Doctor of Laws in Public Law
The Doctor of Laws in Public Law requires a comprehensive dissertation in a chosen area of legal specialisation, contributing to the field at the highest academic level.
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Programme overview
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When applying
Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Research Master’s and PhD applicants are strongly advised to consult the relevant department before applying to discuss their proposed research topic and confirm the availability of a suitable supervisor.
Minimum admission requirements
You must have attained one of the undermentioned to apply to read for a doctoral degree in law. Senate will consider every application on merit.
An LLM degree preceded by an appropriate undergraduate law qualification; or
An LLB degree conferred by this University, or any other bachelor’s degree in law (excluding the BProc and BIuris degrees) approved for this purpose by the Senate, and relevant academic or professional experience; or
In exceptional circumstances, a level of proficiency or accomplishment in law which, in the judgement of Senate, is regarded as adequate for this purpose.
Additional requirements to apply to read for a doctoral degree in law
You must indicate sufficient potential to pursue doctoral studies successfully.
In this regard:
You must have passed the final year of the LLM (or where relevant the LLB or other bachelor’s degree in law) with an average of at least 65% (or its international equivalent); or
You may request and obtain a recommendation from a potential supervisor that the requirement of a minimum mark of 65% be waived. For such a request to be considered, you must submit an overview of no more than 600 words of the envisaged study, and a sample of previous research of approximately 2 000 words to your potential supervisor. Your potential supervisor must confirm that they have the necessary capacity to perform the function of supervisor. Your potential supervisor must motivate in writing and recommend the waiver to the Research Committee for approval.
Supporting application documents
Confirmation of prospective supervisor
Applicants must make contact with a prospective academic supervisor who is active in their field of research interest. Please provide details of a prospective supervisor and evidence, in a form of an email, of contact with this supervisor. Upload the email evidence (in a .msg format or as a pdf) as part of your formal application to the University.
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Confirmation of prospective supervisor
Programme structure
The LLD degree will be awarded to you if you:
Have been registered at the University as a doctoral student in law for at least two years; and
Have conducted an approved period of research of at least two years at this University or at some other institution approved by the Senate; and
Have presented for assessment a doctoral dissertation of an acceptable standard and have completed any additional research required by your promoter; and
Have successfully conducted yourself in an oral examination, except if exemption from such oral examination was granted.