Legal Technology

Summary

We welcome applications for project proposals across all areas of Legal Technology, including:

Legal technology; Agentic AI (with a focus on different aspects of information retrieval) within a legal framework; Governance and Ethical considerations of Generative AI (Limitatons and risks of Generative AI); AI and legal technology in court processes, Generative AI in the Legal Profession, Legal Technology and Access to Justice, Intellectual Property and GDPR. Intellectual property law; Unusual trademarks; Privacy protection in the digital age; Internet governance; Online Dispute Resolution.

Research in this area may align with Sustainable Development Goal 16: peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure and SDG 8: good work and economic growth.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.