Call for Applications to the Doctorate in Law

Subject of the Call
For the Fall 2022 semester the University of Nicosia announces the opening of up to seven (7) positions for admission to the Doctorate (PhD) in Law.

How to Apply

For academic information related to the doctorate contact the Programme Coordinator Prof. Irini Stamatoudi via email at [email protected]

The application must be submitted only via the online procedure available at: https://www.unic.ac.cy/apply.

The programme aims to offer the highest level of scientific knowledge in the field and to prepare students for a career in tertiary education and scientific research in Law. Students are expected to conduct state-of-the-art research that advances original and practically applicable solutions to scientific problems in Law.

The specific aims of the programme are to:

• Develop students’ in depth understanding and critical analysis of current theoretical literature and research methodology in the field of Law
• Develop students’ understanding and application of suitable research methodologies and scientific methods of investigation to enable them to carry out their doctoral research project
• Enhance students’ research skills and facilitate the development of expertise relevant to their research specialization area
• Educate students in how to disseminate research findings, conclusions and suggestions, for example through publishing in academic journals and/or presenting their work in academic conferences and seminars.

The languages of the programme are English and Greek.

Faculty Members and Research Areas

Professor Achilles Emilianides
Dean of the School of Law

• Public, Private and Commercial Law
• Law
• Private International
• European and Comparative Law

Professor Nestor Courakis

• Criminology
• Criminal Law

Professor Irini Stamatoudi

• Intellectual Property Law
• Internet and Media Law
• Cultural Heritage Law

Associate Professor Christina Ioannou
Associate Dean of the School of Law

• Labour Law
• EU Law and Institutions
• Social Rights and Welfare
• Gender Studies

Associate Professor Costas Stratilatis

• Comparative Constitutional Law and Theory
• Human Rights Law/Theory/Philosophy
• Conflict/Conflict resolution
• Constituent Power in the EU

Associate Professor Demetra Sorvatzioti

Associate Head of the Department of Law

• Criminology
• Criminal Law and Procedure

Associate Professor Christos Papastylianos
Head of the Department of Law

• Constitutional Law and Theory
• Immigration Law
• Human Rights Law

Visiting Associate Professor Nikos Davrados

• Conflict of Laws
• Private Law

Assistant Professor Odysseas Christou

• Public International Law
• Energy and Environmental Law
• Social Rights and Welfare
• Jurisprudence

Associate Professor Nikolaos Koumoutzis

• Family Law
• Tort Law
• Bioethics

Assistant Professor Michalis Kontos

• Public International Law
• Law of Armed Conflict
• International Organizations
• International Humanitarian Law

Assistant Professor Anna Plevri

• Civil Procedural Law
• Arbitration
• Mediation

Assistant Professor Stergios Mitas

• Legal Philosophy and Legal Methodology
• Constitutional Law and Theory

Assistant Professor Vagia Polyzoidou

• Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure

Admission Requirements and Procedures

1. Academic Qualifications: An accredited Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) or a relevant field in addition to an accredited Master’s degree in Law (LLM or equivalent) or a relevant field. It is normally expected that at least one of the previous degrees (Bachelor’s or Master’s) be in Law. Applicants that do not fulfil this requirement may still apply to the programme subject to the evaluation of their academic qualifications by the Department Doctoral Programme Committee. Copies of degrees awarded must be submitted as part of a complete application package.
2. Application Form: Applicants must submit an application form for admission and enrolment to the programme. The application form requests general information about the applicant, their qualifications, relevant experience.
3. Curriculum Vitae: a complete CV specifying all academic and professional activities
4. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain two recommendation letters from individuals who have known the applicant in an educational and/or professional environment. At least one of the recommendation letters must be from an academic institution where the applicant has studied previously.
5. English Language Proficiency: TOEFL (paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet-based test 100) or IELTS 6.5. For students who graduated from an English-speaking University, English language is not a requirement. Proficiency in English Language is an essential requirement even in cases where the thesis is to be submitted in Greek as research undertaken towards completing the thesis is expected to include English-language sources.
6. Publications: Previous theses/dissertations and any published work of academic relevance (if any).
7. Initial Research Proposal: An initial proposal (1,000 – 2,000 words) outlining the research topic, aims and objectives, research questions and proposed research methodology as follows:
   • Title
   • Literature review (brief)
   • Identifications of gaps in existing literature and rationale for proposed research
   • Aims and objectives
   • Research hypotheses
   • Research methodology
   • Ethical Considerations (if applicable)
   • Expected output
   • Time plan for completion
   • References
8. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive outline highlighting their academic and individual competencies and state why they believe they are suitable for admission to the Programme, as well as their reflections regarding the expectations and value of the Programme for their personal advancement and career development.
9. Individual Interviews: The Department Doctoral Programme Committee may decide whether to hold an individual interview of the applicant prior to deciding. The Department Doctoral Programme Committee, having examined the applicant’s suitability against the entry criteria, having reviewed the application and interviewed the applicant, will determine his or her suitability and the appropriateness of their initial proposal.
10. Final Evaluation: In view of the limited number of applicants to be admitted to the programme, the Department Doctoral Programme Committee will decide on the basis of merit and by evaluating specific criteria who are the most suitable candidates to be admitted to the programme. The Committee will exercise its judgment, taking into account the overall quality, merit and feasibility of the research proposal, the quality of the prior research work of the candidate and the candidate’s academic and other relevant qualifications as included in the curriculum vitae and the applicant’s performance during the individual interview.