PhD/Research Opportunity in Law: Corpus Christi Graduate Legal Research Course at the University of Oxford
Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford is advertising a
Graduate Legal Research Course
for
PhD/research students in law
in September 2026. This is a short, research-led, non-degree opportunity designed to help graduate law students make progress on a “Great Little Idea” — for example, a chapter of a thesis, a doctoral theme, or another meaningful legal research question.
The course runs from
1 to 27 September 2026
at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. It focuses on developing research ideas, sharpening methodology, and supporting independent research through seminars and discussion in a supportive intellectual community. Participants receive
9 hours of seminars on research methods
with College Law Fellows, access to university library resources via a visitor card, access to Corpus facilities where possible, and engagement with Oxford’s wider academic environment.
The opportunity is especially relevant for students working in
law
,
legal research
, and
research methods
, with a strong emphasis on doctoral-level work. The course is not a degree programme and does not lead to a qualification beyond a certificate of completion. It is intended to help participants progress a substantial piece of research and improve skills in analysis, argumentation, communication, presentation, and time management.
Eligibility:
graduate research students working on a PhD or equivalent on a legal topic. The organisers also warmly encourage applications from those underrepresented in academia or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Funding/costs:
this is not a funded studentship. The participation fee is
£375
per person, covering administrative costs, a course dinner, and lunches where possible. Teaching is free. Optional accommodation may be available at a College property for
£50.25 per person per night
inclusive of VAT, available in principle from 29 August 2026 to 27 September 2026.
Application:
applicants should email Professor Matt Dyson with a short CV (maximum 4 pages, A4, 12pt) and up to 500 words explaining their Great Little Idea and why Oxford is the right place to develop it. The deadline is
Monday 8 June 2026
.
Contact:
informal inquiries can be sent to [email protected].