Postgraduate Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD)
The Law School offers a vibrant research environment. An
integral part of this is our research degree programme leading to
the degree of MPhil or PhD. In each of these programmes, students
will write a detailed research thesis on a topic they have chosen
under the supervision of a member of staff specialising in that
area of law. A thesis is presented, of 70,000 words for an MPhil,
and 100,000 words for a PhD. The candidate will also be required to
attend for viva voce (oral) examination.
Research Areas in which supervision is available
The Law School welcomes applications in many areas of law.
A full directory
of staff research supervision interests (PDF) can be accessed
online.
Current Research
Students
More information about research students at the Law School.
How to Apply
To be admitted to the MPhil/PhD programme, applicants are
expected to have, or be about to obtain, a degree in law or an
appropriate related discipline of first or second class standard or
equivalent, or a relevant Masters degree, and be able to show
suitable research potential.
It will be necessary for those whose first language is not
English to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. The Law
School expects:
If there is a particular area of law in which you would like to
undertake research leading to an MPhil/PhD and if you are
interested in applying for a place on this programme, you should
follow these steps:
(1) Check the Directory of
Research Supervision Interests to see if there is a member of
staff with relevant expertise in the area you have chosen. One of
the preconditions for offering a place is the availability of an
appropriate supervisor and the viability of the proposed subject
for research.
(2) Contact this member of staff with your
provisional idea and ask if they would be willing, in principle, to
supervise your dissertation. Note: this does not
mean that you will be offered a place. However, we cannot offer a
place unless supervision is available, and it is in your interest
to explore this before submitting an application. If you have such
provisional agreement, then you should submit a formal
application.
(3) As part of your application, you need to
prepare a document which includes the following information:
1. Topic/field of
study:
2. Potential
supervisor:
3. A research
proposal (of 1,000-1200 words) which should explain:
a) the area of the project
b) the research questions that will be addressed
c) the approach and methods to be employed
4. A brief
statement of how you are qualified (formally and in terms of
skills,
personal attributes etc.) to carry out the project
5. An example
of your writing (e.g., an essay written as part of your
studies,
or a masters dissertation).
This document should be included with your
application form, which also has to be accompanied by references,
details of your previous academic qualifications, and – if relevant
– a certificate confirming your proficiency in the English
language.
Formal applications for a place to read for an
MPhil/PhD need to be made through the University’s Admissions
Office, rather than to the Law School directly. Application forms
for all Law School postgraduate programmes may be obtained from the
University Admissions Office or downloaded in Word format from
their website.
University of Hull
Admissions Office
The University of Hull Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Tel +44 (0)1482 466850 Fax +44 (0)1482 442290
Email pgstudy@hull.ac.uk