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PHD LAW
- Qualification
- Philosophiae Doctor Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH02J (FT), MH03J (PT)
- Award Type and NFQ level
- RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
- Study Mode
- Full time
Overview
The PhD in Law is the highest degree offered by the School of Law and Criminology. By definition, it is intended to be a qualification obtained after rigorous and original research that contributes to the state of legal scholarship. Towards that end, the structured PhD programme offers a framework which facilitates independent research, whilst providing milestones for measuring progress.
Students will be equipped with methodological and analytical tools for advanced research in law through a number of taught modules across the Faculty. These will be supplemented by periodic one-on-one supervision meetings. Students will also have opportunities to actively engage in other aspects of academic writing and publishing during the course of their education. In addition, the School of Law and Criminology’s research seminar series offers a constructive forum for presenting and debating research.
Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time
Commences: September (or other agreed time)
Potential candidates should:
- Identify a member of staff as a potential supervisor, and discuss their area of interest.
- Submit a research proposal and CV to the proposed supervisor. After receiving provisional approval, a formal application may be made (see How to Apply).
Course structure
Duration: 4 years full-time, 6 years part-time
In addition to developing their own research topic with their supervisor(s), students will be required to take 30 credits worth of modules over the duration of their programme of doctoral research. 15 of these will be generic/transferable modules and 15 in subject/specialist modules. Sample modules include:
| Code | Module | Credits | Semester | Compulsory |
| CTL1 | Professional Certificate In Postgraduate Teaching & Learning: Tutors & Demonstrators | 5 | 1 | No |
| GST1 | Personal Development And Employability | 5 | 2 | No |
| GST2 | Finding Information For Your Research | 5 | Year long | No |
| GST3 | Academic Writing Module | 5 | 2 | No |
| FM806 | Advanced Communication Skills : Conference Presentation | 5 | Year long | No |
| FM809 | Advanced Communication Skills : Publication | 5 | Year long | No |
| FM808 | Seminar Series | 5 | Year long | No |
| LW860 | Legal Research Methodology | 5 | 1 | No |
Course Duration : 4 years full time or 6 years part time.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
The skills acquired during the programme of doctoral study will prepare students for a wide range of careers including academia, private industry and public service.
Entry Requirements
Candidates should ordinarily have a master’s degree in law. Candidates with a 1st class undergraduate degree will be considered in exceptional cases.
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).
English Language Requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Research Interests
Staff members’ research is broadly in the areas of employment law and policy, EU law, human rights law, constitutional law, property law, criminal law, international law, and legal theory. Detailed information about research interest is available at the following link: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/law/our-research
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.
When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate for your Primary degree and Master’s degree
- A copy of your passport
- Proposed Thesis Title and Summary
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- An academic letter of recommendation
- A professional letter of recommendation
- Up-to-date copy of your CV
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please click here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.