Doctor of Law (DLaw) at Robert Gordon University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Law (DLaw) course aims to provide opportunities for professionals in law and related fields to study legal challenges in an academic environment, drawing on theory and practice to develop insight into familiar but critical issues and to generate innovative solutions. The Doctor of Law (DLaw) is a professional doctorate which provides relevant professionals with the opportunity to take work-based problems, study them from a perspective that blends theoretical insights from academic study with the knowledge, practice, and skills they have acquired in their specialist field.

Faculty: School of Law and Social Sciences | Duration: 30-48 months full-time; 42-72 months part-time; 30-48 months full-time (online learning); 42-72 months part-time (online learning) | Study mode: full-time; part-time; full-time (online learning); part-time (online learning) | Intake: February; October | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The course has been designed to help you return to academic work, reconnect with formal learning through carefully selected taught modules aims at strengthening your specialist knowledge and developing your research skills. You will study three research-related modules (if you are a full time student). In addition to that, you will select and study one module (30 credits) or two modules (15 credits each).

Career pathways

The DLaw will allow professionals to further enhance their practice-based learning and expertise, while also securing the highest academic qualification - a doctorate. It will give them a route to career development and advancement through demonstrating higher level research and analytic skills, and the ability to turn that research into something with a practice-based application and benefit to their employer and professional sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Academic Qualifications There are four alternative academic requirements for admission: A first degree in law (e.g., LLB, LAM) with a minimum of upper second class (2:1) from a recognised university and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree. A first degree in a relevant field outside law (e.g., BSc, BA) with a minimum of upper second class (2:1) and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree with a minimum of a ‘merit’. A first degree in law (e.g., LLB, LAM) with a minimum of upper second class (2:1) from a recognised university and master’s degree in a relevant field outside law (e.g., MSc, MEng, MA) with a minimum of a ‘merit'. A first degree in law (Bachelor of Laws Degree (Honours) with a minimum of upper second class (2:1) and five years professional or practice experience. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a minimum of first degree in any subject area with extensive (20 years and above) work or practice experience in law or a related field may be considered. If unsure whether you meet any of the requirements, please contact the Course Leader for clarification. In addition to satisfying one of the academic requirements, you must also satisfy all of the Experience, Language and Writing Skills requirements. Experience and Language & Writing Skills A minimum of three years' relevant legal/professional experience in dealing with legal matters within the applicant's professional sector. For candidates with Bachelor of Laws degree (Honours) (2:1) only, a minimum of five years relevant legal/professional experience is required. Applicants should be currently in a position to (or aspiring) to influence change at organisational, industry or national level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/2027). Scottish/Rest of UK Students, full time Source

International applicants: GBP 13,930 a year (2026/2027). Overseas Students, full time Source

Intake: February; October

Duration: 30-48 months full-time; 42-72 months part-time; 30-48 months full-time (online learning); 42-72 mont

Apply through the official page: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/courses/dlaw-doctor-of-law#apply

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