(Subject Code: 030109, PhD Degree in International Law)

 1. Aim of the Program

The programme for the PhD degree in international law is specially tailored to international students, with all courses taught in English. It is designed for students aspiring to become excellent international law professionals with a global outlook, who are capable of fully understanding and applying the theories and rules of international law. In order to obtain the degree, candidates shall meet the following requirements,

A.  the comprehensive and systematic command of the theories and rules in the areas of public international law, private international law and international economic law, especially the cutting-edge theoretical and practical issues in the specific field of research of the candidate;

B. capacities to undertake independent and original researches and to work as a member of a team, the ability to undertake scientific research projects and other scientific research tasks and participate in collaborative and innovative scientific research;

C. capacities to undertake legal research on the frontier issues of international law in English, to follow the international academic trends and independently carry out international academic exchanges;

D. capacities to make use of the Chinese language and understand the practices of rule of law in modern China;

E. capacities to resolve practical problems with theories of international law.

2. Directions of Research

A. Public International Law

It includes, but not limited to, the cutting-edge theoretical and practical issues in the areas of principles of international law, law of treaties, law of international organizations, law of the sea, cyber law, international air law, international space law, international human rights law, and international dispute settlement.

B. Private International Law

It includes, but not limited to, the cutting-edge theoretical and practical issues in the areas of principles of private international law, international conflict of laws, interregional conflict of laws, international civil procedural law, international commercial arbitration law and international uniform substantive law.

C. International Economic Law

It includes, but not limited to, the cutting-edge theoretical and practical issues in the areas of principles of international economic law, international trade law, international investment law, international financial law, international intellectual property law, international tax law and maritime law.

3. Duration of Studies

The duration of studies for the PhD degree in International Law is a minimum of 4 academic years, and no longer than 6 academic years.

4. Courses and Credits

A. Course Requirements

The courses are listed in the Schedule of Courses for the Program for PhD Degree in International Law.

Among those courses, Introduction to China (2 credits) and the Chinese Language Comprehensive (2 credits) are common compulsory courses. Selected Topics of Public International Law (3 credits), Selected Topics of Private International Law (3 credits), and Selected Topics of International Economic Law (3 credits) are compulsory law courses.

B. Credit Requirements

In order to be qualified for the PhD degree in international law, the candidates shall obtain a minimum of 15 credits, with not less than 13 credits of compulsory courses, and not less than 2 credits of optional courses.

5. Requirements for the PhD dissertation

The PhD dissertation shall be written in the English language, and the defence of the PhD dissertation shall be conducted in English. The details of requirements shall refer to the Wuhan University Provisions on the Assessment of PhD Dissertation and Defence for a PhD Degree.

PhD candidates are also required to publish one article in SSCI Journals, or two articles in any regular academic journals in English.

Schedule of Courses for the Program for PhD Degree in International Law

In order to be qualified for the PhD degree in International Law, the candidates shall obtain a minimum of 15 credits with not less than 13 credits of compulsory courses, and not less than 2 credits of optional courses.