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Overview
The PhD and MRes programmes are closely linked to our growing and dynamic research culture. You'll benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff, working alongside a portfolio of dynamic and popular masters programmes.
Academic supervision
A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more in the Division of Law.
7 top reasons to study Law here
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- Research facilities: dedicated PhD study areas with computers exclusively to be used by research students.
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- Professional networking: Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and present their research findings..
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- Dynamic Research Culture: benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff.
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- Free tablet: Advanced technology and e-learning, a free tablet will support your studies.
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- Comprehensive reading resources: via our virtual learning environment, a personal e-law library worth £6,000.
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- Postgraduate seminars: attendance at a number of seminars offered
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- Student Support: regular contact with your supervisor and postgraduate research tutor within the school throughout the duration of the programme..
Research areas related to law
- Access to Justice
- Business Law
- Company Law
- Civil Litigation
- International Commercial Law
- International Investment Law
- International Commercial Arbitration
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Criminal Law
- Sexual Offences
- Criminal Evidence
- Criminal Legal Theory
- Sentencing and Punishment
- Legal Theory and Approaches
- Constitutional Law
- Critical Legal Studies
- Critical Race Theory
- Law and Literature
- Law and Political Economy
- Law and Technology
- Philosophy of Law
- Socio-Legal Studies
- New Media and Technology Law
- Human Rights
- Business and Human Rights
- International Human Rights Law
- Global South and Human Rights
- Human Rights in Action
- Socio-Economic Rights
- Theory and History of Human Rights
- International Law
- International Criminal Law
- Public International Law
- United Nations
- Terrorism
- Third World Approaches to International Law
- Gender, Feminism and the Law
Research culture
Research students who study at LSBU become a vital part of our dynamic research culture and are one of the essential elements which make LSBU an exciting intellectual environment.
All research students are enrolled in the LSBU’s postgraduate Key Skills programme. In addition, you can undertake research methods training from relevant MA and MSc courses, as well as taking part in specialist events and activities, which ensure an inclusive and thriving research culture.
MRes programme
An MRes is distinct from a taught Masters in that your final output will be an extended dissertation (30,000 words) rather than module-based coursework and exams.
PhD programme
A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.
The School of Law and Social Sciences Graduate School provides a focal point for the management and support of our PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes.
To find out more about what to include in your proposal download our Law and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.
We receive a wide range of external funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Department for International Development (DfID), the British Academy, charities, government departments and local authorities.
| ModePhD Full-time | Duration3 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code9015 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePhD Part-time | Duration5 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code9035 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeMRes Full-time | Duration1 year | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code4979 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeMRes Part-time | Duration2 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code4980 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
When applying for a Research Degree Programme at LSBU you are expected to have a 2.1 honours degree, and a relevant Postgraduate qualification at Masters level would be beneficial.
If you have the equivalent of lower second class honours you would also need a Postgraduate qualification at Masters level.
You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be expected to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
United Kingdom
£4820
Tuition fees for home students
International
£16900
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Part-time
part-time
PhD Law (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 MRes Law (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2410 International fee: £8450 AOS/LSBU code: 4980 Session code: 1PS00 PhD Law (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 1PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 1PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 MRes Law (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2410 International fee: £8450 AOS/LSBU code: 4980 Session code: 1PS10 MRes Law (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2410 International fee: £8450 AOS/LSBU code: 4980 Session code: 1PS20 PhD Law (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 MRes Law (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2410 International fee: £8450 AOS/LSBU code: 4980 Session code: 2PS00 PhD Law (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 2PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 2PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 MRes Law (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2410 International fee: £8450 AOS/LSBU code: 4980 Session code: 2PS10 MRes Law (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2410 International fee: £8450 AOS/LSBU code: 4980 Session code: 2PS20 PhD Law (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 3PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 3PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 3PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 4PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 4PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 4PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 5PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 5PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: 5PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9035 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 -
Full-time
full-time
PhD Law (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 MRes Law (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 4979 Session code: 1FS00 PhD Law (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 1FS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 1FS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 MRes Law (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 4979 Session code: 1FS10 MRes Law (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 4979 Session code: 1FS20 PhD Law (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 2FS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 2FS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 3FS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: 3FS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Law (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9015 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890
The individual fee for this course is shown. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
At the London Doctoral Academy we are committed to supporting and developing professional researchers who are driven to make a difference. We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations - and when they're available we'll publish notices on the London Doctoral Academy site.
Home
| Mode PhD Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 9015 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode PhD Part-time | Duration 5 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 9035 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode MRes Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date January; April; September | Application code 4979 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode MRes Part-time | Duration 2 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 4980 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Research proposal
The Director of Postgraduate Research Studies for the School of Law and Social Sciences (LSS) is Dr Helen Young but you should contact an appropriate potential supervisor in the first instance.
Before applying formally, we would strongly recommend that you discuss your draft proposal with a potential supervisor whose profile indicates that their research area is similar to yours. See the list of supervisors below.
If you are a PhD applicant, please attach an outline of your research proposal (up to 1,000 words).
If you are an MRes applicant, please provide a short statement, of no more than 500 words, outlining the area of research you are interested in focusing on.
To find out more about what to include in your proposal download our Law and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Research skills development
All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.
When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.
In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.
Transferable skills
A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.
Attending conferences
Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.
Teaching and Assessment
We employ an experiential learning strategy which means that much of our teaching is rooted in professional practice, using placements (including in our Legal Advice Clinic), simulations and professional skills exercises to engage and develop our students. Some of our lecturers are also practitioners and are able to draw upon their professional experience when teaching. As well as studying the Law and how it is used in practice, students analyse and evaluate whether the law is effective and fair. Students also apply critical and theoretical perspectives to questions of law reform. Our academic team draw upon significant research experience.
Core knowledge is imparted through large group lectures. Interactive workshops support knowledge acquisition and skills for application. This is developed and tested in interactive small group seminars. Smaller optional modules tend to use teaching time more flexibly to suit the subject. We use a broad range of assessment techniques, including: examinations, multiple-choice tests, coursework, group work and oral presentations, to test the full range of knowledge and skills the course teaches and develops.
