Law

Overview

The Law PhD programme from The University of Exeter key facts:

In order to gain the award of PhD your thesis must bring a new and original standpoint to the study of law either through the development of a novel doctrinal and/or theoretical perspective on the legal issue(s) under discussion and/or through empirical research that creates new insights into a legal issue.

A successful PhD is one that develops a coherent and sustained argument from the beginning to end. Its objectivity derives not from the viewpoint it adopts but the methodology it employs. 

As such, an important part of the Law programme at The University of Exeter is the research training you undertake. This training not only provides you with the ability to validate your adopted methodology and results, but also the ability to design, conduct and successfully complete a wide range of future legal research projects.

Research culture

As well as forming a close relationship with your supervisor, who will have the expertise appropriate to your chosen area of study, you will be a valued part of our research culture, attending workshops where research papers are presented, and with opportunities to hear eminent scholars such as those who give the Hamlyn and Lasok Lectures.

Career opportunities:

The award of MA by Research is clear evidence to employers, whether academic or professional, of your ability to conduct independent research to produce original material within a prescribed timescale.

This research Masters could form the basis of an academic career, but, equally, enhance your prospects should you wish to follow a career in the legal profession. You will benefit from the School's excellent links with members of the legal profession both regionally, nationally and internationally. We have a superb reputation with graduate recruiters and graduates from the School of Law compete very successfully in the employment market. Every year the Careers and Employment Service holds an annual Law Careers Fair, attended by many legal firms that target the University’s graduates.

Examples of the destinations of some recent postgraduate students from the Law School are shown below. You can also read profiles from alumni.

• Solicitor
• Legal Consultant
• Lecturer in Law
• Research Associate
• Retail manager
• Professor