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Research that makes a difference

We're exploring how we can go further to address issues of human rights and inequality.

Research with purpose. Research with impact.

No law is set in stone. Across the world, legislation is always changing, for better and for worse. It's the job of researchers such as you to explore the real impacts of our laws, and consider ways that they could help societies seek justice, and protect health, climate and human rights. What will you do?

Our research groups

Applied Legal Education

The Applied Legal Education Research Group encourages and promotes scholarship, knowledge transfer and research on all aspects of legal education. The group brings together researchers with a variety of backgrounds who share an interest in pedagogy, the academic discipline of law, learning and teaching on vocational and professional courses, the education and training of lawyers and other legal education issues. The research carried out within and through the group is grounded in appropriate theories but seeks to make a difference to students, law teachers and others working with(in) Law Schools or otherwise involved in legal education.

Conflict, Security and International Human Rights

The Conflict, Security & International Human Rights Research Group captures the connected research areas of law and terrorism and human rights law. As far the threat of and the actual manifestations of terrorism, the focus is on exploring the role that law has within a wider counter-terrorism framework. Similarly, in an increasingly complex and globalised world, the focus is on the fundamental role that law has in the protection of individual rights.

Our research community

Be part of a great research community.

• Be supported by a dedicated, friendly and experienced teaching team
• Join a school with a strong track record of producing rigorous, innovative and globally relevant research
• Access on-site and off-site resources including the university’s library services, to support your studies
• Collaborate in a supportive research environment, that encourages self-development 
• Benefit from the school’s connections with business and industry leaders

...of our research outputs judged world-leading or internationally excellent.

Discover more about our available research degrees and the areas of study we cover.

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

A PhD is awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a thesis (of up to 100,000 words) and a viva voce (an oral examination). You will contribute new knowledge to your field and you will disseminate your findings by means of peer-reviewed output and a thesis. Throughout your PhD journey, you will be supported with a programme of research training to enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (MPHIL)

An MPhil research degree is a masters qualification completed to the same academic quality as a PhD. It is ideal for those wanting to complete their degree in a shorter time period than a PhD. You will gain a significant grounding in research methods and skills that will equip you to have a successful career in your field.

MASTERS BY RESEARCH (MRES)

If you are looking to take your first steps in research, then an MRes programme could be ideal. It is a stepping stone between undergraduate and PhD-level research. It is particularly suitable if you are moving into a new subject area and want to explore different career or academic research options.

Leeds Law School is able to supervise research degrees in the following areas:

• Criminal Law and Justice
• Environmental Law
• Equality Law
• European Union Law
• Family Law (focus on child abduction)
• Health Rights
• Human Rights and International Human Rights 
• International Trade Law
• Law and Culture
• Law and Terrorism/Security
• Legal Education including pedagogy
• Management, Culture and Team Performance
• Medical Law including Mental Health
• Private International Law 

1. Discuss your research proposal

If you've decided on the best programme for you and you already have a idea for your research proposal, talk to one of our Academic Supervisors. They can tell you more about researching your area of interest and guide you in the next steps to apply to join Leeds Beckett University.

2. Submit your application

When you've found a supervisor you're happy to work with, you can submit your application to The Graduate School.

Visit our page on How to apply to get information about submitting and the application process. If you have any questions about your application you can contact The Graduate School team via email:  [email protected] .

Have an idea for a research proposal?

If you have an idea for a proposal, please get in touch for an initial informal discussion.

Together we'll decide if we've got the right expertise to take on your project and support you on your research journey.

Throughout your research, you will supported by a supervisory team of at least two experienced academics. The Graduate School at Leeds Beckett will also offer a significant amount of training for all stages of your work.

To book a discussion and find out more about how to apply, please email us.

Study with us

The graduate school.

Study for a research degree at Leeds Beckett and you'll join a thriving academic community in an inspiring and supportive environment.

• Talk to a supervisor
• Just been accepted?

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Research opportunities

Postgraduate research opportunities.

• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Law
• Research degrees

Entry requirements

If you are interested in applying to study for a research degree in the School of Law you must meet the minimum entry requirements before a research proposal will be considered. You can find these below.

If you have any queries, please contact the  Graduate School Admissions team .

Candidates should hold (or expect to hold):

• an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade of 2:1 (or equivalent degree from an overseas university)
• a Masters degree with a minimum grade of Merit (or equivalent degree from an overseas university)
• both in appropriate academic disciplines

Candidates should also meet our English Language requirements.

MA by Research

Candidates should hold (or expect to hold) a good Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree from an overseas university):

• with a minimum grade of 2:1 (upper second class honours)
• in an appropriate academic discipline

English Language requirements

An approved test in English is required for applicants whose first language is not English. Please note that test scores are valid for 2 years before the start of the course.

The approved tests and minimum required scores are detailed below:

Other English Language qualifications are also accepted. For a full list please refer to the acceptable English Language qualifications listed in the  University admissions policy  or contact the  Graduate School Admissions team  for further details.

Pre-sessional English

You can improve your academic English to the level needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of our pre-sessional courses:

• 6-weeks: Language for postgraduate research
• 10-weeks: Language for postgraduate research

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, find out more about our  postgraduate pre-sessional English courses .