The Doctorate of Philosophy in Law (Ph.D.) is a rigorous academic program designed for those aiming to contribute to legal scholarship, policy-making, or high-level legal practice. The program equips students with the theoretical foundations, research methodology, and practical tools required to investigate complex legal questions and contribute original knowledge to the field.
This is a fast-track program that can be completed in 3 years, integrating coursework, seminar engagement, and intensive thesis research under expert supervision.
Year 1 focuses on completing core and elective coursework alongside a mandatory research seminar.
Year 2 involves preparing for and passing the Qualification Exam, followed by the start of thesis research and submission of a thesis proposal.
Year 3 centers on completing the doctoral thesis, undergoing formal monitoring checkpoints, and defending the thesis before a jury.
LAW601 – Methodology of Law
Covers legal research techniques, academic legal writing, and jurisprudential analysis.
LAW602 – Philosophy, Law and Society
Explores the relationship between legal systems, philosophical thought, and societal structures.
LAW603 – Contemporary Issues in International Law
Analyzes recent developments in public international law and global legal challenges.
LAW604 – Contemporary Issues in Private Law
Discusses evolving principles in private law, including contract, tort, and property law.
LAW605 – Developments in Law and Technology
Focus on legal issues in emerging technologies such as AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
LAW606 – Human Rights, Social Justice and Law
Examines international human rights law and its role in advancing justice globally.
LAW607 – Contemporary Legal Issues in Business
Addresses corporate law, governance, compliance, and legal risk in modern business.
LAW608 – Comparative Constitutional Law and State Theories
Offers insights into constitutional frameworks across jurisdictions and foundational legal-political theories.
The seminar requires students to present their research progress and academic ideas, helping them develop critical feedback skills, public speaking, and scholarly communication.
At the beginning of the second year, students must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their understanding of legal theory, methodology, and their research area. This is a prerequisite to begin thesis work.
The thesis phase spans over the second and third year. Students will:
Be assigned a supervisor
Submit a thesis proposal
Participate in three formal monitoring checkpoints
Defend their thesis before an academic jury
Note: To be eligible for the jury defense, students must have published or had accepted an article related to their doctoral research in a journal indexed in SCI, SSCI, or AHCI.
To graduate, a student must:
Successfully complete all core and elective courses (minimum 21 credits / 70 ECTS)
Complete the seminar (non-credit, 20 ECTS)
Pass the Qualification Exam (30 ECTS)
Submit and defend a doctoral thesis (non-credit, 50 ECTS)
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above
Achieve no grade lower than C
Publish or have accepted at least one academic article in an SCI/SSCI/AHCI-indexed journal
A completed Master’s degree in Law or a closely related field
Final degree certificates and academic transcripts
Valid passport, National ID, or Emirates ID
Passport-size photograph
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
Evidence of academic or research capacity (such as a brief research proposal or interview)
Coursework Assessments: Based on assignments, written exams, and research presentations
Seminar: Evaluation of research progress and presentation skills
Qualification Exam: Comprehensive written and/or oral test
Thesis: Continuous monitoring and final oral defense
Publication Requirement: Mandatory article publication in a high-impact journal before final defense
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Law program are prepared to:
Join academia as professors or researchers
Work in international organizations such as the UN or EU legal divisions
Serve as policy advisors or legal consultants in think tanks and governments
Take on leadership roles in human rights advocacy and public service
Engage in corporate legal strategy and global compliance leadership
Fast-track completion in 3 years
Exposure to contemporary and interdisciplinary legal issues
Supervision by expert faculty in specialized fields
Opportunity for high-impact research and publication
Builds academic, research, and policy expertise
Enhances credentials for high-level legal or academic roles
Founded in 1985, GAU is Cyprus’s first private university, recognized globally for its innovative education and international reach. With a presence across three continents, GAU focuses on accessibility, relevance, and excellence, shaping students into global leaders.
The Ph.D. in Law at Girne American University offers a well-structured and research-intensive doctoral experience tailored for aspiring legal scholars and practitioners. With a fast-track format, world-class faculty, and a strong emphasis on publication and research excellence, the program provides an exceptional foundation for a distinguished career in law, academia, or policy leadership.
An NCC Accredited Institute, We are committed to groom the youth of society to play an instrumental role in ever evolving modern day job market and entrepreneurial opportunities.
