Law

The Law programme from the University of Surrey aims to train the next generation of legal thinkers, law reformers, policy advisors, political activists, and academics.  The School of Law’s  emphasis on combining theory and practice makes us unique in the UK, and a world-class centre for deep and creative legal research.

As a University of Surrey University of Surrey Law Law School doctoral student, you’ll be part of this thriving community of researchers engaged in a wide range of projects, and – depending on your area of study – you’ll be able to join a subject or research group, as well as participate alongside academic staff in the activities of the Surrey Law School. 

Career opportunities

Through a variety of approaches, from doctrinal to philosophical, contemporary to historical, single jurisdiction to comparative, we will help you challenge ideas, hone your skills and develop the hallmarks of a leading researcher. You will work on a structured, supervised programme of research in one of the areas of law in which we have expertise. You’ll be able to develop your teaching skills, as well as the ability to think theoretically and provide innovative practical solutions to legal problems. We encourage postgraduate research students to present work and discuss ideas in both formal and informal settings. We can also support you intellectually and financially to present and exchange ideas and discuss your research in international fora. At the end of your time as a Law PhD researcher at Surrey you’ll be expected to submit an extended thesis for examination. This thesis will demonstrate your ability to pursue scholarly research which makes an original contribution to knowledge. You will be required to answer questions on your thesis and your research in a viva voce examination. Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Research themes

• Artificial intelligence and law

• Civilian protections in war

• Criminal justice and AI

• Criminal law and neuroscience

• Environmental law

• European Union law

• Health sciences and law

• Human rights law

• Kantian legal philosophy and other intellectual historical approaches to legal problems, such as terrorism, human rights and refugee law

• Language and law

• Mental health law and neuroscience