Research subjects in Law at Huddersfield
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Why study a Law research degree at Huddersfield?
As one of the most vibrant and important fields in the world today, research and work in Law influences personal, national and global perspectives in world affairs. Our research focus offers doctoral students the opportunity to explore critical questions of international law and global governance such as problems associated with the normative and institutional frameworks for regulating international society.
We have three keywords which define our research at Huddersfield Law School.
At Huddersfield, you will have the opportunity to conduct doctrinal research under the supervision of staff with expertise on your chosen topic. Through this Law research degree at Huddersfield, you will become equipped with the academic abilities and employability skills which are required for a successful career in international affairs, diplomacy, international governmental organisations, or private sector business and commercial organisations.
Research environment on a Law research degree
Our Law School has a vibrant and stimulating research environment. As a law postgraduate researcher, you will be integrated into one or more of the research centres of the School of Business, Education and Law.
The primary research centre that you'll work as part of will be the Centre for Law, Environment and Rights (CLEAR), which provides a home for researchers in which they can
Research disciplines in Law
There is a symbiotic relationship between the below disciplines which are all grounded on the inter-related themes of international, commercial and social justice. The disciplines reflect the research interests and expertise of our Law school staff members. Students applying for research degree in law at Huddersfield will benefit from supervision under the direction of highly qualified staff with a track record of research and publication in their discipline.
International Law
Research in this area focuses on the legal and regulatory framework governing international society, from the role of customary international law to the function and effect of treaties and international conventions. It explores questions of power, politics and dominance in the world, with the ideological separation of the global North and South and of the East and West. Current research topics evaluate the foundational doctrines of international Law, the right to self-determination, how States are formed and the use of force as a method of settling inter-State disputes.
International Criminal Law
International Criminal Law is a relatively new and dynamic area of law. Its governance is complex, involving the interaction of global and regional bodies in an effort to hold individuals accountable for global atrocities committed in different parts of the world. Research in this discipline covers specific international crimes such as genocide and war crimes, evaluates international punishments such as the use of the death penalty, and considers evolving nature of the concept of international crimes.
International Human Rights
Research in this discipline evaluates both the content of legal standards and the functioning of monitoring mechanisms in the context of real-life situations where human rights are being violated. Ranging from the theoretical to the practical, the origins and fundamental principles of international human rights law are examined as well as issues that arise with regard to marginalised groups of people and the consequences of growing economic inequalities.
International Arbitration
The peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the cardinal principles of international law. International arbitration plays a critical role as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to litigation. Our research in this area examines the procedural and substantive aspects of international arbitration, incorporating both international commercial arbitration and international investment arbitration.
Intellectual Property Rights Law
Rapid developments in technology continue to impact global governance with the advent of artificial intelligence redefining questions surrounding creativity and authorship of artistic works. Our research in this area examines controversies and intellectual debates on topics such as ownership, inventive step and patentability of AI-generated artistic works and inventions.
Environmental/Climate Change Law
Our research in this discipline incorporates environmental law, natural resources management, renewable energy law, climate change law, SDGs and sustainability. Key research areas include legal concepts in environmental law, principles of environmental regulation, essential elements of environmental protection and sustainable development and a critical evaluation of important issues in global environmental law and regulation.
Adoption Law
Children's rights are increasingly at the forefront of international human rights agenda. Our research examines international children's rights in the context of domestic adoption laws. Current research in this discipline focuses on the legal framework and procedural mechanisms for child adoption in Nigeria.
Notable achievements and projects
- Dr George Ndi: Winner of best Research Paper for ‘Jus in bello’: the IHL Principle of Distinction in the Context of Asymmetric and Hybrid Armed Conflicts’ 6th Annual Conference on Law, Regulation & Public Policy, Singapore, 4-6 June - LRPP Proceedings, GSTF Digital Library, pp.78-88; 2017)
- Dr Igho Dabor: “International Workshop on Energising Sustainable Development: A Review of Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 7”; (2025) with research funding from the Society of Legal Scholars (SLS)
Useful links
Law School
Find out more about our Law School in the Huddersfield Business School, where you will undertake your research studies.
Research degrees homepage
Find lots of useful information, including our list of research degrees, fees and funding advice and more about available research scholarships.
Centre for Law, Environment and Rights
The Centre for Law, Environment and Rights (CLEAR) engages in research to understand the role of law both locally and globally through exploration of essential issues relating to law.