The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law at the British University in Dubai (BUiD) is a research-focused doctoral programme designed to advance original scholarship and professional innovation in law. Grounded in international best practices, the programme offers a structured yet flexible framework that integrates rigorous research training, methodological development, and sustained academic supervision. Candidates will undertake independent research contributing to theoretical and practical advancements in the field, supported by a progression-based structure leading to the final thesis and viva voce. The programme aims to develop highly qualified researchers, academics, and industry leaders capable of addressing complex challenges and driving strategic transformation in law.

In line with international academic standards, the new structure of the PhD programme is based on the British model, where students are mainly trained in the first year on research skills before they begin work on their thesis from the second year onwards. This model ensures a strong foundation in research methodology, enabling students to undertake impactful doctoral research with confidence and clarity.

Graduates with a PhD in Law are well-positioned for successful careers in various legal fields, including judicial authority, attorneyship, legal consultation, and academia. The demand for experts in business law is robust, as most national and international law entities rely on specialists to handle legal transactions. This degree opens doors to numerous opportunities, ensuring that graduates are highly sought after in the legal profession.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of advanced research methodologies and techniques and apply such methodologies and techniques in the field of Business Law.
• Analyse the applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry in Business Law.
• Integrate knowledge from different Business Law disciplines to assess complex legal contexts, opportunities and risks.
• Design and implement empirical research projects, generate new solutions/techniques and solve complex legal problems.
• Create and interpret new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, which can potentially extend the forefront of academic research in law and/or relevant areas of professional practice, and merit publication.

Stage 1

• Qualitative Research Methods and Paradigms
• Quantitative Methods

Stage 2

• Research Design and Planning 
• Proposal Defence 

Stage 3

• Thesis