Phd Human Rights

University of Galway

The Irish Centre for Human Rights is at the forefront of doctoral research on international law and human rights. The doctoral programme is unique not only because of the exceptional standard of research and level of publication but also because of the environment in which doctoral students work. A thriving research community exists at the Centre with around 25 doctoral candidates enrolled on the programme each year. Students from a range of academic backgrounds are engaged in research on a broad spectrum of issues related to international human rights law, international criminal law, international humanitarian law and international relations. The purpose of structuring the doctoral programme is to provide the support and skills that students need to help achieve their academic and professional goals. The structured PhD is a formalized, integrated programme of education, training, research, personal and professional development activities. It enables the development of discipline-specific knowledge and research skills as well as generic transferable skills. Supervision is by a principal supervisor who is responsible for providing guidance on the research carried out by the student and manages the student’s training. The student and supervisor are supported by a Graduate Research Committee (GRC). The GRC formally monitors student progress through an annual review process in line with national and international best practice. The Structured PhD is available as a 4-year Full Time programme or a 6–year Part Time programme (360 ECTS).