Doctor of Philosophy in Law

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law at Dalhousie University offers a rigorous and comprehensive academic pathway for students seeking to achieve advanced expertise in legal scholarship. This program is designed for individuals who aim to contribute original research to the field of law, whether in academia, policy development, or applied legal practice. The PhD in Law at Dalhousie emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore various facets of legal systems, societal impacts, and emerging issues within the legal landscape. Candidates undertake extensive coursework, including seminars and specialized classes, tailored to support their research interests. A significant component of the program is the completion of a substantial dissertation that presents original contributions to legal knowledge, demonstrating critical analysis, methodical research, and scholarly excellence.

Students benefit from Dalhousie’s vibrant academic community, distinguished faculty members, and a wide range of resources such as the law library and legal research centers. The program fosters an environment of intellectual rigor and collaborative inquiry, preparing graduates to excel in academia, government, private sector, or international organizations. The doctoral journey typically involves comprehensive exams, coursework tailored to the student's research area, and continuous mentorship from faculty advisors. The PhD in Law at Dalhousie is aligned with the university’s commitment to advancing legal scholarship and addressing contemporary legal challenges through innovative research. Graduates emerge equipped with analytical skills, research expertise, and a deep understanding of legal principles necessary for influential scholarly and professional careers.

• One directed reading course
• One area exam
• Thesis proposal defence
• Course work and other examinations as required by the Graduate Studies Committee
• Thesis 

Requirements

• First-class thesis Master’s degree or its equivalent
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B average) in the last 60 credit hours of study
• Degree granted by university of recognized standing
• Students for whom English is not their first language and who did not complete their previous degree at an English-speaking university will need to submit proof of English language proficiency.TOEFL iBT 100, TOEFL PB 600, IELTS 7.5
• An applicant is required to satisfy the Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law that the suggested topic is suitable for development as a doctoral thesis.
• An applicant must submit a preliminary Thesis Proposal (maximum approximately 3,000 words). The Proposal should outline the proposed research, address existing literature in the area and methodological and theoretical approaches which will be employed. The Proposal should be sufficient to enable the Graduate Studies Committee to assess the suitability of the topic for development of the doctoral thesis, as well as the availability of supervisory resources and the capability of the applicant to undertake the project.
• Pay $100 application fee

Scholarships

• Bursaries
• Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarships
• Eliza Ritchie Doctoral Scholarship for Women
• The President's Awards
• Phi Kappa Pi Joe Ghiz Memorial Award
• Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law at Dalhousie University is a research-intensive program designed for individuals seeking to develop their expertise in legal scholarship and academic research. This doctoral program aims to produce scholars capable of contributing original insights to the field of law, whether through theoretical analysis, empirical research, or interdisciplinary approaches. The faculty members involved in the program are highly qualified, often recognized nationally and internationally for their research contributions across various legal disciplines. Students in the PhD program are expected to engage deeply with contemporary legal issues, develop sophisticated research methods, and produce a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to legal knowledge.

Admission to the PhD in Law generally requires a master's degree in law or an equivalent qualification, along with demonstrable research capability and academic excellence. The program emphasizes independent research, but students are also supported through seminars, workshops, and supervision by experienced faculty advisors. The curriculum typically involves coursework in specialized legal topics, research ethics, and methodology, with the majority of the time devoted to dissertation research and writing. Students are encouraged to participate in academic conferences, publish articles, and collaborate with other scholars to enhance their professional development.

The program duration varies but generally spans several years, often between three to five years, depending on the research progress and full-time or part-time enrollment. Graduates of the Dalhousie PhD in Law often pursue careers in academia, legal practice, government agencies, or policy-making organizations. The university provides robust resources, including access to legal databases, research centers, and international networks, to support students throughout their doctoral journey. Overall, the Dalhousie PhD in Law seeks to cultivate highly skilled legal scholars capable of making meaningful contributions to legal theory, policy, and education.