European Doctorate in Law & Economics (EDLE)
An interdisciplinary PhD programme in law and economics across four leading European universities.
Best for:Best for law or economics graduates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research, seeking a structured PhD programme with international mobility and exposure to leading scholars in law and economics.
Overview
The European Doctorate in Law & Economics (EDLE) is a joint doctoral programme offered by the Universities of Bologna, Hamburg, Rennes, and Rotterdam. It provides advanced training in the intersection of law and economics, focusing on the tensions between efficiency and broader societal goals. Students engage in interdisciplinary research, attend specialised courses in econometrics, game theory, and empirical legal studies, and collaborate with international scholars. The programme spans four years, with mandatory mobility across partner institutions, culminating in multiple doctoral diplomas. It is designed for outstanding candidates with backgrounds in law or economics, aiming to develop researchers capable of addressing complex legal and economic challenges in an international context.
What you'll do
- Attend advanced courses in law and economics at partner universities (Bologna, Hamburg, Rennes, Rotterdam) during the first three semesters.
- Develop and refine a research question under the guidance of interdisciplinary supervisors from multiple institutions.
- Conduct original research within the theme of tensions between efficiency and other societal goals.
- Present research findings at international conferences and summer schools, such as the Hamburg EDLE Conference.
- Engage in empirical research, including econometrics, experimental economics, and behavioural law and economics.
- Collaborate with international peers and leading scholars across partner universities.
- Complete and defend a doctoral thesis leading to multiple doctoral diplomas from participating institutions.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree (or equivalent) in law or economics, with preference for candidates with a background in law and economics.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency at C1 level (IELTS Academic: 7, TOEFL iBT: 95, Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced).
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in law or economics, with interdisciplinary interest.
- Proficiency in quantitative methods (econometrics, game theory, statistical analysis).
- Ability to conduct empirical research and analyse legal and economic data.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and international mobility.
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No nationality restrictions.
- No age limit specified.
- No prior work experience restrictions.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 15 February
Applicants must submit their application through the official EDLE website. The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, a research proposal, proof of English proficiency, and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and required documents are available on the EDLE programme website.
- Master's degree certificate and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- Motivation letter
Contact
Not specified (contact via EDLE programme website)· EDLE Programme Coordinator
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