• Graduate Programmes Home

• Research Degrees

• Coursework Degrees

• Coursework Diplomas

• Compulsory Courses

• Admission Requirements

• Scholarships & Financial Assistance

• Fees

• Accommodation and Living Expenses

• Application Periods & Forms

• Contact Us

Research Programmes

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is awarded on the submission of a thesis of not more than 80,000 words that is a substantial piece of original research in a particular field of law, or a critical interpretation worthy of publication, written under supervision by a Faculty member of the academic staff.

Prospective PhD candidates are generally not admitted directly to the PhD programme but are initially enrolled in the Common Graduate Research Programme (CGRP) as candidates for the Degree of Master of Laws by Research (LLM). This initial LLM candidature in the CGRP is for a nominal period of one year. The candidate must produce a preliminary outline of the proposed PhD thesis consisting of a 30 to 40 page research proposal which has to be defended at a Doctoral Candidate Qualifying Examination before a Thesis Committee. This examination will take place within 6 to 12 months from the date of commencement of the candidate’s CGRP candidature. Where the Thesis Committee is satisfied that the thesis proposal is a viable one and that the candidate is competent to produce a thesis by the end of the candidature period, his or her initial candidature as a candidate for the Degree of LLM by Research will be converted to that of a candidate for PhD. The PhD candidature will then be backdated with effect from the date of the candidate’s admission to the CGRP. PhD candidates are also required to take and pass six courses in their first year of candidature.

To qualify for admission into the CGRP leading to the PhD programme, a good Master's Degree in Law is required. Most PhD candidates complete their thesis within three to four years inclusive of the CGRP. The minimum period of candidature is two years, and the maximum five years.