PhD Law at Swansea University

Programme overview

Research degree in law in the School of Law, giving students the chance to pursue a project based on their own interests within a supportive postgraduate research community. It can lead to an academic career or improve employment prospects in a range of other fields.

Department: School of Law | Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time | Intake: October, January, April or July (1 October, 1 January, 1 April, 1 July) | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised original research in areas including common, contract and commercial law; maritime law; oil and gas law; public law (administrative, medical, constitutional, environmental, EU, human rights and other fields); and criminal law and the law relating to terrorism, cyber terrorism and counter terrorism.

Career pathways

An academic career or improved employment prospects in a range of other fields.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD/MPhil: applicants must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) with no failed modules at undergraduate level, and a master's degree with an overall grade of Merit. English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, or a Swansea University recognised equivalent. Admissions decisions may also take account of the standard of the research proposal, performance at interview, competition for places and relevant professional experience. One academic reference is required before the application is progressed to the academic Admissions Tutor.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,750 a year (2026/27). Full-time, Year 1 tuition fee; fees for later years rise by 3%. Start dates in 2026/27 per the published fee table. Source

Intake: October, January, April or July (1 October, 1 January, 1 April, 1 July)

Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time

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