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For Further Information or Application Forms on Research Studies
 
Please contact:
 
Mrs Maria-Elena Heed,
PG Research Student & Projects Coordinator
School of Law
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
United Kingdom
CO4 S3Q
 
E-mail: alcam@essex.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1206 872585
 

To make an application online, please see the University's Online Postgraduate Application Form.

 

Information for Prospective Postgraduates:

Research Studies (MPhil or PhD)

 
Photo: Student studyingWhy Undertake Research Studies at Essex?

We offer two different research paths, the MPhil and the PhD. Whichever path you choose, you will receive supervision by academics who are experts in the area of your research.

Both the MPhil and the PhD can be studied full-time or part-time. The MPhil requires two years full-time or four-years of part-time study with a maximum of six years. For PhD candidates, the minimum period of full-time study is three years with a maximum of four years, while part-time PhD students will study a minimum of six years with a maximum of eight years. It is possible to transfer to a PhD path after initial registration as an MPhil candidate, and many students take advantage of this arrangement. PhD candidates may spend up to three terms away from the University for full-time field study research.

In addition to carrying out your individual research, in your first term of studies you will attend seminars on research methodology. We also hold research seminars in which students and academics come together to discuss each other’s work. These seminars provide room for stimulating intellectual debate and allow students to develop presentation skills and to receive feed-back on their work both from other students and from staff.

Applicants for research study should normally hold, or be expecting to obtain, a Master's degree in Law with Merit and a LLB degree with first or upper second class honours, or an equivalent qualification.

For further information on research studies and applications please see our Research Studies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

Enquiries should be addressed to Maria Elena Heed, the PG Research Student and Projects Coordinator.

MPhil or PhD - The Learning Experience

The MPhil requires two years of full-time study. In the case of PhD candidates, a minimum period of three years of full-time study is normally prescribed on first registration, but this period may be reduced by up to three terms if a student makes particularly good progress. It is also possible to transfer to PhD after initial registration as an MPhil candidate, and many students take advantage of this arrangement. PhD candidates may spend up to three terms away from the University for full-time field study research.

MPhil candidates must normally present themselves for examination within three years of first registration for the degree. A PhD thesis must normally be submitted for examination within four years of first registration. Research studies of MPhil or PhD can also be undertaken on a part-time basis.

If you require more information about postgraduate research studies, then please use the University online prospectus.

Entrance Requirements and How to Apply

Applicants for research studies should normally hold, or be expecting to obtain, a Master's course in Law with merit and a LLB degree with first or upper second class honours, or an equivalent qualification.

Application forms and requests for further information concerning our research studies in law should be addressed to the PG Research Student and Projects Coordinator (see contact details, right).

To make an application online, please see the University's Online Postgraduate Application Form.

More Information: areas of supervision / research topics - guidelines for writing a research proposal - postgraduate scholarship opportunities.