PhD Studies
The objective of the Ph.D. programme is to train doctoral candidates for research and teaching careers and other positions which require in-depth scientific training and knowledge. The programme is designed to deepen the theoretical and methodological knowledge of Ph.D. candidates in order to qualify them for independent and well-founded research in the field of law.
Lenght of study
The PhD programme constitutes the equivalent of three years of full-time study and corresponds to 180 ECTS credits. The length of study may be expected to be four years if the candidate is concurrently engaged in teaching or other work. Each of the two PhD students admitted in the academic year of 2010-2011 has the option of the four years study programme alongside employment at the School of Law. The employment consists of a 25% position as an external lecturer/assistant at the School of law. The teaching duty involved amounts to the equivalent of 0,5 courses pr. academic year plus one month's worth of teaching/research assistant work.
Ph.D students will be obliged to conduct their research at the Reykjavík University School of Law and be resident in its vicinity for 18 months during their course of study. As a main principle, they will also be required to spend up to 6 months at a University abroad.
Tuition
RU tuition fees are determined on an annual basis. It was decided that PhD students who begun their studies in 2010 and 2011 pay tuition fees comparable to tuition fees for one semester at the graduate level.
Courses
Reykjavík University does not offer a regular program of Ph.D courses. Instead, such courses are organised on an ad hoc basis or offered in cooperation with other Universities or academic networks. Each student and supervisor will design the individual Ph.D course program, whether it will be at Reykjavík University, at other collaborative Universities or offered by international/Nordic academic networks.
For additional information on the Ph.D. Programme, please refer to the programme description. For various useful information please refer to the Reykjavík University International Office Website, The international office can also offer some help regarding securing accommodation in Iceland for those who will be admitted into the Ph.D program. For information on domestic taxes see http://rsk.is/international/en/overview
