Overview
Why choose this programme
Surrey’s specialisms in law offers you the opportunity to explore a diverse range of areas. The Law programme from the University of Surrey has particular research strengths in legal philosophy and legal theory, neuroscience and law, criminal law, Roman legal history, environmental law, health sciences and law, artificial intelligence and law, finance law and ethics, human rights law, European law, and public international law. Our unique concentration of expertise in legal philosophy and legal theory is largely unparalleled worldwide.
Our academic staff are internationally recognised for their research and are experienced legal practitioners, providing consultancy to law firms, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses around the world. As a School of Law doctoral student, you’ll be part of this thriving community of researchers engaged in a wide range of projects, and – depending on your area of study – will be able to join a subject or research group, as well as participating alongside academic staff in the activities of the School of Law.
The School also enjoys excellent links with local, national and international legal communities. You’ll benefit from stimulating roundtables seminars, workshops and lectures delivered by distinguished academics, eminent judges and law practitioners.
What you will study
Through a variety of approaches, from doctrinal to philosophical, contemporary to historical, single jurisdiction to comparative, we will help you challenge ideas, hone your skills and develop the hallmarks of a leading researcher. You will work on a structured, supervised programme of research in one of the areas of law in which we have expertise.
You’ll be able to develop your teaching skills, as well as the ability to think theoretically and provide innovative practical solutions to legal problems. We encourage our postgraduate research students to present work and discuss ideas in both formal and informal settings. We can also support you intellectually and financially to present and exchange ideas and discuss your research in an international fora.
At the end of your time as a PhD researcher at Surrey you’ll be expected to submit an extended thesis for examination. This thesis will demonstrate your ability to pursue scholarly research which makes an original contribution to knowledge. You will also be expected to answer questions on your thesis and your research in a viva voce examination.
Programme Structure
Research themes- Artificial intelligence and law
- Criminal law and neuroscience
- European Union law
- Health sciences and law
- Human rights law
- Kantian legal philosophy and other intellectual historical approaches to legal problems, such as terrorism, human rights and refugee law
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
- Part-time
- 96 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Public Law Legal Studies View 17 other PhDs in Public Law in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants are expected to hold at least a 2:1 Bachelors degree along with a Masters degree at a minimum of a merit level in Law, or other relevant discipline, from an approved university.
- If you are unable to offer these qualifications, you may still be considered for admission if you hold a first-class Bachelors degree in Law, or other relevant discipline, from an approved university, or a professional or other qualification deemed to be appropriate and equivalent.
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 or above (or equivalent) with 6.5 in each individual category.
Tuition Fee
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International
17600 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 17600 GBP per year during 48 months. -
National
4500 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4500 GBP per year during 48 months.
Part time:
- UK: £2,250
- Overseas: £8,800
Living costs for Guildford
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.