Refugee Law Initiative

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 Refugee Law Initiative (RLI) is a leading interdisciplinary academic centre concentrating on international refugee law and policy. As a PhD student at the RLI, you would be studying at a national focal point for leading and promoting cutting edge research in these fields.

The RLI hosts extensive global networks of research affiliates, and senior research associates and practitioners, which provide a unique infrastructure for doctoral scholars to pursue innovative, practice-focused research which aims to provide real impact in legal and policy responses to refugee and forced displacement issues.

Our research students can also take advantage of a varied and challenging research training programme, with general research skills training and research methodologies courses provided through the School and subject-specific training provided within the institutes.

Full-time study for the PhD degree entails three or a maximum of four years' independent research, culminating in the writing of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words. Part-time students complete the same programme in six or a maximum of eight years.

You'll initially be registered for our MPhil and then, providing your progress has been satisfactory, be upgraded to our PhD programme.

Throughout your study, you will work closely with a supervision team of two or more specialists, who will support your work and provide advice and feedback. You will meet them every fortnight in the early stages of your project and at least monthly thereafter. Alongside your supervisor you will also have access to the support of the Doctoral Centre, the Careers Service and our nationally-leading programme of research training and researcher development. You will be a member of a rich research environment, nurtured by regular seminars in which you will be encouraged to participate.

Shortly after submission of the thesis, you will attend an oral examination (‘viva’) conducted by two examiners drawn from a British or world university, who may suggest ways to improve and develop the final text.

Find out more about our supervisors and research areas here.

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.