Overview
Join us for your Law LLM by Research or an MPhil or PhD in Law. You’ll work on a thesis leading to the completion of an original piece of research. Your thesis should present a coherent argument and advance knowledge and understanding in your chosen field.
We offer:
- intensive subject-specific supervision
- training in legal research methodologies and core skills
- opportunities to participate in the research groupings within the school and engage with our student-led career development seminar series
This programme offers you the opportunity to study at Newcastle Law School. This is one of the oldest established law schools in the country. We provide a stimulating international academic environment that brings together staff and students from a variety of backgrounds.
The School is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS). All postgraduate research (PGR) students are members of the HASS Graduate School. The Graduate School organises a comprehensive training programme for postgraduate students. The programme covers research techniques and essential professional skills. It also provides support for personal development.
Research in the Law School
Developing and promoting high-quality, internationally recognised research is a primary objective of our School. Fostering an intellectual, vibrant PGR ccommunity is central to this aspiration. Our academic staff have interests in aspects of legal research which range across the discipline, and beyond. This includes domestic and international, doctrinal and theoretical aspects.
We have research groupings to reflect the range of expertise present in the school, including environmental challenges, law and emerging technologies, as well as work on securing global human rights protection. We encourage our PGR students to join these groups and participate in events and activities.
Learn more about our Law research.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
How you’ll learn
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
Applicants are asked to provide a research proposal that outlines a proposed topic of research.
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Our PhD students have the opportunity to enrol on the Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE). The ILTHE provides training and practical skills for use in demonstrating and teaching practice.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programmeÂ
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership
- Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Law – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
The Law School has an extensive library situated within the School. Students also have access to an extensive range of online sources via databases such as Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
We have:
- dedicated PGR space, including study spaces
- a student common room
- a purpose-built Mooting Room
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree and/or a master’s degree, or international equivalent, in law or a related subject.
