Research Degrees in Law

The School is at the leading edge of research degree study in Britain, with an innovative programme that is designed to support student needs at every level. Students reading for a research degree will discover a unique approach to study that has a number of highlights:

• A stimulating research environment within a premier law school, driven by specialised research units in areas of criminal justice, commercial law, environmental law, human rights, and international law.
• The appreciation of research students as an integral part of the School’s academic community, reflected in the registration of all full-time students as members of staff, an office with personal computer and printing facilities, and opportunities for teaching and research assisting.
• A network of School and University Research Workshops. This brings research students together through courses that address the key skills necessary for successful research degree study.
• A presumption in favour of supervision by teams of two or more supervisors, to maximise the benefits of complementary academic expertise and experience.
• Systematic and rigorous monitoring of student progress from the very beginning, to ensure that students are able to maximise their potential.

The School has excellent international links, with close associations with Law Schools in China (Beijing Institute of Technology) and Vietnam (Hanoi Univertsity and Cantho University), and a keen interest in recruiting students throughout the world. This process is assisted by the intensive English language courses that are run within the University, that prepare students for the exacting language demands of a law doctorate.

Research Degree Process at UWE

All students are nominated a supervisory team. They will help you to plan for the important process of registration for your research degree. The registration process can take up to three months and involves the completion of a registration form (RD1). On completion the form will be scrutinised by the School Research Committee for approval for you to be registered as a PhD student at UWE.

You will be registered for a minimum period of 24 months and a maximum period of 72 months. You will be required to re-enrol with the University in September of each year until your research degree is completed. It is a condition of your registration that you and your supervisory team produce an annual report on your progress. If your progress is satisfactory you will be permitted to re-enrol for the next academic year.

In addition to annual reports, you will be required to complete a progression examination. This is a mandatory form of assessment and will be arranged by your Director of Studies. The progression examination will be held 12 months after your initial registration as a PhD student. If your progress is satisfactory you will be allowed to continue your studies. Full details of the procedures and regulations for PhD students can be found in the Handbook of Academic Procedures. The relevant exerts from the handbook will be sent to you in due course.

Application: Research Proposal

Should you be interested in applying to us this page will tell you how to put together a PHD Proposal.

All applications should be made on this form if you have any problems or queries please contact Jane Askew

Research Degrees: Contact Us

Please contact Dr Ben Pontin, Director of Research Degrees, for an informal discussion or for further details (Telephone: 0117 344 2326.).