About This Course
Bangor School of Law welcomes applications from suitably qualified graduates to read for the degrees of PhD, MPhil and LLM Res by research.
For a PhD degree, you are expected to present the results of your research in a thesis which represents a significant original contribution to knowledge in the subject area studied, and to undergo a viva voce examination. For an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree, you are expected to successfully complete an approved programme of supervised research, and to present your results in a thesis.
All research students are allocated to a supervisor with a research interest in your chosen topic of study. Your supervisor will provide advice and guidance on your choice of topic; advice on the literature in your field and how to access it; advice on your choice of research methods; advice on thesis structure, content and presentation; critical appraisal of drafts of your thesis; and, in the case of PhD students, advice on preparation for your viva voce examination.
Research Areas
Applications are particularly welcome from graduates with an interest in pursuing a research degree in one or more of the research areas currently represented with the School.
Law with specialisations in:
- European Law
- European Internal Market
- Public Procurement
- Competition Law
Global Economic Law:
- Intellectual Property Law
- WTO Law
- International Commercial Arbitration
- International Insurance Law
- International Sales Law
- Maritime Law
- Private International Law
- European Union Internal Market/Competition Law
International Law:
- Public International Law
- International Human Rights Law
- European Human Rights Law
- International Criminal Law
UK Commercial Law:
- Corporate Finance Law
- Commercial Law
- Company Law
- Corporate Governance
- Consumer Law
- Mergers
- Banking Law
- Arbitration Law
- Employment Law
- Environmental Law
- Social Care Law
UK Public Law:
- Public Law
- Law and Religion
- Administrative Law
- Judicial Review
- Law and Devolved Government
- Media Law
UK Private Law:
- Land Law
- Equity
- Torts
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
- Evidence
- Legal History
- Contract Law
- Law of Trusts
- Jurisprudence
The difference between the three types of research degree is explained below:
PhD
A PhD degree is usually 3 years full-time, or 4-5 years part-time. Candidates are expected to present the results of their research in a 100,000-word thesis which represents a significant original contribution to knowledge in the subject area studied, and to undergo a viva voce examination.
MPhil
An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree is usually 2 years full-time, or 3 years part-time. Candidates must successfully complete an approved programme of supervised research, and present their results in a thesis of up to 60,000 words. Students will also undergo a viva voce examination.
LLM Res
As an alternative to the one-year taught LLM, students can do a year-long LLM by Research on a specific research topic, at the end of which they will be required to present a dissertation of up to 50,000 words.
Entry Requirements
Postgraduate degrees by research are suitable for candidates who already have some experience at postgraduate level (or equivalent professional experience). Those applying to a PhD programme, should normally have, or expect to obtain, a Master’s degree either in Law or a related discipline appropriate to their intended area of research.  Aside from these formal requirements, candidates will be considered on the strength of their research proposal, and are expected to submit a project proposal - appropriate to the duration and academic level of the course - with their application.
International applicants are normally required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The minimum English language requirements will normally be:
- IELTS: 7.0 (with no individual score lower than 6.5)
- Pearson PTE: 67 (with no individual score lower than 62)
- Cambridge English Test – Advanced/Proficiency: 185 (with no individual score lower than 176)
