PhD at the Refugee Law Initiative at University of London

Programme overview

The PhD at the Refugee Law Initiative (RLI), School of Advanced Study, University of London, is a doctoral programme in international refugee law and policy. The RLI is a leading interdisciplinary academic centre with global networks of research affiliates, senior research associates and practitioners, supporting practice-focused research aimed at real impact on legal and policy responses to refugee and forced displacement issues.

Faculty: School of Advanced Study | Department: Refugee Law Initiative | Duration: 3-4 years (full-time); 5-6 years (part-time) | Intake: January 2027; September 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research over three years full-time (maximum four) or six years part-time (maximum eight), culminating in a thesis of not more than 100,000 words and an oral examination (viva). Students are registered for the MPhil initially and upgraded to the PhD, working with a supervision team of two or more specialists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

School of Advanced Study research degrees (MPhil/PhD): applicants are normally required to hold a master's degree; candidates without the formal academic requirements may be considered on the basis of alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience. A research proposal is required before an offer, and applicants are advised to discuss their proposal with a member of academic staff first. Candidates are registered for the MPhil in the first instance and upgraded to the PhD after satisfactory progress. English language for applicants whose first language is not English (or who are not nationals of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the UK Home Office): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component, or Trinity College London ISE III at CEFR C1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening; IELTS results must be no more than two years old at enrolment and Trinity results no more than four years old. Applicants who completed a bachelor's or master's degree in a majority English-speaking country (except Canada) need no further evidence. Application deadlines: 31 October 2026 for the January 2027 start; 31 July 2027 for the September 2027 start.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,506 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD full-time, Refugee Law Initiative Source

International applicants: GBP 17,430 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD full-time, Refugee Law Initiative Source

Intake: January 2027; September 2027

Duration: 3-4 years (full-time); 5-6 years (part-time)

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