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Law (Research)

  • 3 Study options
  • Postgraduate
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2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

We welcome applications for PhD research degrees in all aspects of law and legal studies at the Law School. For students who wish to study for a shorter period, we also offer a two-year MPhil research degree.

As a research student you will be supervised by one or more of our academic staff, meeting with them to discuss your research (typically, supervision via video-conferencing is available for students who are not based in Lancaster, or indeed not based in the UK). Your supervisors are also able to give you guidance on preparing for conferences and writing for publication, as well as advice on academic and other careers. You will also undertake Faculty and School-based research training.

You will be welcomed into a vibrant Law School, and you will be invited to attend any guest lectures and seminars that the department host. We also host student-led seminars, arranged by the research students themselves for the discussion of work in progress.

Typically, successful applications contain a viable research proposal and are focused on our areas of research expertise, further entry requirements can be found below. Please check our staff profiles for precise areas of expertise.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • MPhil • Full-time • 2 Years
  • PhD • Full-time • 3 Years
  • PhD • Part-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 01/10/2026

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Discover what it's like to study Law at Lancaster University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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    Im currently studying Nuclear Engineering and in my second year. Im an international student and used to live in Dubai and South Africa. Im very interested in Nuclear Fusion and uses for nuclear in the medical field.

  • Aimée Olivia

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    Hi, my name is Aimée and I come from Switzerland. I am a fourth year Zoology student with an interest genetics, and using it to conserve the species of our planet. I chose to study at Lancaster after falling in love with the campus on an open day. Last year I completed a placement year working in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's WildGenes genetics laboratory. At university one of my favourite things to do is discover new coffee shops around Lancaster with my friends. Besides this I can usually be found in Waterstones buying yet another book or at home playing my latest Nintendo Switch obsession!

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    Hi! 🌟 I'm Gail! I'm currently studying for my PhD in Computer Science within the SCC department at Lancaster University, but my academic journey began with an MSci in Mathematics and Computer Science! Please feel free to message about absolutely any queries you may have, such as with academia itself, or just general university life queries! I would be more than happy to help. :)

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    As an international student from Taiwan, a small island with a rich cultural heritage, I’m excited to bring a global perspective to my role as a university buddy ambassador. Currently pursuing my studies in business, I aim to become a business analyst within the financial sector, driven by my interest in data and strategic decision-making. Beyond academics, I’m passionate about staying active with badminton and yoga training, and I find creative expression through fine art painting. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I love exploring new places and cultures, which has greatly enriched my own university journey. As a buddy ambassador, I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and insights, supporting new students in their transition, and helping them thrive both academically and personally.

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    I studied Business, Maths, and Computer Science at A-level at my local sixth form and achieved grades of ABC. These grades were enough to get me accepted into my first choice, Lancaster University, to study accounting and finance. However I realised during my first year that Accounting and Finance wasn’t the right course for me, and I decided to move to business management, where I really enjoyed the entrepreneurship module so decided to go into 2nd year on the Business Management (entrepreneurship) course. The current career path I am exploring is business consulting; I feel it suits my personality well and it is a well established industry. During my free time, I regularly go to the gym, and play football with my friends.

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    Hi! I'm Crystal, a second-year MSci Computer Science and Mathematics student with a special interest in Data Science and ML. When I started university, I wasn’t entirely sure about my future career path. However, through various opportunities at university, I’ve developed a strong passion for data science and I now feel much more confident about the direction I want to take in my career. Often spotted around campus carrying badminton rackets because nothing beats badminton after a long day for stress-relief... On my off days I explore places nearby Lancaster, play games with my friends and try out new recipes. Whenever I get homesick, I make Malaysian chicken curry (and it's perfect for winter). Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have, whether it's about doing a joint degree, life at Lancaster, or even to talk about any data science/coding projects! I'm interested to hear what you think.

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Fees and funding

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Sponsorship information

The University is able to offer a limited number of studentships. Further scholarships are available from Iredell Trust Fund, established specifically to promote research in law (and in history). UK students are eligible for AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) studentships. Other potential sources of funding include ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council), SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland), Northern Ireland Offices and American Council of Learned Societies.

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