Socio-Legal Studies

The thesis must make a significant and substantial contribution to its field. Students are encouraged to develop a topic that contributes to an understanding of law in society, drawing on empirical and theoretical perspectives.

As a DPhil student you will in the first instance be admitted to Probationer Research Student (PRS) status. During the first year you must take the ‘Theory and Methods in Socio-Legal Research’ course. Part-time students will be able to tailor their study and methods training in liaison with their supervisor, and may undertake the ‘Theory and Methods in Socio-Legal Research’ course over a two-year period. The ‘Theory and Methods in Socio-Legal Research’ course is intended to develop your appreciation of law as a social phenomenon, to introduce various theoretical perspectives and to consider the variety of practical empirical techniques by which research questions may be addressed.

In your third term (sixth term for the part-time pathway), you can apply for transfer from probationary status to full DPhil status by taking a qualifying test (QT) which is assessed by two examiners. This requires you to submit a well-developed research outline plus a substantial piece of written work. A similar exercise then takes place in your sixth term (twelfth term for the part-time pathway), when you report on your progress and submit a substantial part of the proposed thesis for a further assessment that leads to a confirmation of DPhil status.

After three or at most four years (no later than eight years for the part-time pathway), you submit your final thesis to two examiners, respectively internal and external to the University. The examiners will read your thesis and then conduct an oral examination with you, known as a viva voce, before providing a written report to the Law Faculty. On that basis, your thesis may be judged to have passed, so that you can be awarded a DPhil, or to be in need of revision, in which case it is referred back to you for re-submission at a later date; in extreme cases, the thesis may not be passed.

Throughout the period of your studies, you will work with a supervisor with whom you should meet individually at regular intervals to discuss your project and who will provide feedback and advice. You will also be able to take part in an extensive range of seminar programmes and discussion groups, affording plentiful opportunities for interaction both with your peers and with academics working in the same or similar research areas.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. In exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies.

In the case of students who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, appropriate additional support will be made available through the supervisor and the Social Science Division.

DPhil students pursue a range of career paths after completion of the doctorate. Many take up academic posts, or pursue postdoctoral research. Some enter legal practice and others develop careers in consultancies, government, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organisations and private companies.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies

Socio-Legal Research MPhil

Socio-Legal Studies DPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Law

Bachelor of Civil Law BCL

Criminology DPhil

Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc

Intellectual Property Law and Practice PGDip

Law DPhil

Law MPhil

Law and Finance MSc

Magister Juris MJur

Socio-Legal Research MPhil

Socio-Legal Studies DPhil

Taxation MSc

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Entry requirements