Postgraduate Research
Why study for a PhD at Queen’s?
The School of Law has over 100 years of achievement in education and research. We are ranked 7th for legal research in the UK, and our academics are recognised experts at home and abroad.
We offer PhD supervision across the legal field, with over 50 prospective PhD supervisors supporting a range of approaches, from the doctrinal to the sociolegal, comparative, criminological and critical.
Our doctoral students go to exciting careers, including as academics at law schools across the UK, with QUB Law ranked 5th in the UK for graduate outcomes. Our base in Belfast gives us direct contact with the legal profession and judiciary, allowing excellent access to the study of law and legal practice.
We are committed to making doctoral students part of the life of the School of Law and the wider university. We have created a bespoke training programme for new PhDs; more advanced students can avail of training opportunities offered by the School and the University's Graduate School. Our PhDs can apply for paid teaching experience from their second year. There are also opportunities to get involved in editorial work for the Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly (one of the UK's oldest law journals), or with LawPod, a podcasting venture hosted by the School of Law, or the student-led Research Network. Funding is also available to support students who want to present their work at conference or expert seminars.
The £20 million investment in a new School of Law building has created excellent facilities for postgraduate researchers, with access to Queen's Graduate School just minutes away.
Student Experience
Bróna McNeill - PhD Experience
At Queen's, you'll join a vibrant PhD community that is as diverse as it is dedicated. Engage with fellow researchers from around the globe, each bringing their unique perspectives to tackle some of the most pressing legal issues of our time. Our PhD programme is designed not just to challenge you academically but to nurture your development as a future leader in legal research.
Phd Experience - Etaf
Your journey at Queen's will extend beyond the campus. Belfast, a city renowned for its history, culture, and vibrant social scene, provides the perfect backdrop for your PhD experience. Here, you will not only pursue academic excellence but also form lasting friendships and networks.
Explore the World of Legal Scholarship
LawPod PhD Series
Dive into the heart of legal academia with LawPod's PhD Series, where each episode offers a unique window into the intricate world of legal research and scholarship. This series is specially curated for aspiring and current PhD researchers, legal professionals, and anyone with a keen interest in the depths of legal studies.
Go to LawPod
Find a PhD Supervisor
Take the First Step
Before you begin your application process, it's advisable to reach out to a potential supervisor. This individual could be someone you've previously encountered at Queen’s during your undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or they might be a new contact whose research interests closely match your own. Throughout your tenure at Queen’s, your supervisor will be a key figure you frequently collaborate and engage with. Therefore, ensuring a harmonious fit between you and your supervisor is crucial for a fruitful PhD journey.
Take the first stepExplore Coursefinder
Go to Coursefinder
RESEARCH SUPPORT AND FACILITIES
The School of Law has a multi-faceted approach to supporting students. All postgraduate research students are allocated a primary and secondary supervisor, who are members of academic staff with detailed knowledge of the doctoral programme and supervision process.
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
The Graduate School provides an exclusive postgraduate hub that values the needs of our postgraduate students. Based in the beautifully restored and remodelled Victorian Lynn library, this fully-accessible space has modern, hi-tech meeting and group study rooms, a silent study area and social spaces creating a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange and collaboration.