MPhil/PhD Law

Our webinars, subject masterclasses, question and answer sessions, and student panel talks are a great way to discover what it is like to live and study at the University of Lincoln.

MPhil/PhD students in Law are welcomed into a cross-disciplinary and collaborative academic environment in which they can conduct independent research on an area of law and legal studies to produce an extended thesis under the guidance of their supervising team.

As a research student, you will have access to structured training, research forums, and networks, enabling you to develop research skills which may benefit not only your specific research, but also be useful for future employment. As part of this development, you will also be encouraged to present your research at conferences and symposia and may have the opportunity to deliver undergraduate teaching at the University.

Key Information

Full-time

• MPhil: 1.5-3 years.
• Ph.D.: 2-4 years

Part-time

• MPhil: 2-4 years.
• PhD: 3-6 years

"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"

How You Study

Students registered for the MPhil/Ph.D. Law program are formally enrolled for the MPhil degree in their first year and then transfer to a Ph.D. degree at the start of their second year. The MPhil/PhD Law program can be completed within 27 months on a full-time, and 41 months on a part-time basis. Some students may also want to enroll only or specifically in our MPhil in Law degree program, which can be completed within 18 months on a full-time and within 27 months on a part-time basis.

As a research student, you will be assigned a Director of Studies and a second supervisor, who are there to provide advice and guidance on your independent study. You will be expected to meet with your supervisors on a monthly basis, and if part-time, then bi-monthly.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programs, the majority of time is spent undertaking independent study and research. You will also be expected to become actively involved in the research activities of Lincoln Law School, to network, and to also broaden your knowledge and skills beyond the topic and work of your specific research project.

Research Areas

Alongside our range of research groups, we also have an array of individual expertise within the School, including:

• International law
• Environmental law
• Criminal justice
• Medical- and health law
• Human rights and civil liberties
• European law (including social law and policy)
• Commercial law
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Public law and public international law
• Administrative Law

How You Are Assessed

Students are required to demonstrate adequate and appropriate progress on an annual basis. A Ph.D. is usually awarded based on the quality of your thesis and ability to present and successfully defend your chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or practice.

A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research. A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. PhDs and research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion. Both the MPhil and the PhD in Law degree programmes are suitable for students who want to pursue an academic career, but it also gives access to a broad range of other career opportunities, including legal practice.

The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.