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MPhil/PhD in Law (2022 Entry)

About this research graduate course

Course overview

In this programme you will be carefully supervised by individual specialists in the area and supported in the generation of a research question and the production of a thesis. For this degree you are required to write a thesis of up to 80,000 words.

Our Research Degrees attempt to achieve a balance between individual study, academic supervision, and a communal, scholarly learning environment. As a research student, you will be a vital part of our research culture and we will encourage you to participate in the life of the Law School.

Our research programmes promote a balance between individual study with supervision, and a communal learning environment whereby students working on similar research topics are encouraged to discuss their work with one another.


Teaching and learning

You will attend a research methods and theory course during your first year of study, and meet with your supervisor at least once a month throughout your degree.

Each year, the Law School provides feedback and presentation opportunities as well as a skills workshop for its research students, which is intended to support a self-critical assessment of research techniques and provide you with the opportunity to benefit from each other’s experience. You will be invited to attend research seminars and public lectures across the University, and a number of other training opportunities will be made available to you during your time here.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

A good Master's degree (or equivalent) in Law or a related subject plus a strong research proposal. Those with a good first class undergraduate degree may also be considered for entry.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • Overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 and component scores.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Nine research clusters:

  • Contract, Business and Commercial Law
  • Comparative Law and Culture
  • Development and Human Rights
  • Gender and the Law
  • International and European Law
  • Law and Humanities
  • Legal Theory
  • Governance and Regulation
  • Empirical Approaches

The Law School’s research is rooted in the twin themes of law in context and the international character of law.

Explore our research areas on our Law web pages.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our School of Law Staff Directory where you will be able see the academic interests and expertise of our staff.

You are welcome to contact our staff directly to see if they can provide any advice on your proposed research, but will still need to submit an application and meet the selection criteria set by the University before any offer is made.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

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Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.