In this programme you will be carefully supervised by an individual specialist 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.

Find a supervisor

Research proposal guidance

Areas for PhD supervision

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.

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 a retreat for its research students, which is intended to develop 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 seminars and public lectures across the University, and a number of other training opportunities will be made available to you during your time here.

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

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.