Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] [European Law and Governance] From University College Dublin

This complex and increasingly important field of study encompasses relations between the member states and institutions of the European Union, Council of Europe and other European bodies, processes of treaty negotiation and supranational law-making, issues of political economy, citizenship and human rights, foreign policy, and environmental protection, and controversies related to sovereignty and democratic legitimacy, compliance and enforcement, and lobbying and social mobilisation, among many others.

The European Law and Governance?programme from the?University College Dublin?is offered jointly by the UCD School of Law and the UCD School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe), both of which have large, internationally-renowned academic staffs in this area. The programme includes (1) substantive coursework in both of the sponsoring schools, (2) training in research methods, (3) regular contact with a supervisor from either of the sponsoring schools and a Doctoral Studies Panel of three staff including at least one from each sponsoring school, and (4) the writing of a doctoral thesis based on original research. Students in the programme register to the school where their supervisor is located. They are also associated during their studies with the UCD Dublin European Institute, Ireland?s largest and oldest university research centre on European integration and governance.?

In addition to writing a research thesis, ELG students must complete 40 credits of taught coursework. The content of this requirement differ slightly (see below) depending on whether they are registered through Law or SPIRe. All ELG students also have the option of pursuing additional coursework in Law, SPIRe or other Schools (such as Business, Economics, Sociology, etc.) to deepen their substantive knowledge and/or methodological skills.

Careers

With their sophisticated multidisciplinary understanding of European law and governance, expertise in a particular substantive area, and excellent research skills, graduates of this programme will be well-positioned to pursue careers in law, policy analysis and academia.

We have an excellent Careers Development Centre here at UCD, designed to help you with information regarding future employment or studies. Individual supervisors and the Programme Director work closely with Doctoral students on their career plans. In addition, UCD hold a number of graduate events throughout the year including a dedicated law fair at which at which many big law firms will be in attendance. The School of Law has a dedicated careers advisor on its Academic staff and a staff member from the careers office is in attendance at the School of Law on a number of occasions throughout the academic year.