PhD in Law (Doctor of Philosophy in Law )

PhD in Law About

The University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, offers a Law PhD program. The program is designed to enable students to conduct advanced research in an area of law, working closely with experienced supervisors.

The Law PhD program at Canterbury is a full-time program, with a minimum duration of three years. The program consists of research and writing of a thesis of up to 100,000 words, which must make an original contribution to the field of law.

To be eligible for the Law PhD program at Canterbury, students must hold a bachelor's degree with honors in law or a related discipline, or a master's degree in law or a related discipline. Additionally, applicants must have demonstrated research experience or potential.

The Law PhD program at Canterbury has a strong research focus, with the opportunity for students to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborate with academics from other disciplines. The university also offers a range of research support services to assist students with their research, including access to specialized databases, funding opportunities, and research training and development.

PhD in Law Highlights

PhD in Law Entrance Exam

• AILET 
• CLAT
• LPU NEST
• ACLAT
• ILICAT
• UGC NET
• SLET 

Admission Process For PhD in Law

There are some of the common entrance tests for admission to PhD in law courses that the institutes widely accept. To apply for admission to a particular institute you need to follow the following steps:

• Visit the official page of the institution and go through all the details related to PhD in law admissions.
• Next step is to fill the application form, upload all required documents as per the guidelines and then make the fee payment.
• Submit your research proposal with the application form if asked by that particular institute.
• These research proposals are asked for a scrutiny process.
• After the scrutiny, and the result declaration of entrance exams, they prepare a merit list and then shortlist candidates who then appear for GD and PI sessions (if any). 

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Law

To pursue PhD in law, you should meet the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:

A minimum of 55% marks in master's degree in either law or in social science stream.

There is a 5% relaxation too for SC/ST and physically disabled categories of the society. 

The qualifying percentage may differ from institute to institute. Apart from this, you also have to appear for common entrance exams conducted at the National and University levels.

PhD in Law Duration

How to Apply for PhD in Law

Interested applicants should submit an online application through the University of Canterbury's website.

The application will require the submission of academic transcripts, a research proposal, a CV, and references.

Applicants may also be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

PhD in Law Application Form

The application form for the Law PhD program at Canterbury is available on the university's website. Applicants are required to create an account and submit their application online, along with supporting documents.

PhD in Law Application Process

The application process for the Law PhD program at Canterbury involves the submission of academic transcripts, a research proposal, a CV, and references.

Applicants may also be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

PhD in Law Fee Structure

The tuition fees for the Law PhD program at Canterbury vary depending on the student's citizenship and residency status.

International students can expect to pay higher fees than domestic students.

The university's website provides information on current fees and payment options.

PhD in Law Syllabus

• Legal Theory and Methodology
• Constitutional Law and Theory
• Research Design and Methodology
• Advanced Topics in Legal Philosophy
• Comparative Law
• Seminar in Legal Writing and Publication
• International Law and Global Governance
• Law and Social Justice
• Elective Course
• Seminar in Legal Research
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• Independent Research
• Dissertation Writing and Analysis
• Dissertation Defense Preparation
• Professional Development

PhD in Law Career Opportunities

1. Notary: Role of a Notary is to authenticate and attest the documents. They also help in preparation of other documents like bonds, legal papers and alike.

2. Judge: The responsibility of a judge is to give the verdict on both civil and criminal cases after hearing the parties.

3. Lawyer: Role of a Lawyer is to do legal research work, prepare legal documents, and advise their clients on the same.

4. Authors: They write about the legal thesis and law related subjects.

PhD in Law Top College

Admission Process For PhD in Law

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Law

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.