PhD Thesis, Law
About the course
The doctoral thesis is the piece of work on which assessment for a PhD degree in law is based.
The thesis shall be on a legal science topic and shall also build on the knowledge acquired through the programme courses. The thesis must be an independent scientific work that meets international standards within the field. It must contribute to the development of new academic knowledge and be of a standard appropriate for publication as part of the scientific literature in the field.
Objectives of the course
In their thesis students must show that they can produce an independent work of a high standard as regards the formulation of research questions, concept clarification, and the methodological and theoretical basis. Strict requirements must be set as regards documentation, objectivity, transparency and completeness.
However, the standard must not be set higher than the work it would normally be practical to carry out on a thesis during the nominal length of study.
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
As a rule, the language of instruction is Norwegian.Assessment
In order to submit the thesis for assessment, the educational component of 30 credits must be approved, which involves approval of a memo that reflects on the learning outcome from the completed courses, and the significance they have had for the work on the thesis. The student must also have submitted a 15-20 page scientific article that is, in form and content, suitable for publication in a legal journal.
A PhD degree in legal science is awarded on the basis of:
- Approved completion of the courses in the educational component, or other approved academic education or qualifications.
- An approved trial lecture on a given subject.
- An approved scientific thesis and a satisfactory defence in a public disputation.