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Law● OpenMastersPreview

MPhil in Law by Research

Explore advanced legal research in a vibrant postgraduate community at Queen’s University Belfast.

Best for:Best for legal scholars with a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in Law or a related discipline, seeking to advance their research skills in a supportive academic environment.

Queen's University Belfast · Belfast, Ireland · R2 · Recognised researcher
More professors at Queen's University Belfast
Legal theoryComparative lawInternational human rights lawPublic policy and governanceLegal historyLegal research methods
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
How to Apply Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Find a supervisor If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions. To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.
Funding
Unfunded
2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)
Start date
flexible (depends on admission)
2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)
Location
Belfast
Ireland

Overview

This MPhil by Research programme at Queen’s University Belfast offers an opportunity to conduct independent legal research under expert supervision. The programme is designed for graduates with a strong academic background in Law or related disciplines, aiming to develop original scholarship and research skills. Students will join a dynamic postgraduate community of 70 researchers, contributing to the School’s research culture. The programme allows for full-time (2 years) or part-time (4 years) study, enabling flexibility for candidates with varying commitments. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear research focus and the ability to conduct original work in their chosen field of legal study.

Legal researchMPhil by ResearchPostgraduate LawIndependent legal scholarshipAcademic researchQueen’s University Belfast

What you'll do

  • Conduct original and independent legal research under the guidance of a supervisor.
  • Develop and refine a research proposal aligned with your academic interests and the School’s research strengths.
  • Engage with the vibrant postgraduate research community to collaborate and share findings.
  • Present research progress at departmental seminars and conferences.
  • Complete a thesis demonstrating original contribution to legal scholarship within the specified timeframe.

Requirements

Degree required: An Upper Second or First Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Law or a relevant discipline, plus a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with an average above 60%. Alternatively, an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree in Law or a related discipline with evidence of research ability may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Degree offered: MPhil

Language: English; IELTS score of 7.0 with no component below 6.0 (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University).

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Ability to conduct independent and original legal research.
  • Strong academic writing and analytical skills.
  • Familiarity with legal research methodologies.
Nice to have
Prior experience in legal research or publication.Proficiency in legal databases and research tools.
Eligibility
  • Applicants must hold an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Law or a relevant discipline.
  • Applicants currently studying a Master’s degree in Law or a related field may also be considered.
  • International students must meet UKVI English language requirements for visa purposes.

Funding & terms

Type
Unfunded
Amount
—
Duration
2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)
Programme
—

Programme and admissions

Admissions not verified

A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.

Intake
Not confirmed by the source
Duration
Not confirmed by the source
Teaching language
Not confirmed by the source
Taught / research mode
Not confirmed by the source
Study mode
Not confirmed by the source
Campus
Not confirmed by the source
Prerequisites
Not confirmed by the source
Application instructions
Not confirmed by the source
Tuition
Not confirmed by the source
Funding
Not confirmed by the source

How to apply

Deadline: unknown

Applicants must apply through Queen’s University Belfast’s online Postgraduate Applications Portal. Before applying, it is recommended to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. You may be asked to provide a short outline of your research proposal to help identify a suitable supervisor.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Cover letter
  • Research proposal outline
  • Transcripts of previous degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
  • Two reference letters
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
↗Check programme and admissions

Contact

Lab
Postgraduate Research Community (Queen’s University Belfast)
Queen's University Belfast
Ireland
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Check admissions, intake and funding with the official source; a listing does not mean applications are open.