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The Law Research Degree (PhD) program offered by the School of Law enrolls students for advanced research culminating in a doctoral degree. A key aspect of the PhD journey is the intensive collaboration between each candidate and their primary supervisor, featuring frequent meetings and close consultation. This core relationship is enhanced through multiple support structures. Each doctoral student is assigned a secondary supervisor - a faculty member with expertise in the candidate's geographic focus or specialized field. The department also appoints a director of doctoral studies (research tutor) who oversees all PhD candidates and addresses broader academic concerns. The program further enriches doctoral training through various supplementary activities. First-year PhD students must complete the School of Law's Research Methods Seminar series. SOAS creates an exceptional learning environment where students explore critical issues under the guidance of distinguished faculty with extensive field experience. Our experts hold prestigious positions including United Nations human rights roles, advisory positions for governmental and international organizations, and leadership in civil society groups. Most SOAS PhD candidates conduct fieldwork in their regions of study, with the School leveraging its extensive network of academic and governmental connections across Asia and Africa to support this research. Additionally, doctoral students can access the School's language instruction resources to develop necessary linguistic skills for their research
the School's language training facilities are also available to doctoral candidates to develop their facility in an appropriate language for research purposes