PhD; MRes LAW

The PhD and MRes programmes are closely linked to our growing and dynamic research culture. You'll benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff, working alongside a portfolio of dynamic and popular masters programmes.

working: Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and present their research findings..

Dynamic Research Culture: benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff.

Free tablet: Advanced technology and e-learning, a free tablet will support your studies.

Comprehensive reading resources: via our virtual learning environment, a personal e-law library worth £6,000.

Postgraduate seminars: attendance at a number of seminars offered

Student Support: regular contact with your supervisor and postgraduate research tutor within the school throughout the duration of the programme..

Research areas related to law

• Access to Justice
• Business Law
• Company Law
• Civil Litigation
• International Commercial Law
• International Investment Law
• International Commercial Arbitration
• Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Criminal Law
• Sexual Offences
• Criminal Evidence
• Criminal Legal Theory
• Sentencing and Punishment
• Legal Theory and Approaches
• Constitutional Law
• Critical Legal Studies
• Critical Race Theory
• Law and Literature
• Law and Political Economy
• Law and Technology
• Philosophy of Law
• Socio-Legal Studies
• New Media and Technology Law
• Human Rights
• Business and Human Rights
• International Human Rights Law
• Global South and Human Rights
• Human Rights in Action
• Socio-Economic Rights
• Theory and History of Human Rights
• International Law
• International Criminal Law
• Public International Law
• United Nations
• Terrorism
• Third World Approaches to International Law
• Gender, Feminism and the Law

Research culture

Research students who study at LSBU become a vital part of our dynamic research culture and are one of the essential elements which make LSBU an exciting intellectual environment.

All research students are enrolled in the LSBU’s postgraduate Key Skills programme. In addition, you can undertake research methods training from relevant MA and MSc courses, as well as taking part in specialist events and activities, which ensure an inclusive and thriving research culture.

MRes programme

An MRes is distinct from a taught Masters in that your final output will be an extended dissertation (30,000 words) rather than module-based coursework and exams.

PhD programme

A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.

The School of Law and Social Sciences Graduate School provides a focal point for the management and support of our PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes.

To find out more about what to include in your proposal download ourLaw and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.

We receive a wide range of external funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Department for International Development (DfID), the British Academy, charities, government departments and local authorities.

When applying for a Research Degree Programme at LSBU you are expected to have a 2.2 undergraduate honours degree, and a relevant Postgraduate qualification at Masters level.

You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be expected to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our

Research skills development

All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.

When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.

In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.