Research

As demonstrated by its rating at the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the Law School at Hull is very much a research-oriented department. The school aspires to build upon this performance, and to further enhance its reputation for legal research of international excellence.

Research is central to the life of the School, and informs all of our postgraduate and undergraduate taught programmes. In addition to research in the traditional core legal areas, individuals and groups within the school engage in a wide range of often innovative research.

Historical areas of research strength within the School, such as Public Law, International Law, and Human Rights are now extended and complemented by research being undertaken in areas such as Restorative Justice, Commercial Law, Consumer Law and Regulation. In addition to research undertaken by academic staff, the School's research culture is extended by the presence of a vibrant community of postgraduate research students.

Research Publications

Recent Research Output

A list of our most recent research output.

Staff Research by Category

Staff research grouped by keyword e.g. International Law, Criminal Justice

Research Groups

• Institute of European Public Law (IEPL)
  Research and postgraduate teaching in the field of European Public Law

• The McCoubrey Centre for International Law
  Set up to promote better understanding of international law
• Trade and Commercial Law Centre
  Showcasing our growing expertise in the field of Commercial Law

Affiliated Research Groups

• Institute of Applied Ethics Several staff members research within the University's interdisciplinary IAE including Gerry Johnstone (IAE Deputy Director)
• Experts and Institutions
• Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE)

Research Events

The School enjoys a lively and varied programme of seminars, guest lectures and occasional symposia. See the Events Calendar.

Research Ratings

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 85 per cent of the Law School’s research activity was judged to be of international quality.

According to a highly regarded panel of our peers: 5 per cent of our research activity is world-leading in terms of its originality, significance and rigour; 40 per cent of our research activity is internationally excellent; and a further 40 per cent is recognised internationally in terms of its originality, significance and rigour.

Whilst delighted with this official recognition of the high quality of our research activity and vibrancy of our research culture, we aspire to even greater success. With a relatively young cohort of legal scholars, most of whom are at an early stage of their careers, we plan to develop significantly our key areas of research strength, with a view to increasing substantially the amount of world-leading research activity at Hull Law School.

Research-led teaching

Research-led teaching remains a key component of the Law School's teaching philosophy. This ensures that students are taught by active researchers, who are both interested and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.