Degree Programme Template
PhD Law Full-Time (3 years) PRPHDLAWAA1F
School of Law
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
PROGRAMME AIMS
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.
You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The prescribed period of study for a full-time PhD is 36 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 3 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.
Year 1
Students are required to:
- Attend the compulsory induction for PhD students including sessions on the Law
Library and IT Support and any other inductions or training required.
- Attend the compulsory Law School Postgraduate Research Training Sessions.
- Complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) by the end of month 2.
- Attend training courses offered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and
the relevant graduate schools (i.e. the Scottish Graduate School of Arts &
Humanities or the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences).
- Submit a Report in preparation for the 1st Year Progression Review panel at the
end of First Year.
- Successfully complete the 1st Year Progression Review panel.
- Attend the Law PGR Conference every year.
Year 2
Students are encouraged to:
- Continue to discuss training and professional development with your supervisors
- Update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
- Submit a Thesis Plan in preparation for the online Annual Review (Euclid) at the end of Second Year.
- Attend the compulsory Law School Postgraduate Research Training Sessions.
- Present your work at the School's annual PGR Conference.
- Present your work (oral or poster) to your peers at relevant school events.
- Present your work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to your research field
- Participate in tutoring or demonstrating (after attending mandatory tutor and demonstrator training).
- Participate in committees relating to postgraduate research or your Research Centre/Institute.
- Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University.
- Contribute to the academic life of the School, such as through our graduate society, reading/discussion groups, open days, and outreach activities.
Pursue opportunities for study away or exchange visits via Edinburgh Global.
Students are required to:
- Successfully complete the 2nd Year review
Year 3
Students are encouraged to:
- Continue to discuss training and professional development with your supervisors
- Update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
- Publish research work in appropriate journals and conferences, as agreed with your supervisors.
- Present your work at the weekly 3rd Year Presentation event as well as at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to your research field
- Write up and submit your thesis
- Publish research work in appropriate journals and conferences, as agreed with your supervisors.
Year 4
Students are required to:
- complete and submit thesis for examination;
- complete a Notice of Intention to Submit (approx. two months prior to expected submission);
- prepare for viva examination.
A student must submit their thesis for assessment to the relevant College within 12 months of the completion of their prescribed period of study.
Completing the thesis
It is very important to complete your PhD thesis within the allotted time. Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances (illness, parental leave etc.).
About three months before completion of the thesis, students should submit the Notice of Intention to Submit form. This requires discussion with your supervisor(s).
The PhD Examination
The PhD thesis is examined in a viva voce examination with two Examiners. At least one examiner must be external to the University of Edinburgh.
The Examiners can recommend one of the following options:
a) that the dissertation is passed and the candidate is awarded the degree of PhD
b) that the dissertation is passed subject to minor corrections
c) that an additional oral examination is needed
d) That additional work is needed on the thesis up to 12 months but no further examination is required
e) that the dissertation requires substantial work, and is resubmitted up to 24 months: a second viva voce exam will be required by the Examiners
f) that the dissertation is awarded the degree of MPhil;
g) that the dissertation is awarded an MPhil following minor corrections
h) that the dissertation requires substantial work before being submitted for an MPhil
i) that the dissertation is awarded an MSc by Research
j) no award is given
FURTHER INFORMATION
PhD students in the School of Law must also follow the additional information given in the School's Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (available on Registration)
The University's Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students and Supervisors gives further information about the requirements of a PhD at the University of Edinburgh:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/copsupervisorsresearchstudents.pdf
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