We are committed to offering the best in undergraduate LLB and postgraduate LLM courses and, as a research-led department, we recognise the important relationship between excellence in research and in teaching. Leicester Law School is a research-led department, recognising the important relationship between excellence in research and in teaching. Our research is recognised on a global stage, and our academics are frequent participants in legal debates and contribute to policy-making. PhD students complete an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisory team. PhD students complete an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisory team. The maximum period of registration permitted before thesis submission is 4 years full time / 7 years part time or distance learning. Active research (including all experimental work, laboratory work, field work, and data collection) will typically take 3 to 3.5 years full time / 6 to 6.5 years part time or distance learning. On completion of active research students may request approval to register for a writing-up period of up to 12 months. The period of active research and writing-up together must not exceed the maximum registration period. The thesis should not normally exceed 80,000 words and must make an original contribution to knowledge and contain work of publishable quality. The thesis must then be defended in a viva voce (oral) examination before a degree can be awarded.