Integrated 'new route' PhD
The Leeds integrated PhD is part of a national initiative known as the 'New Route PhD'.
The UK government supports the initiative and leading research institutions, like Leeds, with proven experience of innovation in PhD training implement the programme.
The Legal Studies Integrated PhD programme at Leeds is the first in the discipline in the UK.
Four-year programme
Students at Leeds graduate with both a Masters (LL.M.) and a PhD degree. The aim of the four-year programme is to provide scholars with the highest quality coursework and practical experience alongside specialist research doctoral study.
This exciting approach provides breadth and depth of subject knowledge as well as the opportunity for interdisciplinary study and research experience. Students study a number of specialised subject modules in their first and second years, and attend training and skills courses throughout the four-year programme.
Graduates will be equipped to make a significant contribution to their chosen field whether as professional academics or future industry leaders.
We believe that this structure will be especially valuable to you if you are an international doctoral candidate that has not previously studied within the United Kingdom.
The taught and training elements will provide sufficient research skills and subject knowledge to enable the candidate to complete, with success, a standard PhD.
Specialist domains
The following specialist domains are available within the Law programme.
- Cyberlaw
- Criminal Law
- European Legal Studies
- European and International Business Law Human Rights
- International Business Law
- Insolvency Law
- International Law
- International Trade Law
Programme schedule
You will enrol upon on a unique programme that will be developed for you in consultation with nominated supervisors.
The School will appoint two supervisors for you at the commencement of your study to guide you through the appropriate pathway, and to assist with the planning of the research and other elements of your programme.
During the years 1 and 2, you will follow two study pathways.
Taught element
This element comprises of compulsory assessed and non-assessed modules. We also provide training in generic research skills.
Research element
In parallel with, and drawing upon, the taught components of the programme, you engage from year 1 onwards in individual supervised research activity, culminating by the end of year 2 in the submission of a written dissertation and development of a plan for the final research project.
In years 3 and 4, your focus will turn to the completion of the research project and submission of the thesis with additional support being provided by non-assessed generic research skills training.
Our research students
The School of Law has over sixty registered postgraduate research students, and an excellent track records of completed research degrees.