PhD in Law

About this programme

The Queen’s Law PhD program is a four-year program of advanced scholarly research and writing, culminating in a book-length dissertation. The PhD represents the pinnacle of legal education; graduates go on to careers in academia, public policy, international organizations, and more. Our students represent a broad range of research interests, and are encouraged to use a variety of research methods. Doctoral students are a key part of our vibrant intellectual community: some teach courses in the law school and work in collaboration with faculty members on research projects. They are invited to participate in faculty workshops, lectures and seminars, and engage intellectually with other students and faculty. We welcome applications from students who have excelled in previous legal studies, normally with an undergraduate law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) and a graduate law degree at the Masters level (LLM or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances, we may consider candidates who do not have a prior law degree, but who have outstanding educational credentials with one or more graduate degrees in a related field. The School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs offers a full list of learning outcomes and a pathway to PhD completion on its website. Please note that obtaining an LLM or PhD in Canada does not qualify students who do not have an LLB or JD from a Canadian university to practice law in Canada. International students who are interested in practising law in Canada should contact the National Committee on Accreditation .