PhD course: Research methods in law

The course is designed for students who have recently embarked upon PhD studies and need to enhance their general understanding of methodology and research methods, as well as the ways in which the theoretical framework and specific research methods may be applied in their research projects. The course can also be relevant for students who have been working on their research for a while and needs perspectives on methodology questions for their research project. 

The course will introduce fundamental concepts, such as ‘theory’ and ‘method’, and provide an overview of main research methods commonly used by legal researchers. Apart from the main jurisprudential approaches, the course will also cover empirical and interdisciplinary approaches to law. The research approaches and trends will be discussed in the context of international as well as Danish law.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of legal research approaches, methodologies, and techniques,
• apply such methodologies and techniques within a specific field of research,
• critically reflect upon the chosen methodology and research method(s),
• Identify which research methods are most suitable for answering major research questions in their individual projects. 

Course description and practical information

Date and time

3-5 February 2021

Venue

University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law, Njalsgade 76, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Room: TBA. 

A guide on how to find the campus of Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen and a map of the campus 

ECTS

4½ ECTS points (not yet finally confirmed) for participating in the 3-day course, submitting the required written assignments and participating in group work during the course.

Course organiser

Associate Professor Carina Risvig Hamer (carina.hamer@jur.ku.dk)

Maximum No. of participants

30

Registration

No later than 6 January 2021 via this registration form