The PhD in Law may be awarded after three to four years of full-time study or five to seven years of part-time study (including a probationary period) of supervised independent research on the basis of a thesis not exceeding 100,000 words, exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter.
A doctoral candidate's thesis must demonstrate all of the criteria below:
1. A significant contribution to the field of study through the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, connection of previously unrelated facts or the development of new theory or revision of older views;
2. Submission of work of a quality in whole or in part of a standard to merit publication (whether or not subsequently published);
3. Provides evidence of the acquisition of knowledge and a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry;
4. Is of a quality and quantity to reflect three years of full-time postgraduate study (or part-time equivalent).
A PhD research proposal of between 2,000 and 3,000 words in length (inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography) should be submitted at the time of application for consideration by the Faculty's Degree Committee.
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