Research Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The PhD is awarded on the submission of a thesis of not more than 80,000 words that is a substantial piece of original research in a particular field of law, or a critical interpretation worthy of publication, written under supervision by a Faculty academic member.

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Prospective PhD candidates will be admitted to the PhD programme and start as probationary PhD students. They must produce a preliminary outline of the proposed PhD thesis consisting of a 30 to 40 page research proposal which has to be defended at a Doctoral Candidate Qualifying Examination (DCQE) before a Thesis Committee. The examination will take place within 12 - 18 months. Where the Thesis Committee is satisfied that the thesis proposal is a viable one and that the candidate is competent to produce a thesis by the end of the candidature period, his PhD candidature will be confirmed. PhD candidates are also required to take and pass six courses in their first year of candidature.

Most PhD candidates complete their thesis within three to four years. The minimum period of candidature is two years, and the maximum five years.

Click Here to View the Doctoral Research Scholarships for AY2024-2025

Profiles of our PhD candidates:
Current PhD Students
Our PhD Graduates