Overview
Our research is recognised on a global stage, and our academics are frequent participants in legal debates and contribute to policy-making. In the Research Excellence Framework 2014, 80% of the School's research output was rated to be world-leading or internationally excellent. In terms of research power, the School ranked 11th in the country.
PhD description
Students in the Law programme of the University of Leicester complete an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisory team. The research is normally completed over a maximum period of 3.0-3.5 years (full-time) or 6.0-6.5 years (part-time/distance learning).
A fourth year (full-time) or seventh year (part-time/distance learning) or the remaining part of this can be used to prepare the thesis for examination. The thesis should not normally exceed 80,000 words and must make an original contribution to knowledge and contain work of publishable quality. The thesis must then be defended in a viva voce (oral) examination before a degree can be awarded.
Programme Structure
Research areas:
- Company, Commercial, and Financial Law
- Criminal Law, Criminal Justice, and Criminology
- Dispute Resolution
- European Law and Policy
- Human Rights Law
- International Law
- Law and Theory
- Medico-Legal
- Private Law
- Socio-legal Studies
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
- Part-time
- 84 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
Deadline: ongoing
Language
Delivered
- Fully structured
- No Attendance
- Continuous support with feedback on request
- Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions), Online group works/assignments
Disciplines
International Law Civil & Private Law Legal Studies View 5 other PhDs in International Law in United KingdomAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- Degree Certificates
- Two references
- Evidence of your English Language Proficiency
- Transcripts
- Fees
Tuition Fee
-
International
14850 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 14850 GBP per year during 48 months. -
EU/EEA
4260 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4260 GBP per year during 48 months.
Funding
Employer sponsorship
Studying by distance learning gives a clear signal to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge. Your employer may be willing to fund all or part of your course if you are able to show the key benefits to their business. Some of these benefits are detailed below:
Distance learning allows you to develop your skills without taking time out of the workplace
You will be able to apply your new skills into your roles immediately
The skills you develop will include; complex problem solving; communication skills; creative and strategic thinking; time management; and decision making.
There are many different ways that your employer may provide support, from fully or partially paying your tuition fees to offering you study time or additional leave days. The form your sponsor will need to complete, together with further information can be found on our Finance Office website. If you are seeking, or have gained, sponsorship from your employer please mention this when you make your application.
ELCAS funding for members of the Armed Forces
We are an approved provider for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all of our distance learning courses are available under this scheme.
If you are a current or former member of the UK armed forces then you may be eligible for ELCAS funding. Please check their website for full details or contact your Education Officer. If you are seeking, or have gained ELCAS funding, please mention this when you make your application.
Professional and Career Development Loans
Professional and Career Development Loans (CDLs) are offered by a consortium of major banks for students on vocational courses only.
You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 towards tuition and/or living expenses for a course over a period of up to two years study (three years if the course includes work experience). The bank will usually take between six weeks and three months to process your application - so make sure you apply well in advance.
The Skills Funding Agency will pay the interest on your Professional and Career Development Loan while you’re studying - and for one month after you’ve left your course.
For an application pack or for any enquiries relating to Professional and Career Development Loans, please call Next Step on 0800 100 900. Further information can be found on the Directgov website. If you are seeking, or have gained CDL funding, please mention this when you make your application.
Research Councils
Research Councils are public bodies which provide awards for postgraduate research study for students from the UK and fees only support for EU students. Each is responsible for a particular group of subject areas. Only the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) currently consider applications from individual students.
International (non-EU) funding
If you live outside the EU, try contacting your government's Ministry of Education for details of scholarships or loans. The British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational and cultural matters, has offices in 110 countries and can advise on sources of funding. You may want to visit Education UK’s section on scholarships for more information.
There also a number of charities and foundations you may want to consider contacting regarding funding. A few notable foundations are the Aga Khan Foundation, the African Educational Trust and the Said Foundation. A list of organisations can be found on the Postgraduate Studentships website.
USA
In the case of students from the USA, overseas distance learning programmes are no longer eligible for Federal loans or VA (Veterans Association) funding. Students may apply for loans from a private provider. One of the largest is SallieMae, and several of our former and existing students have used this route. There are, of course, many other providers of private loans for the purposes of education. Private loan companies usually require the education provider to have a 'Federal School Code': the University of Leicester’s code is G22291.
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.