Doctor of Philosophy in Law

Level: PhD(MNQF Level 10)
Duration: 3 years(6 Semesters)
Modes: Available Modes (Full-Time, Part-Time)
Selection Criteria: Selection Merit based

previous Intake: February Intake 2027
Campus: Male' (Full-Time, Part-Time)

Overview

The proposed Ph.D. in Law addresses a significant national gap, as no doctoral law programme currently exists in the Maldives. It will provide accessible, high-level legal education while strengthening MNU’s commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, societal engagement, and national and international collaboration. The programme will develop advanced research skills, legal expertise, critical and interdisciplinary thinking, and specialization in diverse areas of law. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to legal scholarship, policy development, legal reform, teaching, and research, while demonstrating strong ethical and professional standards. The programme will position MNU as a pioneer in doctoral legal education nationally.

Entry Requirements

General Entry

i) Attainment of a related qualification at Level 7 or 8 and attainment of a related qualification at Level 9 (master's degree), provided that the applicant has shown potential for research demonstrated by a research project or resulting dissertation/thesis comprising typically 1 year of the master's course.

Language Requirements

i) Certified proficiency in English Language (GCE O'Level/ IGCSE English pass/ MNU English Language Competency Test or equivalent). If the applicant's MQA Level 9 Qualification is not in English Medium, they should attain at least 6.5 score
in IELTS or Equivalent

General Notes

Entry requirements are indicative. Depending on the sequence and the number of applications received, all qualifying students may not gain entry.
Circumstances may require the University to defer or cancel some courses, especially when the minimum class size (10 for certificate & diploma courses, 15 for Degrees courses) is not achieved.
Passes at GCE OL/SSC and HSC is considered to be grades "C" or above and passes at GCE AL is considered to be the grades "E" or above.

Structure

Fees stated above are tuition fees for local students. Fees for international students is twice the stated fees. All fees are quoted in MVR.

While every reasonable effort has been exerted to ensure the accuracy of the fees published by the Maldives National University, it is important to note that the University reserves the prerogative to modify fees without prior notification, whether prompted by altered circumstances or otherwise. Applicants are hereby alerted to the fact that the outlined plans for various courses (including but not limited to lecturers and terms) as disclosed in the University's publications are indicative of intent. Such representations shall not be construed as constituting a binding offer or covenant for which the University assumes liability. Should you desire to pursue a specific subject as an elective, it is incumbent upon you to verify its availability in the respective term. In the event of any verbal communication from a University representative conflicting with a document officially published by the University, the latter shall be deemed authoritative.

Careers

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Law will be equipped for advanced careers across academia, research, policy, government, and the legal profession. Key career pathways include: Academia and Research: University professors, legal researchers, and postgraduate supervisors. Legal and Policy Advisory: Legal, policy, and regulatory advisors. Law Reform: Specialists in legislative development and law reform. Government Leadership: Senior roles in governance, regulation, and public administration. International Law: Specialists in international and comparative law. Consultancy and Advocacy: Legal consultants, thought leaders, and advocates.