Law
Entry requirements
Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:
- For MJur and MPhil programmes, entry usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree in law (or a subject related to the proposed area of research) or its international equivalent
- Typically, applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above in law (or a subject related to the proposed area of research) or its international equivalent
Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have will also be taken into account.
If you are applying to study by distance learning, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.
If your qualifications are non-standard or different from the entry requirements stated here, please contact us using the 'Ask us a question' button.
You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Conduct your own law research with the support of legal specialists from Birmingham Law School. Contribute to an established tradition of 85 years of world leading research.
We offer a wide range of expertise to support your research. Research areas include: commercial law, criminal law, criminal justice, judicial administration, European law, public law, human rights, international law, private law, conflicts of law, international economic law, comparative law, health and social welfare, socio-legal studies, and legal theory.
As a Top 10 UK Law School you'll be supported by experts who conduct internationally recognised research related to your area of interest. Birmingham Law School offers a friendly and supportive environment to start your research journey.
- Our research expertise spans a wide range of areas and we welcome research that goes across subject boundaries. You'll receive personalised support from at least two supervisors.
- Join our diverse community of staff and students from around the world, providing you with a supportive environment to conduct your research.
- Conduct your PhD research from anywhere in the world through our online distance learning option. We also offer part-time options so you can fit your research around other commitments.
- PhD, MJur and MPhil options available to suit different research needs.
You can choose one of our three postgraduate research-only programmes - a PhD over three-six years, an MPhil over two-four years, or an MJur over one-two years. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time or part-time. Only the PhD is available by distance learning.
You won't have any formal lectures or seminars. Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training
- Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
- If you take the distance learning PhD, you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
- You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- part time72 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time36 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- MJur by research
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- MPhil
- part time48 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
This course can also be studied via distance learning.
Course contact details
- Name
- Course Enquiries