The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law at AACTD University is a rigorous research-oriented program designed for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who wish to contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge and practice. This program emphasizes original research, interdisciplinary perspectives, and the ability to shape legal reforms at both national and international levels.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD in Law program will be able to:
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of legal theories, principles, and methodologies across diverse legal systems.
Design and conduct independent, original, and publishable research that advances the field of law.
Critically evaluate the interaction between law, politics, economics, and society at national and global levels.
Contribute to legal scholarship through teaching, publications, and policy engagement.
Apply ethical and professional standards in research, teaching, and practice.
Provide expert legal analysis and solutions for complex transnational legal challenges.
Pathways Available
The program offers flexibility in research specialization. Students may pursue pathways such as:
International Law and Human Rights
Comparative Constitutional Law
Commercial and Corporate Law
Environmental and Energy Law
Criminal Justice and Criminology
Intellectual Property and Technology Law
Islamic and Comparative Legal Studies
Program Goals
To produce highly skilled legal scholars capable of leading legal reforms.
To develop expertise in advanced legal theory and applied law.
To prepare candidates for careers in academia, judiciary, government, international organizations, and the private sector.
To strengthen the global contribution of AACTD University in legal research and innovation.
Possible Career Options
Graduates may pursue high-level positions such as:
University professor or researcher in law faculties.
Judge or senior judicial officer.
Legal adviser for governments and ministries.
Policy and law reform consultant.
Senior legal counsel in multinational corporations or law firms.
International organization officer (UN, WTO, ICC, EU, etc.).
Non-governmental organization (NGO) director or legal advocacy leader.
Program Curriculum & Structure
The PhD in Law is structured around intensive research training and dissertation development:
Year 1: Foundational Stage
Advanced Legal Research Methodologies
Jurisprudence and Legal Theory (with Learning Outcome: ability to critique schools of legal thought)
Comparative Legal Systems (with Learning Outcome: develop comparative analysis skills across jurisdictions)
Research Proposal Development
Year 2: Specialization & Data Collection
Electives tailored to specialization (e.g., International Humanitarian Law, Corporate Governance, Environmental Law)
Academic Writing for Legal Scholars (Learning Outcome: produce draft journal-quality articles)
Fieldwork/Data Collection
Year 3–4: Dissertation Stage
Doctoral Research Seminar (presenting work-in-progress to faculty and peers)
Final Dissertation (80,000–100,000 words) demonstrating original and significant contribution to legal scholarship
Assessment Methods
Research papers and essays during coursework modules
Oral presentations and seminar participation
Comprehensive doctoral proposal defense
Progress reviews with supervisory committee
Submission and successful defense of PhD dissertation before an academic panel
Entry Requirements
Master’s degree in Law (LLM or equivalent) from an accredited university.
Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Strong research proposal aligned with faculty expertise.
Proficiency in English (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, or equivalent).
Professional or academic references supporting capability for doctoral-level research.
In exceptional cases, outstanding candidates with an undergraduate law degree (LLB) and significant research or professional experience may be considered.
Invented Local and International Awards
To highlight academic distinction, AACTD University PhD in Law students and graduates may be eligible for the following recognitions:
The AACTD Legal Research Excellence Award (annual recognition for best doctoral dissertation in law).
Global Justice Innovation Prize (international award for research contributing to social justice and legal reform).
AACTD–International Law Association Fellowship (prestigious fellowship for doctoral candidates publishing in international law).
Distinguished Alumni Award in Legal Scholarship (for outstanding contributions to academia or judiciary after graduation).
