PhD Programme UCL (University College London) in United Kingdom

University College London (UCL) Faculty of Laws is offering several PhD scholarships for entry in September 2026, with a focus on Intellectual Property (IP) Law through the Institute of Brand and Innovation Law (IBIL). The programme welcomes outstanding candidates from the UK, EU, and overseas, and is committed to diversity and inclusion, especially encouraging applications from women and ethnic minority backgrounds. The IBIL Intellectual Property PhD Scholarship funds one student for research in any area of IP, including trade mark law, copyright, and patents, with supervision available from leading academics such as Professor Ilanah Fhima, Dr Alina Trapova, and Dr Matt Fisher. Other scholarships include Faculty of Laws Research Scholarships, Research Opportunity Scholarships (for UK-domiciled students), BAME Research Opportunity Scholarships (for underrepresented ethnic groups), Joseph Hume Scholarship, and UCL Research Excellence Scholarships.

Most scholarships cover full tuition fees and a maintenance stipend of at least £22,780 per year for three years. Applicants must have a UK bachelor’s degree with First or good Upper Second-class Honours (2:1) or an equivalent overseas qualification. A master’s degree is strongly preferred, typically with distinction, but candidates without a master’s may apply if they can demonstrate research ability through substantial written work. English language proficiency at UCL Level 4 is required (IELTS 7.5 overall, PTE 75, or TOEFL 109).

The application window is open from 1 September to 18 November 2025. Applicants should research their project proposal, identify and contact a potential supervisor, and submit their application online with all supporting documents.

All PhD applicants are automatically considered for available scholarships; no separate application is needed. The UCL Laws PhD community is vibrant and international, offering a supportive environment for research in all areas of law, with particular strength in intellectual property.