MPhil/PhD in Law (2023 Entry)
Find out more about our Law MPhil/PhD degree.
Study a MPhil/PhD in Law at the University of Warwick's Law School. Gain an understanding of relevant research methods and evolve into a well-rounded socio-legal scholar amongst a community of specialist experts and academics.
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 requirementsLink opens in a new window. 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 pageLink opens in a new window.
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.
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.
School of Law
From the first intake of students back in 1968, Warwick Law School has developed a reputation for innovative, quality research and consistently highly rated teaching. Study with us is exciting, challenging and rewarding. Pioneers of the 'Law in Context' approach to legal education, and welcoming students and staff from around the world, we offer a friendly, international and enriching environment in which to study law in its many contexts.
Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
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.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.
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.
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.
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.