Doctorate of Law (D.Law) at Liverpool Hope University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Law (D.Law) is designed for experienced legal and regulatory professionals who wish to influence policy, practice and organisational decision-making through doctoral-level research. It is intended for solicitors, barristers, judges, legal advisers, compliance professionals, regulators, public sector leaders and those working in related professional contexts who wish to generate original knowledge capable of informing legal practice, policy development and institutional reform.

Faculty: School of Law and Criminology | Duration: 5 - 8 Years (Part-time) | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026 and January 2027 | Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Critical and Contemporary Issues, Introduction to Research in Practice, Literature Review in Your Specialism, Research Methods, Methodology and Methods in Your Specialism, Research Proposal.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Law is intended for experienced legal and regulatory professionals seeking to deepen their professional expertise and enhance their influence within legal, governmental and regulatory sectors. Graduates develop advanced capabilities in research, critical reflection, leadership and evidence-informed decision-making.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Applicants should also normally demonstrate a minimum of three years of sustained professional experience relevant to the proposed field of doctoral study. For the Doctor of Law, applicants would typically have substantial experience within legal practice, regulation, compliance, governance, public administration, criminal justice, policy development or related professional contexts. Applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to achieve IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,750 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) home fee per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,500 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) EU/international fee per year Source

Intake: September 2026 and January 2027

Duration: 5 - 8 Years (Part-time)

Apply through the official page: https://www.hope.ac.uk/postgraduateresearch/howtoapply/applyonline/

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