Doctorate in Legal Practice (DLaw)
The Doctorate in Legal Practice (DLaw) is an online research degree for experienced legal practitioners. It combines legal practice with practice-focused research, professional reflection, innovation and strategic leadership. The course is available full-time or part-time and can be completed over 24 to 72 months.
About this course
This online doctorate focuses on legal practice and practice-based legal research. It is designed for experienced legal practitioners who want to investigate a question or challenge arising from professional work through independent, self-directed research.
You will develop research techniques for examining legal literature and carrying out empirical research. The course also considers innovation in legal practice, strategic leadership and the use of professional practice evidence.
A central part of the doctorate is critical reflection on your own professional practice. You will build and present evidence from practice while developing a substantial research project grounded in a legal or professional context.
What you will study
The course covers:
• legal practice and practice-focused legal research • research techniques and independent self-directed research • empirical research and the use of existing legal literature • innovation in legal practice • strategic leadership • professional practice evidence • critical reflection on professional practice
Assessment
Assessment includes a portfolio, a viva voce examination, annual reviews and a Confirmation of Registration assessment.
Entry requirements
Applicants normally need a UK undergraduate degree in Law, or another relevant degree, plus eight years of legal practice experience in any jurisdiction.
A research proposal is required, along with 2,000–3,000 words of evidence of legal practice experience.
Entry requirements may be varied by the DLaw Programme Director. This may include recognising relevant experience in other settings or accepting a shorter, more intensive period of legal practice experience.
Your next step starts with a conversation
Tell us where you are now. We will tell you honestly what your options are — in English or Persian, at no cost to you.