Aston Law School welcomes applications for PhD study. We have a strong record of PhD completions. Our staff have the expertise and enthusiasm to supervise PhD study across a range of areas. Recent topics have included:
- international labour rights
- international dispute resolution
- proprietary restitution
- reliance-based private law claims
The topics being studied by our current PhD students include:
- constitutional law
- corporate governance law
Qualifications
All candidates should hold the equivalent of a UK First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree from an approved university or higher education institution.
They should also hold the equivalent of a UK masters degree in business, management, or the social sciences (or related disciplines) from an approved university or higher education institution, with a significant research/dissertation component, having achieved an overall grade of Merit.
While neither degree needs to be directly related to your proposed subject/topic of research, you must be able to demonstrate your ability to undertake research, at an advanced level, in this field.
Where candidates have successfully completed a masters degree that does not contain a significant research/dissertation component, they may be required to provide alternative evidence of their ability to undertake research at an advanced level.
Fees
UK students (2023/24)
- Annual full-time fees: £4,712
Overseas students (2023/24)
- Annual full-time fees: £15,450
BSS PhD Studentships
Will be provided to the successful applicant to cover tuition fees at either the Home or Overseas rate plus a maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£17,668 p.a. in 2022/23) with the corresponding standard increases in subsequent years.
Application Requirements
1. A research proposal: A key skill is the ability to write a clear, concise and accessible proposal.
2. Copies of your qualifications: Transcripts and certificates for both your Bachelor and Masters degree (including English translations, if required)
3. Two academic references: (references must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old); at least one reference should be from your most recent University
4. Evidence of meeting the English Language Requirements
5. A personal statement
6. A copy of your passport
Application Deadline
The PhD programme recruits students to start in either October or April and, depending on the desired start point, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.
Please note, we cannot review individual eligibility before you apply, and there may be earlier closing dates for your application should you wish to be considered for funding.
