The University of Reading's School of Law is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in any area of law or criminology. This opportunity provides a supportive research environment within a school that hosts four active research centers and clusters, fostering a vibrant community of doctoral researchers.
This studentship is open to high-quality candidates globally, providing comprehensive funding that covers tuition fees and a competitive stipend. Successful applicants will contribute to the School of Law's research landscape, which includes areas like Law, Justice and Society, Global Law, Commercial Law and Financial Regulation, and Crime and Justice.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | PhD Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Reading |
| Department | School of Law |
| Location | Reading, United Kingdom |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Stipend / Salary | £21,805 (2026/27 academic year rate) |
| Duration | 4 years (full-time) or equivalent (part-time) |
| Start date | September 2027 or later in 2027/28 academic year |
| Application deadline | 08 January 2027 |
About the Position
This PhD studentship invites proposals across all areas of law or criminology. The successful candidate will undertake research within the School of Law, which boasts a strong research infrastructure including dedicated centers and clusters. The specific supervisory team will be determined based on the chosen research area and the candidate's proposal, ensuring alignment with the School's expertise and capacity.
Eligibility
- Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, supported by qualifications, relevant experience, or publications.
- A high-quality research proposal is required, showcasing methodological relevance, innovation, originality, feasibility, and alignment with the School's research interests.
- Candidates must have secured an offer of a place to study for a PhD at the School of Law for a September 2027 start or later in the 2027/28 academic year.
- Applicants must not hold any other scholarship for the proposed PhD research.
Benefits
- Full Home or International tuition fees covered
- Stipend broadly in line with UKRI minimum (£21,805 in 2026/27)
- Research training allowance of £500 per year (subject to application)
Documents Required
- Fully referenced research proposal (maximum 1000 words, excluding references and title, articulating clear analytical questions, originality, significance, feasibility, and advancement of the field)
- Two-page CV outlining qualifications, experience, and relevant publications/funding
How to Apply
- Step 1: Apply for a PhD position by 12 noon Friday, 8th January 2027. Use the 'Apply' button on the original listing to create an account and complete the online application, selecting 'PhD in Law'. Quote reference 'DRC27-002' in the 'Scholarships applied for' box within the Funding Section.
- Step 2: By 12 noon 4th February 2027, email your research proposal and two-page CV to phdstudentship@reading.ac.uk.
FAQs
When will decisions be announced?
Notification of decisions will be made by the end of March 2027.
Who can I contact for further enquiries?
For further details, you can contact Dr. Nora Honkala (Deputy Director of Postgraduate Research) at n.a.honkala@reading.ac.uk.
Source: jobs.ac.uk PhD studentships.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
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