The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced research techniques and gain an in-depth knowledge of a specialist area. You will also develop a broad range of transferable skills throughout the programme.
You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words 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 72 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the sixth 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 6 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.
Years 1-2
Students are required to:
- Attend the School postgraduate research induction and research skills workshops.
- Complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) by the end of month 4.
- Work with an academic supervisor to establish the research project which will be the basis for the thesis.
- Prepare and submit an ethics application for the proposed research project.
- Meet with supervisors regularly and begin research.
- Give a short presentation on your research project to peers and the Director of Postgraduate Research.
- Submit a report for the First Year Progression Review by the end of month 18. This involves submission of an overview paper explaining the context of your research, your principal research questions and your methodology; a substantive piece of writing; a bibliography of sources consulted; and a draft table of contents for your thesis.
- Attend the First Year Progression Panel to discuss your report and answer questions about your research project. Successful completion of the First Year Panel is required to confirm registration into the next year of the PhD programme.
Students are encouraged to:
- Attend training courses offered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and the relevant graduate schools (e.g. the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences).
- Attend and participate in relevant University, School and Research Centre seminars and events.
Years 3-4
Students are required to:
- Meet with supervisors regularly and undertake research.
- Discuss new and ongoing training and professional development needs with your supervisors and update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
- Design a poster for presentation or present a three-minute thesis at the School annual Research and Impact showcase event.
- Submit a report for the Second Year Progression Review by the end of month 40. This involves submission of a table of contents for the thesis and all draft sections of the thesis completed to date.
- Attend the Second Year Progression Review meeting to discuss your submitted work. Successful completion of the Second Year Progression Review is required to confirm registration into the next year of the PhD programme.
Students are encouraged to:
- Attend training courses offered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and the relevant graduate schools (e.g. the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences).
- Present your work at academic conferences or workshops.
- Participate in tutoring (after attending mandatory tutor training).
- Participate in boards or committees relating to postgraduate research or your Research Centre/Institute.
- Attend and participate in relevant University, School and Research Centre seminars and events.
- Contribute to the academic life of the School through participation in Research Centre reading/discussion groups, open days, and outreach activities.
- Pursue opportunities for study away or exchange visits via the School and Edinburgh Global.
Year 5-6
Students are required to:
- Meet with supervisors regularly and undertake research.
- Discuss new and ongoing training and professional development needs with your supervisors and update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
- Present your research findings to peers and staff in the School.
- Write up and submit your final thesis or, if additional time for completion is required, submit all chapters written to date for a Third Year Progression Review.
Students are encouraged to:
- Present your work at academic conferences or workshops
- Publish research in appropriate journals, conferences or collections, as agreed with your supervisors.
- Attend and participate in relevant University, School and Research Centre seminars and events.
- Continue to contribute to the academic life of the School through participation in Research Centre reading/discussion groups, relevant boards/committees, open days, and outreach activities.
- Attend training courses offered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and the relevant graduate schools (e.g. the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences).
Year 7 (if thesis not submitted by end of Year 6)
Students are required to:
- Finalise writing up of thesis.
- Complete a Notice of Intention to Submit (at least two months prior to expected submission).
- Submit thesis for examination.
- Prepare for viva examination.
A student must submit their thesis for examination to the relevant College within 12 months of the completion of their prescribed period of study. Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances (illness, parental leave etc.).
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 will recommend a result in accordance with the University Postgraduate Assessment Regulations for Research Degrees. This is then submitted to the College Postgraduate Committee for ratification.
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