PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the PhD Programme in Law is to promote original scientific research and contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship through the in-depth study of contemporary and complex legal issues. The programme aims to develop highly qualified researchers capable of generating new knowledge, critically analysing existing legal frameworks, and proposing well-founded solutions to challenges arising at both national and international levels.
Through the preparation of an original doctoral dissertation, doctoral candidates are encouraged to develop advanced research skills, become familiar with contemporary methodological approaches, and make a meaningful contribution to academic and scientific discourse. The programme fosters critical thinking, independent scholarly inquiry, and interdisciplinary approaches, recognising that modern legal challenges are closely linked to economic, social, technological, and political developments.
At the same time, the PhD Programme seeks to strengthen the connection between legal research and the needs of society, public administration, the judiciary, regulatory authorities, and the market. Particular emphasis is placed on developing candidates’ ability to assess the effectiveness of legislation, contribute to the formulation of public policy, and promote the modernisation of law in light of European and international developments.
The ultimate objective of the programme is to educate scholars with a high level of expertise and academic excellence who are capable of pursuing careers in academia, the judiciary, public administration, international organisations, and the private sector, thereby making a substantial contribution to the advancement of legal science and the strengthening of the rule of law.
The minimum time required to complete the doctorate is three (3) years, while the maximum duration is eight (8) years.
EUROPEAN CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM – ECTS: 180
TEACHING LANGUAGE: Greek
LEVEL: Doctorate
DEGREE AWARDED: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Note:
Those interested in applying for the Doctoral Programme should include the following information in the "Statement of Interest":
- A Preliminary Title of the Doctoral Thesis
- A Summary of a 300-word research proposal, which will necessarily include the following:
- Description of the goal / purpose
- The importance of the research
- Review of the bibliography
- Brief reference to the proposed research methodology.
- Scientific and other Distinctions
- Scientific and Research Activities
- Research Areas
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
PhD Candidates must have a Master degree.
EXPECTATIONS REGARDING THE SCOPE AND QUALITY OF DOCTORAL RESEARCH
Doctoral research represents the highest level of academic study and is intended to generate new knowledge that makes a meaningful contribution to a specific field of research. Consequently, expectations regarding both the scope and quality of research conducted by doctoral students are particularly high. Doctoral candidates are expected to demonstrate intellectual independence, critical thinking, methodological rigor, and a strong commitment to academic excellence throughout their studies.
With regard to the scope of doctoral research, students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen discipline and the broader scholarly context in which their work is situated. They should be capable of identifying significant gaps in the existing literature and formulating research questions that address unresolved issues or emerging challenges. The research project should be sufficiently focused to allow for detailed investigation while also being broad enough to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the field. Doctoral students are expected to design and implement a coherent research plan that integrates relevant theoretical frameworks, appropriate methodologies, and clearly defined objectives. The scope of the study should be ambitious yet feasible, allowing the candidate to produce outcomes that have both academic and, where applicable, practical significance.
In terms of quality, originality is one of the most important expectations of doctoral research. A doctoral dissertation should go beyond summarizing existing knowledge and instead contribute new insights, theories, methods, or empirical findings. The quality of the research is assessed not only by the novelty of its contribution but also by the rigor of its design and execution. Students are expected to employ appropriate research methods, collect and analyze data systematically, and present conclusions that are supported by robust evidence. Critical evaluation of findings, acknowledgment of limitations, and engagement with alternative perspectives are essential components of high-quality doctoral work.
Furthermore, doctoral students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and research ethics. This includes accurate citation of sources, responsible data management, transparency in reporting results, and adherence to ethical guidelines relevant to their discipline. Professional conduct, effective time management, and consistent progress toward research milestones are also important indicators of quality and commitment.
Active engagement with the academic community is another key expectation. Doctoral students are encouraged to present their work at conferences, participate in scholarly discussions, and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. Such activities contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and provide opportunities for valuable feedback from experts in the field.
Overall, doctoral research is expected to demonstrate a high level of scholarly competence, independence, and innovation. Doctoral students should strive to produce research that meets international academic standards, advances knowledge within their discipline, and contributes meaningfully to broader scientific, professional, or societal developments.
KEY STAGES OF PROGRESSION
The first year of the Doctoral Dissertation constitutes the foundation of the entire doctoral journey. During this period, the Doctoral Candidate is expected to become familiar with the requirements of the Doctoral Programme, engage extensively with both national and international scholarly literature, clearly define the research problem and methodological approach, develop the theoretical framework of the Doctoral Dissertation, and successfully prepare the research proposal. Consequently, the first year of doctoral study is not primarily concerned with the production of research findings; rather, it focuses on establishing the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological foundations upon which the subsequent research will be built.
The second year of Doctoral Studies represents the stage during which the research proposal is gradually transformed into an active research project. Having established the theoretical, bibliographic, and methodological foundations of the Doctoral Dissertation during the first year, the second year focuses primarily on the implementation of the approved research design and the generation of the scientific evidence that will support the dissertation's scholarly contribution. Consequently, this stage requires systematic effort, continuous collaboration with the Supervisor and the members of the Supervisory Committee, and the effective management of the challenges that arise during the implementation of the research methodology. The second year of the Doctoral Dissertation is also a period during which the Doctoral Candidate is expected to develop a greater degree of research autonomy. At this stage, candidates are increasingly expected to take initiative, make evidence-based scholarly decisions, and manage the progress of their research in an independent and responsible manner. The principal objective of the second year is therefore the implementation of the research design approved during the first year and the commencement of the systematic production of research findings that will ultimately support the Doctoral Dissertation.
The third year of Doctoral Studies represents the stage at which the research project enters its most productive and intellectually significant phase. Having completed the majority of the research activities and advanced substantially in the collection of the necessary research data during the second year, the Doctoral Candidate is now expected to transform the accumulated research material into scholarly outputs and a coherent academic argument. This transition constitutes one of the most demanding, yet also one of the most rewarding and creative stages of the doctoral journey. At this stage, the challenge is no longer limited to the collection of information or the conduct of research itself. Rather, the emphasis shifts towards the interpretation of research findings, the development of original scholarly arguments, and the articulation of the Doctoral Dissertation's contribution to knowledge. Consequently, Doctoral Candidates are expected to demonstrate a higher degree of scholarly independence, advance substantially in the writing of the Doctoral Dissertation, and assume a more active role in shaping the conclusions and overall contribution of their research.
TUITION FEES
Tuition fees for doctoral programs amounts to €675 per semester for the first six (6) semesters. In case the study lasts longer, then the following applies: for the first five (5) and the last semester, the cost amounts to €675 per semester and for the remaining semesters, the cost amounts to €100 per semester. No tuition is paid for the "Academic Writing (DXXX796)" and the "Research Methodology (DXXXX795)", which are mandatory at the beginning of the study.
APPLICATIONS
Applications can be submitted exclusively online:
Application dates will be announced.
For more details, please contact : Alexandros Tsadiras, Associate Professor,