for UK or international fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more about fees for international students .

Paying your fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding .

How To Apply

Application deadlines.

Applications are accepted at any time though we strongly encourage students to begin their studies at the start of the UK academic year (September).

Before you make your application

Full details of our requirements can be found on our Applications page . 

As part of the application for admission onto our MJur, MPhil and PhD programmes, you must prepare a research proposal outlining your proposed area of study. For more information, please see our  guidance on how to write a research proposal . 

Please also see our additional guidance for applicants to the PhD Distance Learning study mode . 

Making your application

• How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page . Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Standard Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

• For MJur and MPhil programmes, entry usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree in law (or a subject related to the proposed area of research) or its international equivalent
• Typically, applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above in law (or a subject related to the proposed area of research) or its international equivalent

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have will also taken into account.

If you are applying to study by distance learning, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

If your qualifications are non-standard or different from the entry requirements stated here, please email [email protected] .

International students

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries - use our handy guide below to see what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements: standard language requirements apply for this course - IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course - if you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.

International Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Members of Birmingham Law School are active in research and publication, and many of their books have become standard works on numerous areas of law. Academics working in the School are well known for carrying out important applied legal research, much of it commissioned by the government and other public bodies.

Birmingham Law School staff research supervision areas

• Commercial and company law (include banking, international commercial law, corporate governance)
• Comparative law (including civil law)
• Constitutional and administrative law (including legal response to terrorism)
• Criminal law and criminal justice (including international criminal law and evidence) 
• Environmental law
• European Union law
• Health and health care law
• Human rights and civil liberties
• International law and global legal studies (to include conflicts,  international economic law, International sale of goods, international trade law, transitional justice, law and development, international economic law, international criminal law)  
• Jurisprudence and legal theory
• Law and society (disability law, law and religion, gender and sexuality) 
• Legal education and the legal profession (legal education, judicial administration)
• Private law (contract, tort, restitution and common law)
• Property law (including intellectual property)

Related research

• Institute of European Law
• Institute of Judicial Administration

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network  provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated  careers and employability team  who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation. 

Postgraduate employability: Law

Postgraduate research students have the opportunity to benefit from extensive careers advice and employability support from the Law School. If you are interested in a qualifying as a lawyer, you have access to a wide range of events and activities, including regular visits from major law firms and barristers’ chambers. All of our careers and employability activities are organised through the Law School’s  Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research . Over the past 5 years, 83% of our postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2012 – 2017).

If a career in academia is your goal, we have an annual lecture and exclusive advice sessions for postgraduate researchers, which includes support to develop you career profile and secure a job in higher education. It is not without significance that several members of the Law School’s academic staff were themselves postgraduate students here.

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School of Law

• Postgraduate research opportunities
• PhD by distance

PhD by Distance

The School of Law welcomes applications for PhD study by distance (without attendance at the University of Glasgow). Applicants must comply with the University Code of Practice for Doctoral Supervision and with any relevant guidance published by the College of Social Sciences.  

For whom is this programme appropriate?

We expect the majority of entrants on this route to be in professional employment which relates to the area of research, and to be in situations where it is not possible to leave that employment for the time required to follow a PhD programme by attendance. It is likely that candidates meeting this description would enter on the part-time route. 

In some cases applicants may be unable to be present at Glasgow University because of restrictions on the ability to travel imposed by legal or by personal circumstances. In these cases we may admit candidates to the programme at our discretion.

Undertaking a PhD by any route is a very substantial task, requiring dedication and determination. Candidates should think very carefully about their motivation and ability to follow this through over a number of years before applying to the programme. 

Entry to the programme

Entry to the PhD by Distance may take place in both October and January from October 2020. 

Admission to the PhD programme is governed by the same criteria and procedures whether you are intending to pursue research by attendance, or by Distance. The School of Law may admit appropriately qualified candidates where supervisory expertise and capacity is available.  

Supervision

Supervision sessions will be held by appropriate methods for at distance learning. The preference will be for supervision via Skype, or other similar platforms which permit audio-visual interaction. Normally supervision sessions will be timetabled within UK (GMT or BST) working hours on weekdays, although this may be varied by agreement between supervisors and candidates. Email exchange will not be considered to be a substitute for a supervision meeting. Candidates must maintain a record of supervision meetings, and report meetings to the School of Law PG administrator.  

Compulsory training

Candidates of the PhD by distance will be required to take the online course Research Methods offered by the School of Law.  

Supervisors may discuss training needs with candidates, including language training, but are not expected to be aware of locally available provision. It is the responsibility of candidates to make sure that they have the skills necessary to undertake the research required of the PhD.  

Postgraduate Research Committee

We will endeavour to ensure that a student on the PhD without attendance route is on the Postgraduate Research Committee of the School of Law.

Law PhD / PhD by Distance Learning / MPhil / MJur

Southampton Law School, Highfield Campus

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• Postgraduate Study
• Our Courses
• MPhil/PhD Programmes

Distance Learning PhDs

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The School of Advanced Study offers students with an appropriate topic and level of local resource the opportunity to undertake a PhD by distance learning.

Students are required to attend our London campus at set intervals to complete an intensive research training module, for upgrade, and for the viva but will otherwise study at their own location. This option is available to UK, EU, and international students on the same basis as our on-campus PhD programmes (three years full time, six years part time).

If you would like to be considered for our Research Degree via Distance Learning programme, please complete the  Research Degrees by Distance Learning form  and attach it to your online application.

Course structure

Compulsory attendance in London is required on three occasions: 

• Induction, the first week of the first term,  to meet supervisors and to undertake an intensive research training course (an optional second week of research training is offered that can be completed either in the week after the initial compulsory induction week or online during the first term);  
• The point of upgrade to PhD status  (usually between years 1 and 2 for full time students and between years 3 and 4 for part-time students)
• The final viva (oral defence of the thesis)

Note: The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies' week-long induction/research training for research students (whether on campus or distance learning) is usually held in January. 

The induction week provides guidance in the following areas:

• Research ethics
• Academic writing
• Working with your supervisor
• Planning your thesis
• Building a bibliography
• Working in archives

Students are required to engage with further research training online as their programme commences.

The programme is run on the same basis as campus-based programmes.  Regular contact with the supervisor is required via video conferencing software.  Students will meet with their supervisor in the induction week where future arrangements will be made for the occurrence and means in which meetings will take place.  Students will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate local resources, IT equipment and infrastructure before they can commence study.

Students will benefit from the School’s extensive research training portfolio, online e-resources, podcasting, video recordings, transcriptions and live streaming of research seminars on a wide range of topics to help them complete their research degree. 

Research modules will include, but are not limited to, Organising Successful Academic Events, Getting Research Published, Public Speaking, Research Data and Ethics.

Distance students will be supported in the same way that the on-campus students are with the use of video conferencing to supplement face-to-face interaction. Within the induction week distance students will be given the opportunity to meet their student representatives and other students beginning their PhD.

To ensure that the students are fully supported and provided with the best tools and guidance throughout their PhD, applications will be considered on an individual basis. As not all Institutes offer the distance program, each student’s needs will be considered individually and an appropriate Institute and supervisory team recommended.

For complete fees and funding information, please visit the  relevant course page . 

Distance Learning Subject Areas

PhD at the Institute of English Studies

Study from a number of literature-related subject areas, ranging from book history to contemporary literature, and from book illustration to author-focused studies.

PhD at the Institute of Historical Research

Study the history of the world from the fourth to the 21st century, with the Institute's particular strengths being in British and European history.

PhD at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies

Study in the field of humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalisation and development, politics and Commonwealth history.

PhD at the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Study modern languages, literature and culture and their comparative relationships with the mobility of people, practices and ideas.

PhD at the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Study with Latin Americanists whose expertise are in colonial and post-colonial history, political anthropology, human geography, environmental politics, cultural studies and multilingualism.

Digital Humanities PhD

Study texts, images, histories, languages, cultures and more through an interdisciplinary subject area using a range of computational, quantitative, innovative and collaborative methods.

PhD at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies

Study the theoretical basis of law, the sources and documentation of the law and the direct impact of law on human lives within your particular area of research.

Related Content

International Students

Are you an international student? Find out more about everything you need to know from visas to qualifications and language requirements.

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Discover more about Law at Manchester

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 1 December 2023. If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadlines to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these dates have passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024
• For January 2025 entry: 30 September 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Immerse yourself in sustained, in-depth study into a specific topic.
• Stimulate real change while you work across our core fields in terms of both legal and policy issues.
• Join a community of established researchers and contribute to a diverse intellectual environment.
• Receive research training in law and social sciences.

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To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our virtual open week or future on-campus and international events.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £4,786 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £2,393 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards available to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Social Sciences studentships is 1 December 2023.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting your funding application and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Social Sciences PhD Studentships 2024 Entry
• AHRC North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• PhD Studentship with the Stuart Hall Foundation (Social Sciences) - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

See: School Subjects

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

• IELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in other sections.
• TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 all sections.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.
• To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years.
• Other tests may be considered.

English language test validity

Other international entry requirements.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

The University requires you to reside within a commutable distance from Manchester during your time as a registered student, unless you are on approved fieldwork/a formal placement or are on a period of Submission pending. This is to ensure that you are able to meet attendance expectations and participate in wider research activities within your discipline area and/or School.

Application and selection

How to apply, advice to applicants.

Before you start your application, you should:

• Develop your own research proposal and project title.
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research.
• Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor.

When you submit your application, you must include each of the below required documents:

• A 1,500 word PhD research proposal;
• Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript;
• An up to date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information.
• You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process;
• International applicants must additionally provide English Language evidence (e.g IELTS).

Interview requirements

As part of the offer making process, applicants will be required to undertake an interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in-person interview or video call.

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team. You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your proposed primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

Re-applications

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.

Programme details

Programme description.

Research is central to the work of the Law department. 

Our diverse, intellectual community brings together legal and socio-legal scholars, criminologists, ethicists, economists and sociologists who undertake doctrinal and empirical research, resulting in the production of a wide range of scholarly and policy-oriented publications. 

Our research  shapes law, policy and social change through active engagement with policy-makers, legislators, NGOs and activists working in a broad range of disciplines and sectors. We invite you to explore our  research themes , through which we encourage collaboration and debate within the department and beyond.  

Our research degrees involve sustained, in-depth study into a specific topic, which is then written up as a thesis for examination.

Special features

Our core research is supported by research centres , providing direction and guidance for staff and PGRs with common interests.  

By joining the School of Social Sciences you will receive specialist training on research methods in law and social sciences. 

Having specialised research centres allows us to ensure our research is focused and makes a real impact, both within the University and the wider community. 

• The Manchester Centre for Regulation, Governance and Public Law (ManReg) works to address regulatory issues in areas such as the environment, policing and intellectual property and biotechnology.  
• Our international law expertise at the Manchester International Law Centre (MILC) covers a range of areas including international trade, armed conflicts and cyber security.  
• Experts at the Centre for Social Ethics and Policy (CSEP) are leading the ethical research of today's healthcare and legal debates in areas such as assisted suicide and euthanasia, mental health and capacity issues and reproduction.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

All appointments are made on merit.

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

Undertaking a PhD is challenging, but you will receive expert supervision during your time with us. This supervision includes regular meetings with your supervisors and an annual review session for you to present details of your progress to other academic staff.  

Supervisors will normally be within the department, but collaborating with scholars from other areas of the University is also possible. Our dedicated researcher development team provides individual tailored training to support the progression of your research skills, as well as guidance for your career in academia or further afield. To test your ideas and disseminate your scholarship, we’ll actively support and encourage you to engage with the wider academic community to present your work to and receive feedback from scholars outside of Manchester.

Coursework and assessment

For a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), you must successfully complete a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of your capacity to pursue research and scholarship, and to make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge.   

Research training in legal methods: full-time PGRs are expected to attend at least 50% of the research training seminars over the course of the first year.

Part-time PGRs are required to attend a 25% minimum of seminars in their first year and another 25% in their second year. Second and third-year PGRs may return to take seminars they missed the previous year on an optional basis.  

You must prepare a substantial thesis of up to 80,000 words, and also satisfy the examiners in an oral examination on the subject of the thesis. The subject is chosen by you, but must be approved by the School's Research Committee.   

You may commence your studies in September or January (with September being the main admissions date).

Disability support

Career opportunities.

Successful graduates can progress within a wide variety of roles in the legal professions and associated fields. 

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a PGR and for two years after you graduate.  

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help support you with your goals for the future.

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Diplomacy and International Law (Distance Learning)

• Entry year 2024
• Duration Full time 12 Months, Part time 24 Months

Top reasons to study with us

Discover the latest specialist knowledge from our experts

World top 100 Law School Times Higher Education 2023

6th in the UK for Research Impact (REF2021), 88% rated "outstanding"

Why Lancaster?

• Study at one of the first universities to offer a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy
• Engage with a range of external organisations via Lancaster’s Richardson Institute, the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK
• Develop your negotiation and diplomacy skills with academics who are researching the latest developments in international law and humanitarian rights
• Prepare for future roles in foreign affairs through extensive and complex mock negotiation exercises
• Collaborate with the leaders of tomorrow in the Lancaster Security Institute, a centre exploring the intersection of technology, society and behaviour

Coming to an agreement isn’t always easy, especially when dealing with cultural and economic differences surrounding international disputes. This dynamic degree allows you to explore the complexities of foreign diplomacy in the context of international law.

Understanding strategic negotiations

On this engaging programme you’ll gain a deep understanding of diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. You’ll learn to pick apart the strategic and institutional constraints that affect negotiations, and prepare for a future working on the international stage.

You’ll also spend time looking at how diplomatic theory weighs up against the pragmatic issues involved with making decisions. Our mock negotiations will give you the opportunity to put your theory into practice.

Global rules, laws and customs

Balanced with international law, this course delivers tremendous strength in understanding international norms and law. You’ll uncover immunities and jurisdiction, and look into the nuances of state responsibility and dispute settlement.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical exercises, lectures and visits by guest speakers, you’ll explore topics such as nuclear weapons and foreign policy, arms control and diplomacy, international climate negotiations, and terrorism and citizen protection.

A focus on international law

On our LLM course, you’ll explore the relationship between international law and diplomacy, and you’ll take a module on International Human Rights. You’ll have a keen focus on legal aspects of the topic and you’ll apply everything you’ve learnt to your dissertation.

Want more emphasis on diplomacy? Take a look at our MA Diplomacy and International Law .

Distance learning

Distance learning makes it easier to fit your studies around your other commitments as much of the course can be done at a time and place to suit you. We have provided courses via online learning for many years and have a good understanding of the kinds of support our students need.

Your course will combine recorded material, live and interactive lectures, elements to be worked through autonomously, online collaboration and discussion, and group work.

Before the course begins we’ll invite you to an online introductory session. This is a great chance to meet your tutors and other students and to start to form your own support network. We’ll also tell you about our digital services and software, as well as our extensive e-library resources. After this you should be all set to start the course and get the most from your studies.

Your department

• Politics, Philosophy and Religion Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

LLM Programmes at Lancaster University

Discover the key features of studying LLM Programmes at Lancaster University. Our LLM Programmes will develop your legal expertise – whether you’re new to the field or want to take your career to the next level.

Master's Programmes in Politics and International Relations

Discover the key features of a master's degree in Politics and International Relations at Lancaster University. Learn from a teaching team who have extensive experience in the world of research and policymaking.

The Richardson Institute

Formed in 1959, and based in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, the Richardson Institute is the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK. Since 2012 it has provided an internship programme that gives students the opportunity to work with different organisations on issues of peace and conflict.

By the time you finish this degree in diplomacy and international law, you will have developed an abundance of transferable skills in negotiation. As well as roles within government and diplomatic service, graduates can go on to work in think tanks and the private sector.

Graduates of this programme are able to kickstart careers in:

• Risk analysis
• Advisory roles in foreign affairs
• International business consultancy
• Lobbying organisations and NGOs
• Project management

Alternatively, students who complete this degree are well placed to further their academic studies at PhD level, deepening their understanding and furthering their research.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Course structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Assessment Coursework: 20,000 words

The dissertation involves supervised research on a topic of your choice, this topic must be approved by the Director of your Degree Programme and be in keeping with the registered LLM degree. Please note that topics can only be approved if the University has sufficient sources for the research and the necessary staff expertise for supervision.

The dissertation is a compulsory component for the LLM degrees and comprises of 80 credits (45%) of the degree weighting.

This module is an introduction to the field of international human rights law. The module will provide an overview of the various rights that are protected through international instruments, as well as giving a general introduction to the regional and universal systems for human rights promotion. A special emphasis to the UN human rights system and an introduction to the regional human rights protection systems will be given. The module aims to achieve both substantive and procedural knowledge of human rights protection through international systems. Contemporary issues such as human rights and development and the role of NGOs and other non-state actors will form an integral part of the module. We aim to address the issues in a manner that will be accessible for students with a law or social science background. It is understood, however, that you will have some knowledge of general international law. Topics typically include:

· Foundations of human rights and international human rights law

· Civil and political human rights

· Economic, social and cultural rights

· State obligations - rights justiciability

· The UN human rights system: The Charter based protection & the Convention based protection

· The Regional Human Rights Systems

· The role of non-state actors in human rights violations and protection

· Human Rights and Development

The rules, laws and customs that govern inter-state relationships come into sharp focus in this module. It provides you with a base from which you can further your study of specific areas of international law.

As we explore the essential elements of international law, and the way that they are used to shape the world in which we live, you will have the chance to gain an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice. You will be given ‘real’ examples of international law to critically assess, allowing you to identify its shortcomings and challenges.

We will cover fundamental principles and concepts of international law and some topical issues such as:

• the nature and sources of international law
• the relationship between international and national law
• statehood and self-determination
• jurisdiction
• state responsibility
• dispute settlement
• use of force

Our Law School is home to research-active lecturers, you will have the chance to benefit from some of their expertise as many teach on areas closely aligned with their own research interests.

Diplomacy and Foreign Policy are central to the understanding of international politics. The structure of the international system induces a constant need for political dialogue and negotiations. Besides war, diplomacy is the common language states are using to interact on the world stage.

Complementing the first core module (Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy), this module aims to apply your theoretical understanding of diplomacy and foreign policy to contemporary diplomatic and negotiation issues and great power politics. Our teaching and learning strategy seeks to give you both theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in diplomacy and foreign policy. Where possible, academic teaching will be complemented by guest lectures (e.g. by a practitioner) and in-class activities such as mock negotiation exercises.

Topics covered vary each year but we often explore issues relating to the following areas: Nuclear weapons and foreign policy, Arms control and diplomacy, International climate negotiations, South-North relations and development, Diplomacy and terrorism, and Citizen protection.

This course covers different aspects of international institutions in international law. The course first looks comparatively at common features of international organisations, including the theories behind them, their structure, powers, financing, accountability and their law-making and judicial roles. The second part of the course examines specific international organisations. Topics covered include:

• Introduction to International Organisations and International Law
• The Nature of International Organisations
• Structure and Membership
• Personality and Immunities
• Finance and Accountability
• Dispute Resolution and Judicial Organs, in particular the International Court of Justice
• Group Exercise
• UN Specialised Agencies, including the IMF and World Bank
• Negotiation Exercise

This module introduces students to ways of conceptualizing diplomacy and foreign policy in the 21st century:

• Why do states rely on diplomacy?
• What are the current forms and features of diplomacy and foreign policy?
• Is diplomacy the only form of international dialogue besides war?
• How do states (and statesmen) negotiate?
• How has diplomacy evolved throughout history?
• Does 'global governance' exist?

The teaching and learning strategy of this distance learning Diplomacy and Foreign Policy module is designed to give students both theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in diplomacy and foreign policy. Lectures podcasting and online discussion activities will be complemented by live online talks offered by practitioners through video conferencing facility. Distance learning students will have a lot of opportunities of online interaction with peers and tutors.

R. Barston, Modern Diplomacy, Longman, 2006.

G. R. Berridge, Diplomacy: Theory and Practice, Palgrave, 2002.

S. Smith et al., Foreign Policy: Theories, Actors, Cases, OUP, 2012.

J. P. Muldoon et al., The New Dynamics of Multilateralism Diplomacy, International Organizations, and Global Governance, Westview Press, 2005.

A. Heywood, Global Politics, Palgrave, 2011.

Fees and funding

General fees and funding information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee  which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated  IT support helpdesk  is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your  fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about  fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

• Diplomacy and International Law LLM
• Diplomacy and International Law MA
• Diplomacy and International Law (Distance Learning) MA
• Environment and Law LLM
• International Business and Corporate Law LLM
• International Human Rights Law LLM
• International Law LLM
• International Law and International Relations LLM
• International Law and International Relations MA
• Law LLM by Research
• Law MPhil/PhD

Politics and International Relations

• Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies MA
• Conflict, Development and Security MA
• Diplomacy and Foreign Policy MA
• Diplomacy and International Relations (by Distance Learning) MA
• Diplomacy and Religion MA
• International Relations MA
• International Relations PhD
• Philosophy and Religion MA
• Politics MA
• Politics PhD
• Politics and International Relations PgCert
• Politics and Philosophy MA
• Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
• Public Policy MSc

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

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Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.

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PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from our world-class support and the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a location that suits your circumstances.

The programme is available to candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site, whether in the UK, or worldwide. Acceptance for PhD by Distance is subject to the approval of the supervisors and the Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies and Researcher Development.

There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:

• the nature of your research project requires substantial access to resources and facilities located away from Reading
• you have employment commitments relevant to your research that prevent you from being based in Reading
• your PhD project has been agreed as part of a specific partnership/sponsorship arrangement.

You can choose to complete a PhD by Distance programme on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Please email [email protected]   for details.

What the programme offers

On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from:

• supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field
• access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online 
• access to extensive online Library resources
• a reduced tuition fee  set at half the standard full- or part-time rate for periods when studying off-campus for students starting in 2023/24. For students starting in 2024/25 onwards, the tuition fee will increase in line with on-campus fees
• a PhD qualification which is examined at the same level as a campus-based PhD and a standard PhD degree certificate which does not state the mode of study on it.

“During my PhD by Distance, I undertook my research in the field in South Africa. This experience enabled me to develop a much deeper and intricate understanding of my research topic, which would not have been possible if I had been based in Reading for most of the time.”

Third-year doctoral student

Eligibility

In addition to meeting the standard academic and language eligibility requirements, you must be able to demonstrate that you:

• can successfully conduct your research with the resources available to you at your off-campus study site
• have access to appropriate IT facilities, so that you can engage in supervision and training from your off-campus study site
• have the necessary time, commitment and appropriate attitude toward studying off-campus.

If you are intending to study in the Henley Business School, then please check with the relevant Department within the Business School about whether PhD by Distance is available before you apply.

• How to apply

Before starting your application, you are strongly advised to navigate to the PhD webpages of your chosen school or department  to read the specific guidance on how to apply, as the requirements can vary. Once you have read the guidance, you will need to make a formal application through the University's online application system , highlighting that you wish to study for a PhD by Distance (full or part-time). If you have questions about PhD by Distance in a specific school or department, then please contact the relevant School/Department PGR Administrator in the School PGR Support Team . 

Take the next step

• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question

UCL Faculty of Laws

Distance learning

Our distance learning programmes increase access to studying law at postgraduate level for students from diverse backgrounds and educational levels who are based around the world.

Our distance learning programme brings a huge increase in the Faculty’s global outreach and accessibility of our expertise. The Programme Team, based at UCL and supported by the Dean and Faculty of Laws at UCL and our partner Queen Mary, University of London, are passionate about maximising the accessibility of high quality law teaching and equipping our students to improve the world.

UCL Laws provides joint academic leadership (with the School of Law, QMUL ) t o distance learning postgraduate laws programmes run by the University of London (worldwide). The programmes ( PGCert, PGDip, and LLM available in over 30 specialisations ) offer access to postgraduate law study at diverse and widely open access points: for traditional lawyers, entry at LLM is possible; for graduates from other disciplines, entry is offered at PGDip level; for non-graduates, but with at least five years’ experience in a relevant industry, access to postgraduate legal education is possible at PGCert level. Full admission information is available via the University of London website .

Students are based all over the world. This year, students come from 136 countries. Fees are much lower than for traditional programmes, especially since accommodation and living costs are not necessary and most students continue their employment in their own environments.

Access to the programme

The flexible entry points of the programmes open postgraduate legal education to anyone that has the enthusiasm, zest, dedication, and eagerness to delve into the eccentricities of law, irrespective of their qualifications.

Students start at PGCert level, and use the stepped awards of PGCert and PGDip as entry qualifications to the higher awards, until they graduate (usually) with an LLM. Coupled with a flexible structure that detaches registration to a module from immediate examination to it, and allows students to draft their own study plan (informed by their time and financial circumstances) within the five year study period, the programme opens postgraduate legal education to everyone, including the socially and financially vulnerable.

Graduates include judges and ambitious lawyers with busy practices specialising in one of the programme’s 68 courses, busy NHS consultants (often funded by their trusts for their study of medical law and ethics), captains in oil tankers and port masters studying shipping law, arbitrators, bankers, compliance officers, civil servants, legislative drafters, HR officers - the list is neverending.

Past graduates have been parents with financial and personal hurdles for traditional time-critical tertiary education, women in countries where religion blocks tertiary education to them (especially at postgraduate level and indeed in law) and travel abroad to sit exams, refugees (who also benefit from full scholarships), human rights activists from Africa (who benefit from our Canon Collins scholarships ), a Pakistani refugee in South Korea, soldiers and UN blue helmets studying amidst one or even two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, law librarians from the USA, law enforcers, each and every one gracious enough to share their incredible stories of hardship and success. Full information on scholarships is available on the  University of London website.

Alumni stories

• ' A voice for widows – Alumni spotlight ' - article by alumna Chigozie Udemezue
• Watch: An interview with Frank Mgungwe - our of our recent alumni and recipient of a full Canon Collins scholarship

Where to find us

Bentham House 4-8 Endsleigh Gardens London WC1H 0EG

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Course type

Qualification, university name, distance learning phd law and legal studies.

19 degrees at 7 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Arbitration
• PhD Civil Law
• PhD Company Law
• PhD Constitutional and Public Law
• PhD Criminal Law
• PhD European Law
• PhD International Law
• PhD Labour Law
• PhD Law of Specific Areas and Countries
• PhD Legal Practice and Procedures
• PhD Legal Rights (Law)

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Law PhD, MPhil - Company, Commercial and Financial Law

University of leicester.

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,333 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Law PhDs and MPhils (Distance Learning)

University of portsmouth.

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

University of Birmingham

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,389 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,778 per year (UK)

Law PhD, MPhil - Socio-Legal Studies

Criminal justice studies.

• 1 year Distance without attendance degree
• 3 years Full time degree
• 6 years Part time degree

Law PhD, MPhil - Private Law

Law phd, mphil - european law and policy, law phd, mphil - human rights law, law phd, mphil - international law, law phd, mphil - law and theory, law phd, mphil, law phd, mphil - medico-legal, law phd, mphil - criminal law, criminal justice and criminology, law phd, mphil - dispute resolution.

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,942 per year (UK)

University of Sunderland

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree: £4,500 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,681 per year (UK)

Birmingham City University

• 4 years Distance without attendance degree
• 4 years Part time degree

MPhil and PhD Studies

Institute of advanced legal studies, school of advanced study, university of london.

• 3 years Distance with attendance degree: £6,253 per year (UK)
• 6 years Distance with attendance degree: £3,126 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £6,253 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,126 per year (UK)

PhD with the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies

University of london worldwide.

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree
• 6 years Distance without attendance degree
• 3 years Full time degree: £6,130 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,065 per year (UK)

PhD at the Refugee Law Initiative

• 5 years Distance without attendance degree
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,065 per year (UK)

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

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• Leicester Law School
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research degrees

Distance learning

Available degrees.

Employment Law LLM, PGDip 2 years, by distance learning, part-time This is for you if... you want to develop your professional knowledge and skills in the practice of employment law and the management of employment relationships.

Student experiences

Distance learning with leicester law school.

Hear some of our students discuss their experiences of studying our Employment Law LLM by distance learning.

Teaching weekends

In addition to your online teaching materials, you will have the opportunity to attend teaching weekends held at the University which take place at the beginning and end of each module (approximately every four to five months).

You are strongly advised to attend these, as they form an integral part of the course. They provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the course materials through lectures, workshops and discussion groups, and to seek individual guidance on your coursework or assignments. They also give you the chance to meet fellow students and to form networking groups for self-help and informal support.

Student support

Effective student support is the key to successful distance learning. Students can contact staff by telephone, Skype or email, but they also benefit from face-to-face tuition and from working with their fellow students in the teaching weekend environment. Online teaching is available through webinars, online tutorials, workshops and discussion forums. The University Library provides a range of services to support distance learners , including full access to legal databases, electronic books and academic articles.

Continuing professional development

The course is recognised by the Bar Council for CPD, and may contribute to Continuing Competence for Solicitors .

Distance learning enquiries

If you have any questions about the programmes, please contact:

Distance Learning Study Team University of Leicester University Road Leicester LE1 7RH

[email protected] +44 (0)116 252 2903 Or contact us via our  online chat .

• Schools & departments

Law (Online Learning) PgCert

Awards: PgCert

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Online learning

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Law (Online Learning)

Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days

Join us on 22 and 23 May to learn about studying an online degree at Edinburgh.

Find out more about our Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days

Programme description

This certificate provides an ideal learning environment for legal professionals, policy makers and professionals in both the public and private sectors to develop skills and knowledge in relation to legal matters which impact on their work. It also offers a flexible route to further postgraduate study as successful students can choose to transfer credits gained to one of our LLM programmes.

The programme enables you to engage with a range of subject areas within the discipline, which may include intellectual property law.

Our online learning programmes are delivered entirely online via a virtual learning environment. Learning and teaching happen ‘asynchronously’. This means that you have the flexibility to log in at times and in places convenient to you, contribute your views and respond to others, and still maintain a sense of community with your fellow students across time zones.

• Find out about studying online with Edinburgh Law School

Programme structure

You must complete three masters-level courses to be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Law.

• Detailed information about the programme and your course options

Please note the available choice of courses in any given year may change.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Learning outcomes

The Postgraduate Certificate in Law enables you to engage with a range of subject areas within the discipline.

You will emerge with an understanding of specific areas of law, which may include:

• international law
• information technology law
• medical law

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have the option of graduating with the Certificate or continuing your studies through a facilitated transfer onto one of the Edinburgh Law School’s LLM programmes by online distance learning.

Graduates of our online distance learning programmes progress to a range of careers in Law and related legal fields, including work in local and international firms, government legal departments, other public institutions, international organisations and in academia.

Student testimonial

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A minimum UK 2:1 honours degree from a UK university, or its international equivalent, in law.

We will also consider candidates with a degree in a related discipline which includes relevant prior study.

In evaluating your application for postgraduate study, greater emphasis may be placed upon results of prior learning in subjects relevant to the intended degree programme.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

Supporting your application

Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.

Relevant professional qualifications will be considered.

Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in writing and 23 in all other components.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 185 in writing and 176 in all other components.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 70 in writing and 62 in all other components.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

If you receive an unconditional offer of admission, you will be asked to pay a deposit within 28 days or by the start of the orientation period, whichever is sooner, to secure your place on the programme.

The deposit required is:

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposit policy

Tuition fees

• Detailed fees information

Scholarships and funding

• Online Learning Scholarships

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Edinburgh Law School Online Learning Office
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2386
• Contact: [email protected]
• Old College
• South Bridge
• Central Campus
• Programme: Law (Online Learning)
• School: Law
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PgCert Law (Online Learning) - 1 Year (Full-time)

Pgcert law (online learning) - 20 months (part-time), application deadlines.

We monitor application numbers carefully to ensure we are able to accommodate all those who receive offers. It may therefore be necessary to close a programme earlier than the published deadlines. If this is the case we will place a four week warning notice on this page.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes: