PhD in Law
SOAS University of London
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

SOAS, University of London

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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Law
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Course info

The Law Research Degree (PhD) programme run by the School of Law accepts candidates for research work leading to a PhD.The central feature of PhD work is the close relationship between the doctoral candidate and his or her supervisor, in which they meet regularly and consult closely. This relationship is supported and strengthened in various ways. Every doctoral candidate has an adjunct supervisor, another member of staff with a close interest in the candidate’s region and/or subfield of the ...Read more

The Law Research Degree (PhD) programme run by the School of Law accepts candidates for research work leading to a PhD.

The central feature of PhD work is the close relationship between the doctoral candidate and his or her supervisor, in which they meet regularly and consult closely. This relationship is supported and strengthened in various ways. Every doctoral candidate has an adjunct supervisor, another member of staff with a close interest in the candidate’s region and/or subfield of the discipline.

There is a departmental director of doctoral studies (research tutor) with overall responsibility for doctoral candidates who is available for a discussion of general problems. In addition there are a number of other activities which contribute to a doctoral candidate’s work and training. All incoming PhD candidates are required to take the School of Law’s Research Methods Seminar Programme in their first year.

Why study the Law Research Degrees (PhD) at SOAS?

  • we are UK Top 20 and World Top 200 for Law (QS World University Rankings 2021)
  • our research publications have been rated first in the UK - and our School of Law rated sixth in the UK - in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
  • SOAS provides a unique environment and opportunity to engage with relevant issues taught by our expert staff who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience of working and teaching in the field. This includes posts such as United Nations Independent Expert on human rights in the Sudan, acting as advisors to national, regional and international bodies, and in multiple roles and affiliations with civil society organisations and actors
  • doctoral candidates are encouraged to contribute to the research activities of the department Several of them are active in the various research centres run in the School of Law and are encouraged to participate in conferences and other projects organised by the department. Doctoral candidates are expected to participate in the School of Law PhD Colloquium which is held once a year. The colloquium, which is organised by a committee of PhD candidates, gives doctoral candidates the opportunity to present their research and progress to colleagues and staff
  • many SOAS doctoral candidates spend some time doing field work in the regions of their research. The School, and other members of SOAS, through their various connections with individuals and institutions in the universities and governments of Asia and Africa, facilitate this work with personal contacts and introductions
  • the School’s language training facilities are also available to doctoral candidates to develop their facility in an appropriate language for research purposes.

Applicants must normally have an advanced degree equivalent in level and content to the School of Law’s LLM or MA.

SOAS Law graduates leave SOAS as civic minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to their communities and societies. With a thorough understanding of the legal dimensions underlying many of our global challenges today, our Law students are valued by employers due to their analytical skills, specialist knowledge, and global perspective.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
34th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
T
tawan
30 Oct 24

Good..Read more

K
Kareemah
30 Oct 24

Been a good experience so..Read more

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for applying for the PhD and VRS programmes is a good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent), which is generally in a relevant area to the programme you are applying to.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,860 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Please note that fees go up each year.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Law reviews

Law
Law
T
tawan
30 Oct 24
LLM (Master of Laws)
Good...
Read more
K
Kareemah
30 Oct 24
LLB Law LLB (Hons)
Been a good experience so...
Read more
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How Law students rated:

Student rating
( 3.8) 52 reviews
5 star
16%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
26%
2 stars
3%
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( 4.0) 734 reviews
5 star
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16%
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Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden Greater London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
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