Program Overview

Law MPhil/PhD

Key Facts

• Level: Postgraduate PG PhD
• Duration: MPhil: Full time 12 months - 3 years, Part time 30 months - 5 years. PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years, Part time 3 years - 6 years
• Starting: October, March
• UK Fees: See Fees and Funding
• International Fees: See Fees and Funding
• Location: Waterside

Overview

This PhD programme at the University of Northampton with our Faculty in Business and Law, offers the opportunity to undertake advanced legal research. If you are a graduate in Law or similar discipline, this Law MPhil/PhD programme offers an excellent route to expand your knowledge and research skills. A PhD in Law entails writing a thesis over a period of three, or at most four years (four to six years for part-time students). Students in our PhD programme receive excellent training and work under the supervision of academic supervisors. Our doctoral students become members of a lively academic community which plays a significant role in the education of lawyers and law teachers from around the world. Successful defence of the final thesis will provide the researcher with the highest qualification that any UK university can award and offer an excellent opportunity to move into higher management positions within the industry.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in sustained, in-depth study into a specific topic
• Stimulate real change while you work across our core fields in terms of both legal and policy issues
• Join a community of established researchers and contribute to a diverse intellectual environment
• Receive research training in law and social sciences
• Regular research seminars, conferences and research activities led by our Research Centres and the Graduate School.

Entry Requirements

• An upper second-class or higher undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject to the proposed area of research
• A Masters degree in a relevant subject to the proposed area of research
• Other Entry Requirements: In the absence of the above qualifications, candidates may be admitted with lower-level qualifications or qualifications in a different subject area, and relevant experience will also be considered on an individual basis.
• All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
• All offers of a place on the programme are subject to: successful interview by the University, suitable Research Supervision Support.

English Language Requirements

• This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level.
• If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
• The minimum scores required to meet the University’s higher level are IELTS at 7.0, with no component less than 6.5 specifically in writing (or equivalent).
• Applications received with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.

Course Content

• This Law PhD programme is a way for you to develop your specialism and improve your research, written, presentation and practice skills.
• While developing and setting up research projects, you will initially receive general, discipline-based and project specific training so that you can conduct your research effectively and independently.
• You will be supervised throughout your project by Law staff who are specialists in their areas and will guide you through the process with regular in-person or online meetings.
• When you finish this course, you will be able to find research and development roles within the industry, progress into an academic career or enter business at a managerial level.

Research Topics

• This course is unique to the University of Northampton.
• We can supervise topics including:
  • Environmental Law and Justice
  • Sustainability (including human rights)
  • Trafficking of Wild Animals
  • Medical law and Ethics
  • Treatment decisions and critically ill babies
  • Experiences of families in medical settings
  • The Hart-Dworkin Debate
  • Naturalised jurisprudence/ legal positivism
  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Suspects’ rights
  • Fair trials
• Previously we have supervised doctoral research on:
  • Airport Security and Counterterrorism
  • Post-conflict state reconstruction
  • Modelling the use of legal English for Algerian law tutors
• We offer opportunities to develop interdisciplinary study and Practice as Research projects.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees
  • UK – Full Time: £5,700
  • UK – Part Time: £2,845
  • International – Full Time: £16,350
  • International – Part Time: £7,640
• Scholarships and Bursaries: Please visit the funding pages and our scholarship pages for more details on how to fund your study.

Staff

• Associate Professor in Criminal Justice & Procedure
• Senior Lecturer in Law
• Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching

Careers and Employability

• UON Research students will pursue a range of career paths after completion of their doctorate degree.
• Many will take up academic posts or pursue postdoctoral research of one sort or another.
• Some will enter legal practice as solicitors, barristers, advocates, or judges; others will become legal advisors, advising government departments, non-governmental organisations, and private companies.
• The University of Northampton has an excellent careers service.
• Our Careers and Employability Service is dedicated to equipping students with the skills to thrive, adapt and innovate in our ever-changing world.

Facilities

• Our PhD students have access to exceptional research facilities such as:
  • Opportunities for research collaboration with staff and students
  • Dedicated PhD study area with computer and printer in the Learning Hub
  • Spacious individual and group working space and discussion areas
  • Well-equipped library with access to academic e-books, journal articles and learning resources for on-site and off-site study
  • Excellent social groups for student meetings and engagement
  • Library and Learning support for PhD students
  • Skills support for PhD students
  • Teaching and Research Assistant opportunities should you meet the requirements

Related Courses

• Law LLB (Hons)
• Law (Two-Year Accelerated) LLB (Hons)
• Law with Criminology BA (Hons)
• Doctor of Business Administration DBA