The Law School offers three research degrees: LLM by Research, MPhil and PhD.

LLM by Research degree

The LLM by Research normally involves one year of study if the research is undertaken full-time, and two years if undertaken on a part-time basis. It requires the submission of a 40,000 word thesis, critically evaluating and testing ideas current in the literature. In addition to the completion of the thesis, the candidate must pass an oral examination. The programme starts in October, January, April or July and students must enrol on the School's research training programme.

MPhil degree

The MPhil is a two year full-time degree requiring the submission of a 60,000 word thesis, showing original ideas developed by the candidate. In addition to the completion of the thesis, the candidate must pass an oral examination. Students will be able to progress to the PhD towards the end of their second year subject to satisfactory progress. The MPhil programme starts in October, January, April or July and students must enrol on the School's research training programme within the first year of study.

PhD degree

A PhD takes three years full-time and six years part-time. PhD students submit a substantial thesis of 100,000 words that must, if the degree is to be awarded, contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the subject area chosen. Research students wishing to read for the degree of PhD are initially registered for the degree of MPhil and transferred at a later stage to the PhD if they are making satisfactory progress. In addition to the completion of the thesis, the candidate must pass an oral examination - the viva conducted by an internal and external examiner (one from outside the Law School). The PhD programme starts in October, January, April or July and students must enrol on the School's research training programme within the first year of study.

MRes Social Sciences Research Methods

The School also offers a postgraduate taught degree, the MRes Social Sciences Research Methods. This course is particularly suitable for those wishing to progress to PhD research using empirical and interdisciplinary methods since a number of modules are taught together with the other schools of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The registration date is: October.