You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree with at least First-Class or Upper Second-Class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution, and should normally have completed, or be about to complete a Master's course in a similar subject area to your proposed research, with an average mark above 60% in the course and at least 65% in the dissertation.

Please also refer to our English language entry requirements.

Make sure we offer PhD supervision in the area in which you want to work.

You might be interested in signing up for our 5 week online course Discovering Your PhD Potential: Writing a Research Proposal. The course is offered through FutureLearn where you can register your interest for the next available course.

Prepare your supporting documents, with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements: 

• Download and save the Research Proposal Form and prepare your proposal. Complete all sections using the guidance on the form. If your proposal is not submitted on the Proposal Form your application will not be considered.
• CV
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the research, your experience, why it is worth doing and why we should consider you.
• Copies of your Degree Certificates and Marks Transcripts of study already completed and if possible a transcript to-date of any study currently being undertaken.
• If your documents are not in English please include an official translation.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
• In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the text boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
• In the funding section state clearly how you intend to fund your study.

Submit your application using the Apply Button at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you upload all the required documents and your completed Research Proposal Form, failure to do so may cause a delay in assessing your application.

Writing sample

We also require a sample of your writing in which you make an argument for a conclusion, rather than merely describe the facts or law. This could be a section of a dissertation (not your whole dissertation), a paper from a class, or even something newly written. The essential point is just that the piece has to be analytical, so making an argument. Please email your writing sample as a separate document after submission of the application to Law Administrator lawpgr@le.ac.uk, quoting your application ID number.

When to apply

We have intakes in January, May, July and September each year.

You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.

After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.

Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time or part-time). For clarification please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.

UK campus based

Full-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £4,712
• 2024/25 academic year: £4,786

Part-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £2,356
• 2024/25 academic year: £2,393

*UK fees will rise each year in line with UKRI rates.

International campus based

Full-time

• 2023/23 academic year: £16,200 - £18,200 per year
• 2024/25 academic year: £17,550 - £19,700 per year

*International fees for research degrees in this subject area vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admission is made and will be stated in the offer letter. International fees are fixed for the duration of study.

Please note that owing to UK visa restrictions, part-time campus-based registration is not normally available to international applicants.

UK and international distance learning

• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £26,500 (total course fee)
• Starting in 2024/25 academic year: to be confirmed

Distance learning payment options

The fees quoted are the total fee for the PhD distance learning programme and can be paid by the following options:

• Total course fee paid in full before first year registration
• Total course fee split into four annual payments with first annual payment made in full before first year registration
• Total course fee split into 12 equal instalments payable during years 1-4 of the study. The first instalment to be paid before first year registration

If study extends beyond the 4th year no further fees are required. A payment schedule will be sent with the offer letter.

Funding 

For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.