Law
- PhD
Overview
PhD study is substantially different from other types of postgraduate work as each candidate devises their own independent research project. At the University of Bristol Law School, comprehensive research training is provided by expert academics, who also offer guidance and supervision of your research project. If you are undertaking socio-legal research, initial research training can take the form of the MSc Socio-Legal Studies programme, which is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
As a PhD Law student you will join a vibrant and diverse research community that will include membership in one of our centres of research excellence. You will be invited to participate fully in the life of the school, including frequent research events like the staff and invited scholar's seminar programme and the annual Law PGR showcase. There may also be opportunities to undertake some part-time teaching within the school. Travel and conference funding is available for research students.
Programme structure
All PGRs will from 2025/26 be required to take 20 credits of research training in addition to the Advanced Legal and Socio-Legal Methods unit, unless they are exempted from individual units after applying for Recognised Prior Learning. Visit our unit and programme catalogue to view the units available for PhD Law.
ESRC/SWDTP-students may be required to take additional credits as determined by SWDTP.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class honours degree in law (or equivalent) and normally at least a merit at master's level (or equivalent). Alternatively, a first-class honours degree in law (or equivalent) and evidence of ability to conduct independent and original research.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £4,850 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,425 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £21,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
The Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences has an allocation of MSc + PhD and PhD only ESRC scholarships. The length of these scholarships will be dependent on training needs and can vary, with the shortest generally being three years and six months (PhD only). The internal deadline to apply for admission to the PhD programme and for ESRC is: 2 December 2024. The ESRC deadline is: 12 noon 14 January 2025 (exact deadline TBC). For details on applying for ESRC funding, please visit the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) website.
The internal deadline to apply for admission to the PhD programme and for Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships is: 2 December 2024. The Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships deadline is: 12 noon 24 January 2025.
Applicants may also be interested in applying for funding from the AHRC, the University of Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships or the Law School Graduate Teaching Assistantship scheme. Visit the school's fees and funding webpages for further information about available funding.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
The PhD in Law at the University of Bristol offers useful preparation for several different careers, including academia. The ability to plan, research and write a sophisticated thesis, including an ability to conduct, for example, detailed doctrinal analysis, to think in broad theoretical terms and to engage in empirical research can provide a firm foundation for a career in the academy.
A second possible career is that of working for an NGO or policy organisation, drawing on skills in research and writing, which are invaluable for work of this kind. A third possibility is working within governments, again building on analytical, doctrinal or empirical research skills developed through the PhD, which incorporate both an ability to undertake rigorous research and to see the bigger picture.
Finally, some students choose to enter the legal profession, carrying with them a rich understanding of legal principles and practice. We offer extensive opportunities for career development and advice through our Careers Service, as well as opportunities for mentoring throughout your degree that will help you prepare for a career.
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
A wide variety of subject areas are covered in the Law School. This reflects a range of different approaches to legal research - doctrinal, socio-legal/interdisciplinary and theoretical. The school has a strong portfolio in immigration and citizenship, socio-legal studies, environmental law, gender and law, legal history, corporate governance and regulation, international law, employment law, and health law and policy.
The school usually has 80 research postgraduates at any one time, working in a wide variety of subject areas and adopting a range of different approaches to legal research.
Please visit our research webpages for more information on our vibrant research community.
Contact us
- Contact
Postgraduate Admissions Administrator
- Phone
- +44 (0)
+44 (0)117 455 1269
law-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk