PhD Law at University of Kent

Programme overview

The PhD in Law at Kent Law School is a research degree supervised by two supervisors who meet the student monthly. Kent Law School's research was ranked 2nd in the UK in the Times Higher Education analysis of REF2021. Study is available full-time or part-time, on campus or through an external research route for students who cannot relocate.

Department: Kent Law School | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent supervised research in a wide range of areas of law, with research training in the first year and cutting-edge legal training taught on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in person and online. Research themes include criminal justice, critical commercial law, environmental law, European and comparative law, gender and sexuality, governance and regulation, healthcare law and ethics and international law.

Career pathways

Law graduates have gone on to careers in finance, international commerce, government and law, or have joined or started an NGO or charity.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: 2.1 or above. A first or good second class honours degree in law or a relevant subject; a Master's degree that includes a separate dissertation is strongly recommended, and particular attention is paid to demonstrated ability to undertake sustained academic research and writing. Applications must include a research proposal of up to ten pages covering the research project, research questions, methodology and how it advances the existing literature. Applicants are strongly advised to discuss the project with a member of staff or the Director of Postgraduate Research beforehand. International applicants: English language at a Very Good level (high B2 CEFR), for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component, or PTE Academic 67 with at least 59 in each sub-test, or a degree from the UK or a majority English-speaking country. Students who need a student visa cannot study part-time. International students wishing to study entirely from overseas apply as external research students.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK research-council rate shown as a guide for 2026/27 full-time; the 2027/28 UK rate was not yet set. Part-time UK fee shown as TBC. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

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