MPhil/PhD Frequently Asked Questions
The normal
minimum entry requirement for the MPhil/PhD
programme is an average of 70 per cent on the LLM or
equivalent qualification. Though there is some
flexibility in the application of this requirement,
in particular to candidates who have performed
exceptionally well in a dissertation or who have an
outstanding undergraduate qualification, applicants
should be aware that the department typically
receives many more applications meeting this
requirement than we have places available.
Accordingly, meeting this requirement does not
guarantee that an applicant will be made an offer.
On the application deadline section: admissions are conducted on a
rolling basis and we recommend, where possible,
early submission of applications.
1. When can I apply to the PhD?
Applications open in October for the following
academic year.
2. Is there a deadline for applying?
Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis and we recommend, where
possible, early submission of applications.
3. How do I request a prospectus?
Click here to
request a prospectus.
4. How do I apply?
You can apply online or by post. See the following links:
All applications materials should be sent directly
to the Graduate Admissions Office.
5. How can I contact the Graduate Admissions Office?
see
Admissions Enquiries web page
6. What is the application fee, How do I pay it?
The online application fee is £50.
The paper application fee is £75.
Click here for further information on the application fee.
7. Some common application questions:
see
Graduate Admissions "How do I ..." page.
8. What are the Admission Requirements?
The normal minimum entry requirement for the MPhil/PhD programme is an
average of 70 per cent on the LLM or equivalent qualification. Though there
is some flexibility in the application of this requirement, in particular to
candidates who have performed exceptionally well in a dissertation or who
have an outstanding undergraduate qualification, applicants should be aware
that the department typically receives many more applications meeting this
requirement than we have places available. Accordingly, meeting this
requirement does not guarantee that an applicant will be made an offer.
9. Can I apply if I do not have a law degree?
Students without a law background may apply to the
PhD programme, but they need to demonstrate a high level of professional or
academic experience in areas closely related to the subjects they wish to
study. Each application is considered on its own merits. In evaluating an
application, the selectors take into consideration an applicant’s grades and
class rank, letters of reference, the coherence of an applicants proposed
programme of study and any significant professional accomplishments.
10. What language requirement do I need?
If your first language is not English or if the language of instruction of your previous degree is not English, we ask you to provide evidence of your command of English. You should include your test scores, if available, in the relevant section of the application form. If you receive an offer of admission, it will be subject to proof of your score.
English tests must be less than two years old at the time of application. If you have not yet taken the test, your application can be considered in its absence, but any offer will be conditional on your achieving the required score.
Acceptable scores are:
TOEFL
(Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum overall score of 109
in the internet based test (with a minimum of 24 in listening, 25 in writing
and 20 in the other sections).
or:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum
overall score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in both the listening and
writing elements and 6.0 in the other elements).
see
Graduate Admissions on language requirements.
11. What are the fees? How do I pay these?
see Fees
see
How to Pay Fees
12. Financial help / Scholarships
see http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/law/funding/funding-firstpage.htm
For further information on Scholarships, contact the Financial Support Office.
13. Is there a residency requirement?
In exceptional circumstances, students may be granted permission to reside outside the UK during their period of registration at the School. Permission is required from the Department and the School who will set any conditions that will apply. Non-resident registration status will not normally be permitted in the first year or in any subsequent years where a student is required to attend classes at the School.
14. Can I do the PhD part-time?
Yes. The programme can be taken over a 6 year period.
15. Can I do the PhD programme online (distance learning)?
No, this is not an option.
16. When / where do I need to register?
see Student Services - Registration
17. What are the Term Dates?
see Term Dates
MPhil/PhD Prospective Students
Funding
MPhil/PhD Applications
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Registration as a Visiting Research Student is for those who do not wish to proceed to a higher degree, but want to pursue their own research with a supervisor who can act as a sounding board and make some of the necessary contacts for empirical research ...
Applicants must be registered as doctoral students at overseas universities, wishing to undertake some aspect of their research in the UK. Applicants will be allocated an academic supervisor during their registration at LSE. Registration is for a minimum of one term and a maximum of one academic session. Some seminars and classes can be attended, subject to the advice and approval of the supervisor and teachers concerned. No degree or diploma is awarded, but an appropriate certificate of attendance can be provided on request. Applicants can apply via the Graduate Admissions Office and should include a research proposal.
Current and Recent Research
