Commonwealth Studies

Entry requirements

Before submitting an application, you are advised to discuss your proposal with a member of the academic staff who has interests in your proposed field of study. You can find our academic staff's contact details and areas of expertise in the Supervisors section.

Before agreeing to accept you, the School will require you to submit a research proposal, so it is worthwhile to have drafted this before formally applying. See the Guidelines on drafting your research proposal.

Candidates will normally receive an initial response to their application within 28 working days. Those who have been formally interviewed will normally be informed within one week as to whether they are to be offered a place.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS) is at the crossroads of research, policy, human rights practice and international relations. Its aim is to lead impactful research, education, and collaboration on challenges to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the modern Commonwealth and globally. The Institute has been supervising interdisciplinary doctoral degrees for over half a century.

The focus of our research degrees is on strengthening the rule of law for human rights and development; promoting the rights of minorities, Indigenous peoples and non-citizens; supporting environmental justice and combatting climate breakdown; and defending multilateralism and international law.

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

With guidance from our expert supervisors, you'll carry out extensive independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. The areas covered by the Institute’s expertise cover a broad range of law and policy.

This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On completing this course, you'll be well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

On completing this course, you’ll be well prepared for specialist career paths, both within academia and beyond. Graduates are awarded a University of London degree.

The degree can be taken full time over three years (or a maximum of four) or part time over six years (or a maximum of eight). You will initially be registered for our MPhil and then, providing your progress has been satisfactory, be upgraded to our PhD programme.

The primary activity of the PhD programme is the writing of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. There is no formal coursework, but you will be expected to undertake at least 30 days of research training, including attending our two week research methods in law training course. You are also encouraged to participate in the regular seminars held at the Institute during the academic year, as well as to participate in our three specialist research centres.

After submission of the thesis, you will attend an oral examination, either in-person or virtually, conducted by two examiners drawn from a British or world university, who may suggest ways to improve and develop the final text.

Subject areas

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies offers doctoral research supervision in the following research clusters:

• Strengthening the rule of law for human rights and development
• Promoting the rights of minorities, Indigenous peoples and non-citizens
• Supporting environmental justice and combatting climate breakdown
• Defending multilateralism and international law

For any further enquiries, please visit our enquiries portal.

Information for international students

Find out more about everything you need to know from visas to qualifications and language requirements here.

Fees and funding

For more information about funding and scholarships, see here.