The Dickson Poon School of Law’s vision for its research culture is to create a focal point for interdisciplinary, transnational legal research that encourages cross-fertilisation of ideas within existing areas of strength while incorporating a new global perspective. One of a handful of Law Schools around the world pioneering a transnational approach, our aim is to foster innovative research that yields new insights for global challenges relating to personal responsibility, health, wealth, justice, communication and governance.
Course detail
You can find an overview of our PhD programme, including a timeline of progression and details of Student Life on our PhD course description page.
We have a single entry point in October each year, we do not consider applications for January entry at this time.
Candidates should identify and approach their potential first supervisor before applying. Applications from candidates without a named, agreed supervisor from The Dickson Poon School of Law will not be considered. Please refer to our people directory to identify academic or research area.
PLEASE NOTE: Visiting staff are not eligible for supervision. Please do not submit an application without first contacting your potential first supervisor and securing their support and agreement for your application, as this may result in a rejection of your application.
The majority of our research students are full-time; however, we are able to offer study on a part-time basis in exceptional circumstances. To apply for part-time study, please choose the full-time route via the application portal and be prepared to make a case at your interview.
Joint PhD: Master/Doctor of Philosophy in Law Research with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
We also offer a joint programme in Law Research with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, that can be studied full-time or part-time.
Applicants must apply separately to Humboldt and King’s College London no matter which university is their chosen home institution.
Application deadline for all applicants:
- 1 December 2023 (to be considered for internal funding)
- 1 April 2024 (if you’re not being considered for internal funding)
This programme qualifies for a King’s Joint PhD Scholarship for full-time study. The deadline to apply for this funding is 25 February 2024.
If applying for the joint programme, in your application you’ll need to include the names of your supervisors from both institutions and a completed travel plan form.
For more details, refer here
