university of groningen phd in law

• Browse Law Schools
• LLM Articles
• LLM Info Events
• Law School Rankings
• Top 10 Lists
• LLM Scholarships
• LLM Discussions
• Application Tracker
• Advanced LLM Search
• UK / Ireland
• Australia / New Zealand
• Canada & Latin America
• Africa / Middle East

By Concentration

• General LL.M. Programs
• Alternative Dispute Resolution / Arbitration / Mediation
• American Law / U.S. Law
• Banking Law / Finance Law / Securities Law
• Business Law / Commercial Law
• Corporate Law / Company Law
• Human Rights

All Resources

• the Netherlands
• University of Groningen

University of Groningen - Faculty of Law

• News & Articles
• Followers (185)

LL.M. Programmes Faculty of Law P.O. Box 716 9700 AS Groningen Netherlands

LL.M. facts

Tuition 2,314

Duration 12 months

Intakes September

Minimum TOEFL 100

Minimum IELTS 7.0

• Listed in Top Law Schools in the Netherlands Top Law Schools for Energy Law Top General LL.M.s in Europe Top 10 LLM Programs for Public International Law

Quick links

• Master of Laws in Energy and Climate Law
• Master of Laws in European Law in a Global Context
• Master of Laws in Global Criminal Law
• Master of Laws in International Commercial Law
• Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law
• Go to programs

Full Profile

• Money Matters

Student Life

• Other Programs

The Program

Groningen has been Top Rated for international law LLMs in the Netherlands for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019

Our one-year LLM programmes taught in English include:

Energy and Climate Law Groningen is located in the ''Energy Valley'' of the Netherlands, and home to the largest natural gas fields in the EU. Our Energy and Climate Law LLM is taught by experts who both teach and work in the energy industry, making this programme an LLM-Guide Top LLM programme for Energy Law . We also offer a  double degree option with George Washington University , in Washington, D.C. (USA), for applicants to this LLM programme.

European Law in a Global Context The  European Law in a Global Context LLM covers all aspects of European Union law and is overseen by lecturers who embrace a very personal approach towards mentoring the students. The Director of the programme, Professor Ramses Wessel , specialises in European law, with a focus on the interface between EU law and international and domestic law, EU External Relations Law, and the Law of International Organizations. Global Criminal Law The LLM programme in Global Criminal Law focuses on the application of criminal law – both substantive and procedural - in the context of global criminality, including organised,  transnational, and international criminality. Students are given a two-fold opportunity to study substantive and procedural criminal law from a comparative and international perspective, and specialize in organised and financial crimes, cybercrimes, or international crimes. This LLM was one of the 2018  Top Rated LLMs in Global Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

Health and Technology Law Healthcare increasingly relies on technology to reduce costs and improve the quality of care. The use of technology in these settings means that we must devote adequate attention to any security and privacy risks the use of (new) technology poses. Global health challenges thus raise many complex legal questions that require the shared expertise from both health law and technology law. Our specialized Health and Technology Law LLM gives students the opportunity to obtain a profound knowledge of health law, technology, as well as the interface between both regimes

International Commercial Law The one year LLM programme in International Commercial Law covers specialization in (international) commercial law, especially with regard to contracts and subjects of contracts, as well as the solving of (commercial) disputes when needed.

Public International Law Our  Public International Law   programme provides students with a strong foundation in most fields of public international law, and is designed to provide an optimal mix of teaching and mentorship. This LLM is currently one of the Top Rated LLMs in international law in The Netherlands and Top Rated for Public International Law by LLM-Guide .

International Human Rights Law In this one year International Human Rights Law LLM programme, students are trained in human rights at the international level, but also in international humanitarian law and other related fields, learning about different human rights systems and how they are interpreted within these systems and within different countries. This LLM is currently one of the Top Rated LLMs in international law in the Netherlands.

Technology Law and Innovation In our Technology Law and Innovation  programme students will think creatively and learn from leading researchers in the field of technology law. Building on previous technology law knowledge this LLM offers an opportunity of in-depth reflection on innovation using a technology law 'lens'. The advanced level of each course together with a focus on critical thinking and problem solving provides graduates from this programme an advantage in the competitive technology law job market in legal field and technology industries.  

Other programmes:

The Faculty is also a member of the joint North Sea Energy Law Programme (NSELP). 

The University

The University of Groningen Academy Building (Photo by Peter van der Sijde)

The  University of Groningen  is the second oldest university in the Netherlands and has been educating people to serve society ever since its establishment in 1614. All this knowledge and experience has stimulated the University to become what it is now: a modern, international university where work is being carried out at the frontiers of knowledge. It is a university with its own unique character, partly due to its geographical situation in the north of the Netherlands. The University of Groningen not only admitted the first-ever female student in the country but also produced the first Dutch astronaut: pioneering is a trait that is fundamental to this university.

The Law School

The Faculty of Law is located in the Harmonie Complex (Photo by Michel de Groot)

The Faculty of Law at the University of Groningen is over 400 years old and has a long history of academic excellence and expertise within the Netherlands and internationally. Since it has the ambition to measure itself with the best law faculties in Europe, advanced systems of quality control have been implemented to continuously improve the Faculty's research and education. And although the Faculty has grown to become one of the largest law faculties in the country, it has kept its friendly and informal atmosphere which creates good relations among staff, students and alumni.   

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirements (subject to change):

• LLB or law degree from a recognised University (with min GPA equivalent to 7/10 on Dutch grading scale)
• English language proficiency
• One letter of reference, CV, and letter of motivation.

Current, detailed requirements for all LLM programmes can be found here .

Application Procedure

• Online application, done first through Studielink .  Instructions provided  here .
• Application deadline is May 1st (application must be started in Studielink before this date)
• The University of Groningen will help international students with their visa, residence permit and enrolment. After admission, students receive detailed information regarding the step-by-step procedure for beginning their studies.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees can be found here .

Financial Aid

Scholarships and funding opportunities (both Dutch government sponsored and international) can be found on the  University of Groningen Grantfinder .  

Groningen from above (Photo by Aerophoto Eelde)

Groningen is the capital of the most northern province in the Netherlands (called Groningen as well), and both the University and the city of Groningen enjoy a unique character largely due this northern location. Unlike the western part of the country with its densely populated urban areas, the province of Groningen is predominantly rural and quite unspoiled. In terms of industry, the province has the largest natural gas fields in the EU and has one of the Netherlands’ largest shipbuilding centres. It is also an international centre for the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. What will probably strike you most when entering the city of Groningen is its youthful population. Roughly a quarter of the city’s 200.000 inhabitants consists of  students . The city itself is over 900 years old and the canals, ports and warehouses bring you back to Hanseatic times, when Groningen was a member of the alliance of trading guilds that established and maintained a trade monopoly over the Baltic Sea and most of Northern Europe.

Accommodation

No matter where one lives in Groningen, typical Dutch canals are usually not very far away.

Since there is no university-owned accommodation or central campus, students live in student houses or apartments all throughout the city of Groningen. This website  provides an overview on housing and living in the city of Groningen and its neighborhoods. It also refers to some major providers of rooms in the city and some frequently used housing websites.

Eurosonic Music Festival (Photo by Niels de vries)

Groningen is a  vibrant student city  . Its population has the lowest average age in the Netherlands; one in four inhabitants is a student. Students can be seen everywhere: studying in the Noorderplantsoen park, enjoying nightlife, and working in various part-time jobs. Groningen is also a safe and green city to live in, with the quiet countryside only a short bike-ride away. You can find out what life is like in Groningen by following the University of Groningen on  YouTube .

Pre-LLM Course

The Faculty of Law offers several Pre-LLM programmes for students who want to enter one of our LLM programmes, but have certain deficiencies in their academic background (ie. non-law degrees). Once candidates have successfully completed a Pre-LLM programme, they can apply directly to the corresponding LLM programme. More information can be found here .

Programs at University of Groningen

• The tuition rate listed refers to the cost of EU students. The rate for non-EU students is 17,800 EUR.
• Program and degree are offered jointly by Universities of Groningen, Aberdeen, Copenhagen and Oslo.
• Program is executive style with four (4) two-week blocks, one at each university, in the first year and a thesis in the second year.
• Current tuition fee for the full program is €28,000 (€14,000 per year).

News About University of Groningen

University of Groningen Adds New LL.M. in Health & Technology Law

Dec 12, 2023

Show More LLM News About University of Groningen

Related Articles

How to Judiciously Choose Your LL.M. Program

The significance of this decision cannot be understated, as the investment of both time and money in pursuing an LL.M. degree is substantial

How Summer Law Programs Prepare Incoming LL.M. Students for Success

Overseas lawyers need to swiftly become comfortable with listening, speaking, reading and writing in English

Energy Law LL.M.s: A Closer Look

With global energy consumption going up, LL.M. programs specializing in Energy Law can give lawyers a step up in navigating the complex and ever-evolving industry.

Show More Articles Related to University of Groningen

Application Tracker - University of Groningen

• 2025/26 (1)
• 2024/25 (3)
• 2023/24 (15)
• 2022/23 (10)
• 2021/22 (13)
• 2020/21 (21)
• 2019/20 (13)
• 2018/19 (27)
• 2017/18 (27)
• 2016/17 (17)
• 2015/16 (6)
• 2014/15 (6)
• 2013/14 (11)
• 2012/13 (2)
• 2011/12 (3)
• 2010/11 (10)

The Application Tracker tool lets you track and display the status of your LLM applications online, and helps you connect with others interested in the same programs. Add a program to your personal Application Tracker watch list by clicking on the "Follow" button displayed on every law school listing. See the activities of all the schools you have followed by going to Application Tracker . You can view and edit your Application Tracker status anytime in your account . The Application Tracker tool lets you track and display the status of your LLM applications online.

Scholarships at University of Groningen

All LLM Scholarships

Photos of University of Groningen

Oct 31, 2011 by Donny Ward...

Please register if you'd like to upload a photo.

Followers (182)

Select Year 2025/26 2024/25 2023/24 2022/23 2021/22 2020/21 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Select Country Afghanistan Åland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Ascension Island Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia & Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canary Islands Cape Verde Caribbean Netherlands Cayman Islands Central African Republic Ceuta & Melilla Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo - Brazzaville Congo - Kinshasa Cook Islands Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Denmark Diego Garcia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar (Burma) Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Pseudo-Accents Pseudo-Bidi Puerto Rico Qatar Réunion Romania Russia Rwanda Samoa San Marino São Tomé & Príncipe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka St. Barthélemy St. Helena St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia St. Martin St. Pierre & Miquelon St. Vincent & Grenadines Sudan Suriname Svalbard & Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad & Tobago Tristan da Cunha Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks & Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Outlying Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Wallis & Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Sort by default Sort by user activity

School News Apr 22, 2024

Watch our online Masters Week presentation for our new LLM in Health and Technology Law on YouTube. >more

School News Oct 31, 2023

Want to sample our LLM programmes? Then join our (free) online LLM web classes that start at the beginning of November. >more

School News Sep 14, 2023

For the 2024-2025 admissions round, the Faculty has introduced a new LLM to its portfolio of programmes: Health and Technology Law. >more

School News Sep 13, 2023

Groningen has a new LLM programme: Health and Technology Law >more

School News Aug 14, 2023

Groningen Yet Again Ranked Top 10 in Energy Law and Public International Law for 2023. >more

Follow Dec 31, 2023

rahulrmishra followed University of Groningen - Faculty of Law

News Dec 13, 2023

LLM GUIDE posted some news: University of Groningen Adds New LL.M. in Health & Technology Law

School Profile Dec 13, 2023

Follow Dec 12, 2023

btt followed University of Groningen - Faculty of Law

Follow Oct 20, 2023

TUSIIME LILLIAN followed University of Groningen - Faculty of Law

More Top Lists

• Terms of Use
• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy

Information

• Featured LLM Programs
• MBA Programs
• Online MBA Programs
• Executive Courses

Search LLM Programs

Go to Advanced Search

Subscribe to the LLM GUIDE Newsletter

Receive the latest news and tips

© 2001–2024 Pritzwalks – LLM GUIDE – Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs Worldwide

• NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
• POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
• ACTIVITIES-GOALS
• SCHOOL'S ADMINISTRATION
• LIBRARIES AND LABORATORIES
• DEPARTMENTS
• UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
• STUDY GUIDE
• INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LEGAL STUDIES
• INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LAW

PHD PROGRAMMES

• COMMERCIAL MEDIATION
• COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION
• ELSA EHRMCC
• TEACHING STAFF PER DEPARTMENT
• ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣΒΑΣΗ
• Linkedin-link 
• Instagram-link 

SCHOOL OF LAW

• PhD Programmes

The Law School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens organize a Program for Doctoral Studies, in accordance with the provisions of Law 4957/2022 (artlicles 90-97) and the PhD Regulation of the Faculty of Law-NKUA (FEK 4235/2020). The Program aims to foster the original scientific research, the essential contribution to the development of knowledge in the relevant scientific field and lead to the obtainment of a Doctoral Degree in Legal Science (J.D.).

Admission requirements

Eligible apply for a doctoral dissertation (thesis) are the Candidates who hold a Degree in Law of any national ( https://www.doatap.gr/home_english/hellenic-institutions/ ) or foreign Institute of Higher Education (AEI) ( https://www.doatap.gr/national-registry-of-foreign-recognized-higher-education-institutes/ ), which has been aknowledged , with a grade point average (G.P.A.) "Very Good", as long as they hold a Postgraduate Degree of any national or foreign Institute of Higher Education, in accordance with the provisions of article 2 of the PhD Regulation of the Faculty of Law-NKUA (FEK 4235/2020).

Under special circumstances of an exceptional scientific or professional work, they can also be admitted as PhD Students, after an adequate reasoning and the Assembly's decision, those who do not hold a Postgraduate Degree [art. 2 of the PhD Regulation of the Faculty of Law –NKUA (FEK 4235/2020)]. Moreover, under special circumstances, can be admitted, after a specific reasoning, candidates who do not hold a Bachelor's Degree in Law, with a grade point average (G.P.A.) "Very Good", as long as there is an adequate familiarity with the legal science, in order to be probable for them the successful completion the cycle of doctoral studies.

In both cases, the decision of approval may define the obligation of the PhD Student to attend and successfully be examined in a certain/ certain modules/seminar by the Law School's Curriculum.

Application for a doctoral dissertation

During the academic year, Candidates may apply at the Secretary's office of the Law School. Application for a doctoral dissertation, which is addressed to the Assembly, is submitted to the Secretary's office, with the following:

• proposed title for the doctoral dissertation,
• proposed language of the doctoral dissertation,
• nominated Supervisor of the doctoral dissertation.

 The Application for the dissertation is accompanied by the following supporting documents:

• a Detailed curriculum vitae of the Candidate.
• a Documented scientific proposal with a draft diagram of the doctoral dissertation and bibliographic documentation.
• Copy of the Degree
• Copy of Master's Degree.
• Transcript of records of the undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Certificate of language proficiency, if the proposed language of the doctoral dissertation is not in Greek or in case the Candidate is a foreigner. The certificate does not required if the Candidate has already obtained a degree in the language they wish to draw up their doctoral dissertation.

Selection Process

The Assembly of the School, after taking into account the submitted applications, with a suggestion of the Dean, categorizes them regarding the relevance of the research subject, and appoints a three member Committee per category of applications.

Each three-member Committee is consisting of members of the Teaching and research personnel of the School. This Committee examines the relevant applications and the presented together documents and invites candidates for an interview.

Then the Committee submits to the Assembly of the School a detailed memorandum, in which they are written the reasons concerning the reason of the each candidate selection or not, taking into account the criteria of the present Regulation, as well as the proposed Supervisor, in case they have not been proposed by the candidate. After receiving the opinion of the proposed by the Committee Supervisor, the Assembly of the School shall take into account the relevant memorandum of the Committee and approve or reject reasonably the Candidate's application.

In case the Supervisor is a member of the three-member Committee, their opinion is entailed in the memo. In case the proposed Supervisor is unable or unwilling to undertake the supervision of the proposed dissertation and there is no other faculty member of the specific subject, the application is rejected. The language of the composition the doctoral dissertation is also defined in the approval decision. After the registration of each PhD Student and the appointment of the Three-Member Advisory Committees, the names of the PhD Students, the Supervising members of the Faculty, the titles of the doctoral dissertations and a brief summary of them, as well as the members of the Three-Member Advisory Committees are posted by the School Secretary's  on its website in Greek and English.

Supervision of the Doctoral Dissertation

The members of the Faculty of Law (Teaching and Research personnel) have the right to supervise doctoral dissertations. The three members Committee is consisted of the supervisor and two more members of the faculty (Teaching and Research personnel).

Each Supervisor may supervise up to eight (8) PhD Candidates. The Supervisor meets with the Candidate at regular intervals, is informed on their progress, may indicate corrections or changes regarding the thesis, provides guidance on the methodology and structure of the work, and any other assistance, which is necessary for the completion of the thesis.

In case the Supervisor deems that the progress of Candidate is insufficient or stagnant or the latter has unreasonably interrupted the composition of the dissertation, informs the Three-member Advisory Committee to activate the process of the exclusion, according to the present Regulation.

The three- member Committee

The Assembly of the School assigns to the proposed Supervisor, after their consent, the Supervision of the Doctoral Thesis and appoints a Three-Member Advisory Committee, which has the responsibility to frame and support its elaboration and composition. The Committee may consisted of members of the Teaching and Research personnel of Law or another Faculty of UoA or other Institution, as well as professors of aknowledged as co-educational foreign institutions, who are PhD holders, or researchers  (of the same/relevant filed of study) of research centers of  A, B or C degree (article 13A, Law 4310/2014), including research centers of the Academy of Athens and the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) or of any other aknowledged foreign research center/Institut.  In the Committee may participate at least one (1) member of the Faculty of Law from the first three levels of Law School (article 5.2. of the PhD Regulation of the Faculty of Law-NKUA, FEK 4235/2020).

Replacement of a member of the three- member Committee

In case the Supervisor is missing or unable to supervise the doctoral dissertation for a period of more than six months or resign from supervision, under this circumstances the Assembly of the School,  assigns to another member of the Faculty of Law its supervision  either on its own initiative or after the Candidate's request and the assent of the proposed Supervisor. Otherwise, it assigns to one of the others two (2) members of the Three-Member Advisory Committee, even in excess of the maximum number of PhD candidates that can be supervised per person, as defined above.

In case a member - apart from the Supervisor - of the three-member advisory Committee is missing or is unable to participate for more than six months in the Committee or resign from the Committee, the Assembly of the School, considering the circumstances, appoints another faculty member as a member of the three-member advisory Committee, as defined above, either on their own initiative or after Candidate's  at the request.

Transfer / retirement of Supervisor

In case the Supervisor moves to another Institution or Department of Institution or retire, they continue to deputize the undertaken duties regarding the thesis' supervision and the PhD Degree is granted by the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

• All categories

Leiden Law School

Doctorate Study

Successful completion of the procedure to obtain a doctorate culminates in the conferral of the academic degree of Doctor in a specific subject.

In order to obtain a doctorate degree independent and original research must be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor and co-supervisor. This period of research generally takes 4 years in the case of a full-time appointment as a PhD student (doctoral candidate). The results of the research are presented in a doctoral thesis or dissertation.

The faculty has various categories of doctoral candidates: doctoral candidates who are employees and external doctoral candidates.

The doctoral candidates who are employees are divided into two categories:

• PhD Candidates (formerly known in Dutch as ‘assistenten in opleiding’ or AiOs ) , paid for with the first (government funded), second (research council funded) or third (contract funded) flow of funding, with a contract for four years in principle and with a teaching component of 10%;
• PhD Fellows , with a contract for six years in principle, and a teaching component of 30%.

External Doctoral Candidates are not employed by the faculty. The two most important categories are:   

• the contract doctoral candidates , who receive a grant from their country of origin to carry out full-time doctorate research;
• the external doctoral candidates , who write a doctoral thesis in their own time with guidance from a supervisor at the faculty.

In order to become an External PhD Candidate you should have a research proposal which fits within the research carried out in the research programmes of the faculty. 

A decision on an application for admission to the PhD programme can only be made on the basis of the completed and submitted online form  including the required attachments. The full application must include:

• a specific, innovative and fairly elaborate proposal;
• the name of a possible supervisor (professor) whose research interests and area of specialization fit your research proposal ( more information about research and potential supervisors );
• a completed master's degree which should be the equivalent of an LLM or masters degree obtained in the Netherlands including the corresponding list of grades;
• an English language test score of 100 (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS), unless the candidate is a native speaker;
• at least one published article/chapter relevant to the field of the proposed research.

External PhD Candidates have to make their own arrangements for the funding of their research and living costs. External funding possibilities can be explored with your supervisor(s). Paid positions as employed PhD candidate at Leiden Law School are advertised .

Becoming an external PhD candidate at Leiden University in most cases does not involve paying a fee.

However, as of 1 April 2018 the International Institute of Air and Space Law ,  The Van Vollenhoven Institute  and the Grotius Center for International Legal Studies  offer PhD tracks (see below). Training  

PhD candidates, PhD fellows, contract doctoral candidates and external PhD candidates in a PhD track follow the Graduate School’s PhD Training programme . External PhD candidates do not follow the PhD Training programme. They only follow the mandatory course ‘ Scientific Conduct ’.

More Information

The PhD Training Programme . More questions about the PhD programme can be sent by mail to the Graduate School.

The exit qualifications for the PhD Training Programme are laid down in the university PhD Regulations.

It includes components such as methodology, research design, academic accountability and academic integrity. The training is composed primarily of the guidance provided by the supervisor and other co-supervisors.  In addition, the training includes an obligatory training requirement amounting to 840 hours.  The Graduate School’s training programme consists of three components: 1) research skills, 2) transferable skills, 3) individual part of the training programme.

1.  Research skills (at least 420 hours)

Out of the 840 hours in total, the Graduate School prescribed that half of the courses followed (420 hours) are aimed at acquirement and improvement of methodological knowledge and skills. There are only two courses within this category that are compulsory: Scientific Conduct (15 hours), and Data Management Training Leiden Law School  (28 hours). Compulsory courses can only be replaced (by other courses) in consultation with the dean of PhD studies. For the remaining hours, PhD researchers are free to choose any of courses offered by the Graduate School, but they can also take courses outside the Graduate School.

The Graduate School of Law currently offers the following courses: - Philosophy of Science for Lawyers (140 hours) - Legal Methodology (140 hours) - Qualitative Empirical Research Methods in Law (84-140 hours) - Quantitative Empirical Research Methods in Law (140 hours) - Scientific Conduct for PhDs in Law (15 hours) 2.   Transferable skills (at least 140 hours) According to the PhD Guidelines, at least 140 hours worth of courses of must be followed in the area of transferable skills. Examples include Project management for PhDs, Introduction to teaching for PhDs, Communication in science, Academics and (social) media, and Speed Reading. PhD researchers can make use of the offer within the University Training program PhDs' . All PhD researchers with teaching tasks should follow the course ‘introduction to teaching for PhDs’, or at least one of the 5 modules of the University Teaching Qualification (BKO).  3.  Individual part of the training PhD researchers can follow various training courses that benefit their personal development or that offer more in-depth substantive knowledge connected to the topic of their dissertation. Examples include courses from Master programs, language education (e.g., in relation to data collection abroad), Summer Schools, and conference participation.

As of 1 April 2018 the faculty has three so-called PhD tracks: at the Van Vollenhove Institute , the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies and the International Institute of Air and Space Law .

• All PhD candidates on a PhD track will participate on the obligatory training programme unless they have been granted an exemption by the PhD Dean.
• Together with the PhD Dean the department can develop a tailor-made training programme (“e-learning”) for exempted PhD track candidates.

Office space and travel allowance

All PhD candidates on a PhD track will in principle also get an office space and a travel allowance which can be necessary for the research or are fitting in the light of progress achieved.A different arrangement can be agreed upon at a preliminary stage.

• The standard fee is 10,000 euro a year with a maximum of four years.
• In the case of PhD candidates on a PhD track who are not entitled to office space and a travel allowance, an adjusted fee of 5,000 euro a year will apply with a maximum of four years.

Fee reduction

• Criteria for a fee reduction include: (1) a substantive connection, or other substantive synergies with existing research projects of the Centre/Department, which is obvious and which justifies the application of a reduction; (2) the candidate is of excellent quality; (3) financial need of the candidate.
• These criteria are applied cumulatively.
• If a reduction is awarded, the amount of the fee will be set at 2,500 euro a year with a maximum of four years.  

Most doctoral theses in the field of law are written in the form of a book, but they may also consist of a number of articles combined to form a coherent whole.  Once the supervisors have approved the dissertation, it is forwarded to a doctoral committee to be assessed. If the assessment of the doctoral committee is positive, the public defence of the doctoral thesis is scheduled.  The conferral of the doctorate degree entitles holders to use the title Doctor.

Due to the selected cookie settings, we cannot show this video here.

Select language

Utrecht University School of Law

Phd candidates.

During their four-year PhD track, PhD candidates work under the supervision of a professor on a research project that culminates in a doctoral thesis.

Obtaining a PhD position

The PhD positions at the School of Law are related to our research programmes .

Becoming a PhD candidate at the School of Law is possible in 2 ways:

• when a vacancy is posted on the Utrecht University website .
• when you bring your own funds and you can find a supervisor within the School of Law. In this case, you can apply throughout the year. If you want to apply as external PhD candidate, the first thing you must do is find yourself a supervisor in the School of Law (see academic staff ). It is your own responsibility to contact a supervisor and before you do so you have to make sure that your research idea fits into one of the five research programmes of the School of Law.

Read more about obtaining a PhD at Utrecht University . In the Doctoral Degree Regulations you can find the regulations and conditions for PhD candidates and doctoral degrees.

E-mail:  [email protected]

Please note: Applications via this e-mail address will not be processed. You need to do this via a professor.

Current PhD defences School of Law

Phd defence: indirect review by administrative courts of generally binding regulations for proportionality, phd defense: management of family assets through (dutch-law) certification: quite a puzzle.

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

PhD Studentship

• Additional findings from advanced genomic test: exploring understandings and implications

Project description:

This four year PhD studentship leads to a joint PhD with Groningen University, Netherlands and University of Southampton, UK. The research focuses on exploring the ethical, legal and social issues raised by incidental findings – or findings not related to the clinical question that led to the test – from whole genome analyses. In particular it will analyse the temporal nature of such findings and how the shifting sands of the terminology (e.g. secondary/additional/looked-for/not pertinent etc findings) impact on clinical practice and testees’ understandings regarding the results of advanced genomic tests. Southampton is one of the 11 first wave NHS Genomic Medicine Centres recruiting patients to Genome England’s 100,000 Genomes Project providing a rich source of recruits for empirical ethics and social science research through the clinical ethics and law unit. The ELSi research group in the genetics department at UMCG Groningen performs closely related research with roughly 6000 patients referred annually for genetic/genomic investigations. This PhD will explore some of the communication challenges around the use of novel broad genetic technologies and the range of possible predictive results that arise. For example, how can clinical practice best adapt to the generation of multiple (and sometimes unexpected) predictions from a single test and how might results be recalled and acted upon (eg, surveillance, risk reducing treatments) over the years following a genome test?

For further information and to apply please follow the link below.

Links to external websites

The University cannot accept responsibility for external websites.

Father-Son Classmates Graduate From Texas A&M School of Law

David Lawson and his son Shannon naturally share many of the same qualities, like a witty sense of humor, natural curiosity and an ability to not take themselves too seriously. They recently added to the list of things they share in common – graduates of Texas A&M University’s School of Law.

The Lawsons, who earned their degrees this May, say it all began with a text message.

Shannon, 49,  was scrolling on his phone while waiting for a flight one day in 2022 when he came across an ad for the law school’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program with an emphasis in Cybersecurity Law and Policy . Shannon, who serves as chief information security officer for the City of Phoenix, was intrigued by the idea. Designed for non-lawyer professionals who don’t intend to practice law, the degree would give him legal expertise that would build on his background in cybersecurity.

Shannon had done cybersecurity work for the U.S. Navy, the state of Alaska and regional areas in Southern California. He and David had a combined 70 years of experience in the cybersecurity and information technology fields, and both father and son shared dreams of one day attending law school. So, Shannon texted his father.

“I always wanted to go to law school, but nothing ever aligned for me to do it,” Shannon said. “This program allowed me to tie (my degree) to cyber in a field that is high demand, low density.”

David, 75, was also attracted to the idea. He had been retired for nine years after a 45-year career in information technology. As chief information officer for West Jersey Health System and vice president of professional service at AllScript, he oversaw some of the nation’s most cutting-edge information and security systems. In retirement, David found himself dissatisfied with the slow pace of living, and still had an interest in expanding his skillset.

The father-son pair both decided to enroll in the MLS program, becoming online classmates in January 2023. Shannon did his studies from his home in Phoenix, and David from the Sarasota, Florida area.

Despite the distance, the Lawsons often shared notes and compared grades. And in the spirit of friendly competition, they pushed each other to see who could complete assignments first.

“We thought we had a clear idea of what would happen while going through this program. What ended up happening was that my dad would always be ahead of me in every class, which was understandable,” Shannon said. “I was working full-time, and I have a 10-year-old. So, my plate was full.”

For his part, David appreciated the accountability he received from Shannon. It also helped him adjust to the demands of going back to school.

“This program helped open a side of me that I always knew was there,” David said. “You’ve got to think and write, think some more, and then write some more. When you get older, people talk about the importance of exercising your mind. If you want to activate your brain, try going to law school.”

Throughout the program, the Lawsons learned new, innovative approaches to their craft. They also developed a fondness for their legal courses, particularly contract law, legal writing and alternative dispute resolution.

“The law classes were my favorite,” David said. “In my 40-plus years in the IT area, I was familiar with contracts, arbitration, negotiations and things like that. However, having taken these law classes, I am now able to better communicate with others in the room. When the attorneys talk, I now know how to talk and use the language that they understand. Just being able to speak their language is incredibly important.”

Shannon said he was also able to directly apply his new skills to his career.

“The law classes really made me more curious,” he said. “There was immediate applicability to the job that I’m in now because I work with procurement, the legal team and human resources for personnel investigations. It gave me the ability to use specific legal language to better participate in those conversations at work — which was awesome.”

For Shannon, this is his third master’s degree.

“I think it’s extra special that my dad and I were able to do it together,” he said. “I think it’s great because this opportunity doesn’t really present itself very often, and everything lined up perfectly at the right time.”

As the Lawson reflect up on their accomplishment and plan their next joint adventure, Shannon said their next venture will likely be “much tamer,” per his mother’s request.

“My mom told me to stop giving my dad ideas,” he joked.

This article by Justin Ikpo originally appeared on the School of Law website .

Related Stories

‘Soak In Every Moment’: Student Commencement Speakers Share Advice For Fellow Aggies

Ahead of this week’s ceremonies at Reed Arena, distinguished members of the Class of 2024 offered words of wisdom for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Texas A&M To Award More Than 12,000 Diplomas At Spring Commencements

Spring graduations will be celebrated May 9-11 across nine ceremonies at Reed Arena.

Texas A&M McAllen Professor Teaches Two Generations of Rio Grande Valley Engineers

Michael Davila ‘23, who graduated this week, was instructed by the same professor who taught his mom back in 1994.

Recent Stories

Foundation Board of Trustees Recognizes Three Outstanding Graduates

Three high-achieving students have been recognized by the Texas A&M Foundation and received a monetary award for their excellence.

Texas A&M Researchers Share Road Map Promoting Sustainable Fishing

The new system can also be used to assess and manage the genetic diversity of any species.

Texas A&M Foundation Honors Dr. Leonard Berry with Partner in Philanthropy Award

In recognition of his impact on Mays Business School, the Texas A&M Foundation selects marketing professor Dr. Leonard Berry.

Subscribe to the Texas A&M Today newsletter for the latest news and stories every week.