PhD in Law

Program Overview

The PhD in Law at UCD Sutherland School of Law prepares students to conduct advanced research, expanding legal knowledge through a substantial thesis or publications. The program emphasizes intellectual and research skills development, fostering expertise in a chosen field of law. Students benefit from dedicated research support, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities, including academic positions and legal practice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Law program at UCD Sutherland School of Law aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct substantial and innovative research that expands the frontiers of knowledge. The program emphasizes the development of a substantial body of work, leading to the publication of a monograph or a series of academic articles.

Objectives:

• To conceive, design, and execute a significant and innovative research project.
• To develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize new and complex ideas.
• To become effective communicators both orally and in writing.
• To demonstrate a deep understanding of their chosen field of legal study, developing advanced conceptual frameworks and providing systemic understanding of identified problems.
• To promote intellectual, social, and cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

Outline:

The PhD in Law is a structured program with a core focus on research leading to the completion of a thesis. Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits in taught modules.

Compulsory Course:

• Introduction to Advanced Research in Law

Optional Courses:

• Qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Substantive areas of law
• Other areas where the student feels skills might be required to advance their PhD studies, such as languages or economics.

Structure:

• Students are assigned a main supervisor before arriving at the Law School.
• The supervisor is supported by a team of two other academic staff members with expertise in the field of research.
• The supervisor and the other staff members constitute the student's "doctoral panel."
• At the end of the first year, each candidate must complete a transfer process to move from the first to the second stage of the PhD program.
This process allows students to review their progress and ensures that all candidates are making sufficient progress towards completion and developing transferable skills.

Careers:

• Obtaining a PhD is now considered an essential qualification for a career in academia.
• Many graduates of UCD Law School's PhD program are now academics in Ireland and abroad.
• PhD graduates can also pursue careers in legal practice.
• UCD has a Careers Development Centre to assist students with information regarding future employment or studies.
• UCD holds graduate events throughout the year, including a dedicated law fair where many large law firms are present.

Other:

• All PhD students receive a desk in the Matheson Doctoral Studies Suite in the Law School.
• The School provides a PhD common room and a kitchen shared with staff.
• Students who receive a Sutherland School of Law scholarship are required to undertake teaching and support responsibilities (e.g., assisting in conference organization or mooting competitions) of not more than 6 hours per week.
• All other PhD students can also avail of paid teaching opportunities in the School, mainly related to undergraduate tutorials.

EU - Full Time €6,790, Part Time 4,490. Non-EU - Full Time €13,080 Part Time €8,760