Key Information
- Start Dates & Application Deadlines: Starting September 2027; Apply before Jun 2027
Overview
Studying for a PhD in Law at SOAS University of London involves research on a chosen legal topic, normally over a period of 3-4 years full time (or longer part time), with a view to producing a dissertation/thesis of up to 100,000 words. The thesis must make a distinct and original contribution to knowledge of the subject. A unique feature of the postgraduate research student body at SOAS is its focus on international, critical and/or regional legal study, often involving fieldwork in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
Career opportunities
The Recent School of Law SOAS PhD graduates are to be found working across a range of sectors (from top city Law firms to NGOs to international organisations to academia) in all parts of the world. Recent School of Law SOAS PhD graduates have been hired by organisations including:
- African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights
- Dialogue Office for Civil Society Cooperation
- European Commission
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
- London School of Economics
- Malaysian Securities and Exchange Commission
- Medical Sans Frontiers
- Mines Advisory Group
- National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
- National Law University Delhi
- National Taiwan University
- Queen Mary University of London
Programme Structure
Structure
- During the first year, candidates are required to attend the School of Law's Postgraduate Research Training Seminars, in order to introduce them to the principal practical and methodological issues associated with postgraduate legal studies. The seminars introduce candidates to an array of methodologies, as well as different bodies of legal scholarship and theory. By the beginning of the third term of the first year, candidates are required to hand in a draft Research Plan that is an integrated document based on a research paper, draft dissertation abstract, draft table of contents, draft bibliography and working schedule.
- After their first year, doctoral candidates must carefully plan their time so that they can finish their draft thesis well in time before the end of their third year of registration. The process followed by each doctoral candidate is guided by their research project.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English Requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 100 OR 5 (New TOEFL iBT 1-6 score, CEFR-aligned)
- PTE Academic: 70
- IELTS: 6.5
Other Requirements
General Requirements
- The School's minimum entry requirement for applying for the PhD and VRS programmes is a good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent), which is generally in a relevant area to the programme you are applying to.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (non-residents): 44,552 AUD / year ≈ 23,390 GBP / year
- Domestic (citizens or residents): 9,628 AUD / year ≈ 5,055 GBP / year
Living Costs
London, United Kingdom: 2,166-4,109 AUD / month