PhD in Law and Governance
Offered through the ELGU campuses in Athens and Rome.
The ELGU PhD in Law and Governance is an advanced research degree designed for candidates wishing to undertake original, independent research in law, governance or an interdisciplinary field.
With a minimum duration of three years, the programme enables doctoral researchers to pursue an individual research project under the guidance of a supervisor selected from ELGU's international academic network. The breadth of the faculty allows ELGU to support research across a wide range of subjects, jurisdictions and academic perspectives.
Doctoral researchers become part of the wider ELGU and EPLO academic community, with opportunities to participate in seminars, lectures, conferences and scholarly events and to engage with an international network of academics and practitioners.
The programme combines independent research with structured doctoral training, supporting candidates in the development of advanced research, teaching and academic communication skills.
Research Areas
PhD candidates may undertake research in:
- Law and Legal Studies
- Governance Studies
- Interdisciplinary research spanning law, governance and related fields
Research topics and supervision are subject to the availability of an appropriate member of the ELGU faculty.
Supervision
Each successful applicant is assigned a supervisor whose academic expertise aligns with the candidate's proposed area of research.
ELGU's international faculty brings together scholars and practitioners from across Europe and the wider world, enabling doctoral researchers to pursue projects across different legal traditions, jurisdictions and areas of specialisation.
Subject to the availability of appropriate supervision, research may also be undertaken in a range of languages.
A Flexible Doctoral Programme
The ELGU PhD has been designed to support flexibility and international mobility without requiring continuous residence on campus.
Candidates are nevertheless expected to be fully engaged with their doctoral research throughout the programme. They may be required to attend doctoral training sessions at EPLO premises in Greece and to participate in classes, seminars and lectures identified in consultation with their supervisor.
Doctoral training includes advanced research methods, alongside opportunities to develop teaching, tutoring and academic presentation skills.
Candidates are also encouraged to present their work at academic conferences and to participate actively in the wider research community.
The PhD culminates in the submission of an original doctoral thesis of up to 100,000 words.
Combining Doctoral Study With Employment
While full-time residence is not required, the PhD requires a substantial and sustained commitment to independent research.
Candidates who intend to combine doctoral studies with professional employment should be able to demonstrate that they can devote sufficient time to their research and make appropriate progress towards completion within the required timeframe.
Why Pursue a PhD at ELGU?
Individual Research, International Supervision
Develop an original research project with the guidance of a supervisor selected according to your academic interests and area of specialisation.
An International Research Environment
Join a community of scholars working across law, governance and related disciplines, drawing on the academic networks of ELGU, its partner universities and the EPLO.
Flexibility and Mobility
Pursue your research without a continuous residency requirement, while participating in key doctoral training and academic activities throughout the programme.
Develop as a Researcher
Strengthen your expertise in advanced research methods, academic writing, teaching and the presentation of research, alongside the development of your doctoral thesis.
Participate in Academic Life
Engage with seminars, lectures, conferences and EPLO events and become part of a broader international community of scholars and practitioners.
