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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate research

Law

PhD

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
4 Years
Campus
Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

The law staff team at the University of Gloucestershire (UoG) boasts diverse professional and research experience, sharing a strong interest in international rights frameworks and legal transformation.

Although each academic brings their subject specialism, all have a collective interest in the theory and application of human rights. For example, our academics examine the interplay between human rights and sports governance, migration policies, and assisted reproduction. We see, nurture, and encourage research potential and the use of legal research as a positive force for change.

As a UoG postgraduate law researcher, you’ll develop your doctrinal research and critical analysis skills, while also having the opportunity to test and examine the application of the law within society through qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches.

Through your research, you can investigate and solve contemporary legal issues. These practical and doctrinal applications will equip you to deliver valuable and cutting-edge insights to academics, practitioners, policymakers, experts, and students.

We have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. Being a postgraduate law researcher at UoG offers opportunities to work across subject boundaries, examining the interplay between law and other subjects, such as criminology, sociology, business management and marketing.

We particularly welcome postgraduate researchers and research proposals that focus on implementing and applying international human rights frameworks, as well as issues related to equality, identity, individualism, and governance structures.

Study style

Our coaching approach to supervision is designed to adapt to your evolving needs. We provide a supportive environment that fosters your researcher development. Working as a team, you and your supervisors will generate the contribution needed for your research degree. Your annual personal training plan will be tailored to draw on various internal and external events, postgraduate researcher-led seminars and conferences, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable learning experience.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll be actively encouraged to join your subject research community and engage with other universities and bodies. In the later stages of your research, we strongly recommend attending national and international academic conferences. These platforms provide an excellent opportunity to present your ideas, receive valuable feedback, and expand your academic network.

We apply the same personalised approach to your thesis content and format. You can develop work that spans conventional doctrinal, socio-legal, and publication-focused formats. But no matter the format, one thing remains constant—our focus on transformative legal research. This is central to what we help you achieve, and we’re here to inspire and motivate you to push the boundaries of knowledge in your field. We will work with you to publish your work for academic and practitioner audiences, helping it gain exposure and promote impact.

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Entry requirements

    • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

    • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.

    • We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

    • If you meet the entry criteria you will be offered an interview with an academic member of staff, either in person or online.

    • Your application should include a research proposal up to 1,000 words (excluding references/appendices) which follows the structure outlined in the research proposal guide.

Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Please be aware that students may have to pay a continuation fee if their study continues after the expected duration of their programme.
Start date Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
February 2026 £5,350 £13,425
October 2026 £5,350 £13,425
February 2027 £5,350 £13,425
October 2027 TBC TBC
February 2028 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Careers

Your career aspirations are central to us. Whether you seek a role within academia or beyond, the diverse range of skills developed through your research degree will make you a formidable contender in the competitive global job market.

We understand you won’t just be pursuing a qualification; you’ll be embarking on a transformative journey of personal and professional growth as an early-career researcher. You’ll hone vital skills in research, academic practice, project management, and critical analysis, ensuring you are fully prepared for your future. Imagine contributing to groundbreaking academic research or applying your problem-solving skills in real-life practice. We’ll ensure you’re ready and equipped to tackle your next career challenge with confidence.

This multifaceted skill set will unlock many opportunities across various working environments, including higher education, research institutions, legal practice, policy organisations and non-govermental organisations. With our support, you’ll learn to apply your research skills effectively to impact the legal landscape positively.

Unlock your potential with our law programme

Engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that shapes the future of human rights and legal transformation. Develop critical analysis and practical skills through diverse research methods as you explore the intersections of law with criminology, sociology, and other disciplines. With expert guidance and a focus on your career aspirations, we empower you to drive meaningful change in academia, legal practice, and policy-making. Join us and become a leader in the global legal landscape.

A student standing up at a lectern in a robe, making a case.

Moot Court

The Moot Court offers postgraduate law researchers a simulated courtroom experience, enabling them to develop practical advocacy, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills by arguing real-world legal cases in a competitive setting.

Students taking part in a simulated court case in the moot courtroom at Oxstalls.

Consumer Behaviour Lab

This dedicated space enables you to engage with industry-standard technology. It includes eye tracking, facial recognition, and galvanic skin response. Harness these tools along with Adobe Creative Cloud software to fuel your research and gain hands-on experience.

Consumer Behaviour Lab

FuturePark

FuturePark in Cheltenham features state-of-the-art equipment and technology to support your research. It’s particularly useful for those whose work intersects with computing applications.

Computing suite at FuturePark showing desks in a semi-circle and two large flat screens at the front.

Equipment and software to support your studies

With more than 500 open-access computers across our campuses, including dedicated 24/7 rooms, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed. Whether you prefer PCs or Macs, each device is equipped with the latest Microsoft Office suite and specialised software, ensuring seamless productivity for research projects.

Student working on Apple iMac in classroom

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