Law

(PhD, 3 Years)

Duration

3 years

Qualification Awarded

Doctor of Philosophy in Law

Level of Qualification

Doctorate Degree (3rd Cycle)

Language of Instruction

English and Greek

Mode of Study

Full-time: Full-time

Minimum ECTs Credits

180

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Law (PhD, 3 Years)

Duration	3 years
Qualification Awarded	Doctor of Philosophy in Law
Level of Qualification	Doctorate Degree (3rd Cycle)
Language of Instruction	English or Greek
Mode of Study	Full-time
Minimum ECTS Credits	180

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Overview

Program’s purpose and objectives

The PhD program in Law 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. Doctoral students are required to design and execute an independent original research project and produce a Thesis (in principle of approximately 80,000 words excluding appendices and footnotes, as long as the latter do not contain substantive argument). Through their research project students are expected to evidence an original contribution to knowledge, develop or apply innovative research, and as a result advance scientific knowledge in an area of Law.

The objective of the program is to produce researchers with solid theoretical/methodological foundation and to address the multi-level dimensions of law. Focusing on the most innovative and critical developments, research will delve into the areas of concern and critically assess the effectiveness, impact, and consistency of doctrines and practices. The doctoral program will develop students’ in-depth understanding, critical analysis, and application of current theoretical literature and research methodology to enable them to carry out their doctoral research project. The doctoral program will further enhance students’ research skills and facilitate the development of expertise relevant to their research specialization area. The doctoral program will 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.

Specific aims of the program are to:

Advance students’ in depth understanding and critical analysis of current theoretical literature and research methodology in the field of Law,
Advance 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,
Give students a broad understanding of research approaches and methods which will enable them to read and comprehend a wide range of academic research papers to enhance their research competence and facilitate the development of future research activities.

Access to Further Studies

Upon graduation, students would have obtained the highest academic title possible.

Admission

Admission Requirements and Procedures

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.
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.
Curriculum Vitae: a complete CV specifying all academic and professional activities
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.
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.
Publications: Previous theses/dissertations and any published work of academic relevance (if any).
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
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.
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.
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.

Assessment

Preparation and defence of the Research proposal (including Legal Research Methodology course)
Preparation and defence of the Thesis

Graduation

The student must complete 180 ECTS and all programme requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Intended learning outcomes

The intended earning outcomes involve both practical and theoretical knowledge, skills and qualifications that will enhance students cognitive as well as managerial capacities, when dealing with tasks and challenges in relevant legal professions. Upon successful completion of this program, students are expected to:

Be specifically trained in case-analysis, project-setting and problem-solving contexts.
Acquire research skills and analytical competences to address the legal challenges posed by the processes of implementation and contextualization of legal standards and policies.
Acquire the competence necessary to analyze and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of legal policies.
Possess the competences and skills required for academic careers, as well as to advise and assist public and private institutions active in the legal fields.
Comprehend fundamental and advanced principles of research design, including an understanding of how to conceptualize legal research, formulate researchable problems, and construct and test hypotheses by applying a range of research methods and tools.
Be able to manage successfully all the stages of a research project, including designing, conducting and disseminating research in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the standard principles of research ethics.
Understand and appreciate the significance of alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design and the selection of appropriate analysis techniques.
Understand and apply the concepts of validity, reliability and replicability and identify potential biases in the interpretation of research findings.
Develop a sound understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of a range of research methodologies and data collection methods.
Be in a position to illustrate and critically evaluate research methods used in legal enquiry and demonstrate aptitude in the preparation, execution and management of an independent research study.
Develop skills in the dissemination of findings to the wider academic community, initially through writing-up their Thesis and then through publishing their work in academic journals and/or giving presentations in academic conferences and seminars.