Postgraduate research
- Unique international outlook – research strengths
including international human rights, international trade law
and the law of the EU;
- Combination of academic excellence and practical
application;
- Acknowledged reputation in international, governmental
and commercial spheres;
- Large postgraduate community from all over the world;
- Part of University’s Doctoral Training Centre
accredited by Economic and Social Research Council;
- Staff involved in UN bodies including the Human Rights
Committee, the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Committee
and UNHCR.
Coming to Essex to undertake your postgraduate research means you will be
supervised by academics recognised internationally for their expertise in the
area of research you are interested in. Our research strengths range from human
rights to cybercrime, and we offer postgraduate
research supervision across a
huge range of subject areas. You can read more about our
staff research interest
in our People section.
Your research options
In our School of Law you can choose from two different research paths, our
MPhil or our PhD. MPhil - If you choose this option you will undertake two years
of full-time study. You can transfer to a PhD after initial registration as an
MPhil candidate, and many take advantage of this arrangement. If you are a MPhil
candidate, you will normally take your exams within three years of first
registration for your degree. PhD - We normally expect you to study full-time
for at least three years, but this can be reduced by up to three terms if you
make particularly good progress. As a PhD candidate you can spend up to three
terms away from our University for full-time field study research. Your PhD
thesis will normally be submitted for examination within four years of first
registration.
Your learning experience
Developing the right skills to complete your studies successfully is
essential, so in your first term of postgraduate study you will be offered
seminars on research methodology. You will also have the chance to discuss your
work with fellow students and academics at regular research seminars. These
seminars provide room for stimulating intellectual debate and allow you to
develop presentation skills and to receive feedback on your work both from other
students and from staff. Our School is renowned for our work across a whole
range of fields including international human rights and European Union law. The
number of students from around the world who have chosen to study with us also
helps create a uniquely international atmosphere.
Our research strengths
Our international reputation stretches from human rights to trade law and
public law. World-renowned experts in our School include Professor Steve Peers
and Dr Marios Koutsias in European data protection and privacy, Dr Audrey
Guinchard in cybercrime and Dr Chris Marsden for Internet, media and telecoms
regulation and competition. To find out more about the hugely varied expertise
at our School see our research interests page.
Links to Doctoral Training Centre
We are part of the University’s Doctoral Training Centre this means you can apply for Economic and Social Research
Council-funded postgraduate studentships at Essex.
How to apply
If you want to apply for research study you
should normally hold, or be expecting to obtain, a Masters degree in Law with
Merit and a LLB degree with first or upper second class honours, or an
equivalent qualification.
Help with your application
A good research proposal is an important part of your application. We have
put together a helpful guide to tell you
how to prepare a research proposal
which really stands out.
Our
Postgraduate Research FAQs section provides answers to
questions you might have. If you cannot find the answer you need then please get
in touch.
Funding and Scholarships
You can apply for a number of scholarships to help with the cost of your
studies. See our Scholarships page.