The School of Law supports a thriving PhD community, largely through its three main research centres: The Centre for American Legal Studies, The Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Law, Science and Policy. We also contribute to the work of the University-wide Centre for Brexit Studies.

We are currently supporting students to undertake doctoral research on a variety of topics, including capital punishment, international human rights standards and trade agreements, and the interface of law and science in the context of public health and criminal justice.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS COURSE?

Doctoral research allows students to development advanced skills in research, project management, critical thinking, argument construction and drafting, and to be innovative.

Our PhD students benefit from regular supervision meetings with academics who are experts in their field; and have the opportunity to become members of our proactive research community made up of academics, postgraduate researchers and external partners.

WHY CHOOSE US?

• Our PhD students benefit from regular supervision meetings with academics who are experts in their field
• Students can make use of library, ICT and social-learning space facilities at our new City Centre Campus
• Where available, students can undertake teaching opportunities, collaborate with academics, and contribute to research dissemination events taking place in the School of Law. 
• We aim to enhance your academic and personal development and equip you with the skills and resources to undertake high-quality research.
• You will join a thriving research community, comprised of the Centre for American Legal Studies (CALS), Centre for Human Rights (CHR) and the Centre for Law, Science and Policy (CLSP).
• Research students, who have access to a dedicated research room, are encouraged to publish in collaboration with their supervisors and to take part in research conferences.

Employment Opportunities

The PhD award is well established and valued professional qualifications within the legal sector and will enhance your career prospects. Should you want to follow a career in teaching and researching academic law in higher education, a PhD is highly desirable.

The value of PhD to employability

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry, government, policy-making, or commerce. Our law-based PhD research degree has been designed to help you achieve a career in research or academia. 

After the PhD

Completing a PhD in law can open many doors, including to careers in academia, government, non-profit organisations, and private business. 

Placements

PhD researchers funded under the Midlands 3 Cities Doctoral Training Partnership have the opportunity to undertake industry placements as part of their research. For more information visit the Midlands 3 Cities website.

For those students not funded by Midlands 3 Cities, the PhD still allows you the opportunity to work with other institutions and companies as part of your research. You can discuss your options with your potential supervisors, if you feel a placement would benefit your research.