Benefit from Reading’s academic and research excellence and The University of Law’s specialist professional expertise.
DLaw
Doctorate in Legal Practice (DPhil)
Our Doctorate in Legal Practice (DPhil) is offered in partnership with The University of Reading. This prestigious professional doctorate is designed for senior legal practitioners that want to expand their knowledge, amplify their impact and help define the future of legal practice.
Course length
24 months – 72 months
Study mode
Full-time or Part-time
Method
Online
Entry requirements
UK undergraduate law degree plus 8 years' experience in legal practice in any jurisdiction
See full entry requirements
Overview
Why choose our DLaw course?
- Study for a doctoral qualification while continuing legal practice – Designed for experienced legal professionals, this flexible doctoral programme allows you to continue working while pursuing advanced research. Available full-time or part-time, the DLaw will support you to integrate professional experience and academic study.
- Increase your professional impact through legal research and innovation – Contribute to the future of legal practice using rigorous research techniques, innovative thinking and strategic leadership. Combining academic rigour with practical experience, the programme supports research that drives meaningful change while strengthening your profile.
- Gain a respected doctorate backed by leading universities – Benefit from a collaborative doctoral programme delivered by The University of Reading and The University of Law. Combining academic research expertise with specialist legal education, the programme offers access to high-quality supervision, professional networks and research support.
- Personalised research training tailored to your professional goals – The programme supports independent, practice-focused research without compulsory taught modules. A personalised Learning Needs Assessment identifies training and development opportunities aligned to your research and career goals.
- Join a collaborative and supportive legal research community – Network with fellow legal professionals, doctoral researchers and academic experts via Reading’s Doctoral and Researcher College and The University of Law’s research team. From induction weekends to supervisory support, you’ll have ample opportunities to build relationships and exchange ideas.
About our DLaw course
This innovative programme, delivered jointly with The University of Reading, supports lawyers in capturing, evaluating and critically reflecting on the impact of their professional practice, innovation and leadership. Built around the realities of high-level legal work, the DLaw offers a flexible, part-time or full-time pathway that empowers practitioners to complete an advanced research degree without stepping away from their careers.
Possible study locations and start dates
DLaw PHD
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DLaw PHD
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Teaching and Assessment
How you'll learn
Following an initial induction weekend, you will engage in self-directed research and study, guided by regular supervision to support your progress. You should anticipate meeting with your supervisor virtually approximately every four to six weeks, in addition to maintaining ongoing correspondence via email to discuss your work, seek guidance and address any questions that arise.
In line with The University of Reading’s Code of Practice, you will also undertake an annual review of your progress, during which you will present your work, reflect on achievements and evaluate your continuing research training needs to ensure your development remains on track.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to reflect the applied and research-focused nature of your study. You will be required to submit a portfolio, normally not exceeding 75,000 words, structured in two parts. Approximately one third will be a portfolio of evidence documenting your professional legal practice, which could include case studies or empirical research. The remaining two thirds will consist of a critical reflection on the impact of your professional practice, demonstrating innovation, knowledge creation or original research within the context of existing literature.
The final assessment takes the form of a viva voce examination, conducted by two independent examiners, which allows you to discuss and defend your work in depth. This assessment structure enables you to demonstrate both practical expertise and scholarly reflection, recognising your professional contribution while meeting the standards expected of a level 8 doctoral degree.
This programme is designed to be flexible and compatible with your professional life. You are expected to manage your own time, balancing self-directed research with regular supervisory meetings every four to six weeks and ongoing correspondence via email.
Your workload will be focused on developing your portfolio, integrating empirical research, professional practice evidence, and critical reflection. The annual review process and the Confirmation of Registration assessment provide structured checkpoints to ensure you remain on track.
While there is no formal teaching schedule after induction, it is important to set regular study routines, plan your research milestones carefully and maintain communication with your supervisor. Effective time management will be key to completing your portfolio within the expected scope and timescale, allowing you to progress steadily while maintaining your professional responsibilities alongside your doctoral study.
Throughout your study you will have access to extensive academic support from both The University of Reading and University of Law. The University of Reading provides research training, doctoral school support and guidance aligned with the Reading Code of Practice.
Through The University of Law, you will have access to research materials, training and professional development sessions, including resources provided via the GuildHE membership. Your supervisor will provide personalised guidance on your research, offering regular meetings and ongoing correspondence to support your progress. In addition, you will have access to library services, online research tools and subject-specific resources to aid your portfolio development.
These combined support networks ensure you have the guidance, materials and training needed to complete your self-directed research successfully, to develop your professional legal practice and to produce a portfolio of the highest academic and professional standard.
Fees and Applying
Course fees
Fees for this course are payable to The University of Reading.
| Study mode | Fees |
| 2026/27 Course Fees (from 1 July 2026) | |
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Full-time |
£32,000 |
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Part-time |
£16,000 |
Students from England can apply for a doctoral loan from the Student Loans Company - further information is available online.
Entry Requirements
UK LAW DEGREE
plus 8 years legal practiceApplicants should hold a UK undergraduate Law degree (or relevant other degree) plus 8 years post-qualification experience in legal practice in any jurisdiction.
Applicants must complete a research proposal and provide evidence of their legal practice experience (2,000 - 3,000 words).
Applying
Apply for the DLaw via The University of Reading.
If you’re ready to shape the future of legal practice, please contact Reading’s Professor James Devenney at [email protected] for initial enquiries.
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