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PhD Program in Law was created in 2009

 

The aim of the PD program is to prepare a new generation of researchers and academic personnel in Legal Studies, who will be able to facilitate to the field development through their theoretical knowledge, practical skills and affirmative, empirical research. The program is designed to allow PhD students to acquire field specific competencies as it is required by the National Qualification Framework. The program is oriented on developing and deepening legal analysis and interdisciplinary and critical skills.

 

The program was created in 2009; the last time it was accredited was in 2014. Since its launch in 2009 the program has been modified.  Significant was the assistance provided by the School of Law of Tallinn University of Technology and Tinatin Tseretel Institute of State and Law.

 

Caucasus School of Law cooperates with the leading scientific centers and partner universities, which allows PhD students to fully realize their scientific potential.

 

The duration of study is 3 years. The PhD student unable to present his/her dissertation within the prescribed time limits is allowed to complete education in the next two years.

 

The doctoral educational program includes an educational component (60 ECTS credits) and a scientific-research component.

 

The academic part of the program comprises four interdisciplinary courses (out of which two are compulsory and two optional) and two thematic seminars.

 

The PhD student shall publish two scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journal (one of which shall be published abroad) reflecting principle findings of his/her dissertation and participate in an international conference (where the PhD student shall make a report).

 

The PhD student can easily work and study simultaneously as the educational process at Caucasus School of Law starts at 7.00 pm. The PhD student determines his/her academic workload by himself/herself. The number of contact hours is limited to the minimum with major emphasis on independent work. The research part allows the PhD student to dedicate his/her time to research of his/her dissertation.

 

Within the framework of the program PhD students can participate in grant projects and win scholarship for pursuing their education abroad. 

 

In the case the PhD student successfully defends his/her thesis, he/she is given an opportunity to find employment at Caucasus University with a high salary. More than 50 PhD students have already enrolled on the program. Among Doctoral students of Caucasus School of Law are judges of Tbilisi City court, outstanding lawyers, notaries and high-ranking public officials.

What novelties does the Doctoral Program of Caucasus School of Law offer?


Caucasus School of Law has launched a revised doctoral program which prepares highly qualified professionals, specialists and researchers who will meet the demands of international PhD programs based on the world’s best experience and innovative technologies. The PhD program has enrolled the first intake of 50 people.

Among the PhD students of Caucasus School of Law are judges of Tbilisi City Court, prominent lawyers, notaries and high-ranking public officials. 

 

How is PhD Program of Caucasus School of Law different from other PhD programs?

 

The structure and contents of PhD Program of Caucasus School of Law are based on the following principles:

 

  • despite the fact that attendance is mandatory, the academic process does not interfere with the employment of PhD student of Caucasus School of Law, which is why the academic process starts at 7.00 pm
  • PhD student decides on his/her academic workload. The contact hours are limited to the maximum possible degree and the major focus is on independent work
  • the academic part of the program is limited to four interdisciplinary courses and two thematic seminars
  • the scientific part of the program allows the PhD student to devote more time to research without too many bureaucratic procedures
  • within the project the PhD student can participate in the grant projects and gain scholarship to pursue education in Europe
  • after defending the dissertation successfully the PhD students are given an opportunity to get employment at Caucasus University
  • after completing the PhD program, the PhD student is conferred Doctor’s academic degree

 

 

A prerequisite for admission to the PhD program of the Caucasus School of Law is the successful completion of the competitive procedure planned at the university (interview with the admissions committee). 

 

Candidates for PhD studies at the Caucasus University School of Law must submit an application to the secretary of the Dissertation Board addressed to the President of Caucasus University, which must include the name of the PhD program. The following documents must be attached to the application:

 

  • Online registration form
  • Contestant's CV (education and labor activity data), a certified copy of the master's or equivalent academic degree certificate and an appendix, and in the case of mobility, (along with the above-mentioned document) a certified copy of the enrollment order, syllabi, and evaluations of completed educational courses. In the case of receiving education abroad, a document confirming the authenticity of the diploma is also required.
  • Copy of identity document (ID card/passport).
  • 4 photographs, size 3X4 (cm) (printed and digital version on CD)
  • Recommendation of two specialists with the degree of Doctor of Law in the field chosen by the contestant
  • Recommendation of the future scientific leader and approval for leadership
  • Motivation letter

  • Research thesis/project should address topical issue(s) of future dissertation research. The thesis topic is chosen by the doctoral student in agreement with the supervisor. The abstract should be no less than 400 words without appendices. All pages must be numbered consecutively, leaving no blank spaces or pages. The text should be written on A4 format (297X210 mm) paper with a density of 80 g/m2, font - Sylfaen, the minimum font size for page numbers and footnotes – 10. A larger font size may be used in headings and subheadings. The interval for the main text of the paper is 5. The text should be printed on one page only. A margin of 30 mm should be left on the left side of the page, and 20 mm on all other sides. A copy of the certificate of correspondence or military ticket (for military servicemen).

    Previous work/publication in the relevant field and/or participation in scientific-research projects and events and/or at least 2 years of work experience in the relevant field.

  • International certificate of English language proficiency at B2 level. In the absence of a certificate (IELTS-6.0; TOEFL-78; or another relevant international B2 level certificate), the university ensures knowledge of the said language at the B2 level through an internal test. The applicant's bachelor's or master's academic degree obtained abroad (in the case of successfully completing the program in the specified language) is equivalent to relevant language competence.
  • In the absence of a certificate, the university provides an internal test to determine the knowledge of the English language at B2 level (see exam sample)    
  • A candidate whose native language is not Georgian presents a certificate confirming knowledge of the Georgian language (B2 level)

 

The applicant may optionally submit: 

 

  • Proof of work experience
  • Proof of pedagogical experience
  • Other relevant documents

 

Prerequisites and evaluation criteria for admission to the interview:

 

Upon submission of the necessary documents, the contestant will be admitted to the interview. 

12.2.  The contestant goes through an interview in front of the admission commission, whose composition is approved by the president of Caucasus University on the recommendation of the dean of the Caucasus School of Law. The order is published together with the announcement of acceptance. 

12.3. The candidate's personal data will be reported to the commission by the secretary of the Dissertation Council.

12.4. A candidate will be considered enrolled in a PhD program if their grade average is at least 51 points.

12.5. The members of the PhD program admission commission evaluate the candidate according to a special evaluation form (criteria).

12.6. The maximum total score is 100. 

12.7. In the case of a competition, during the selection of the candidate, at the discretion of the commission, in addition to the minimum documents provided, the candidate should submit additional information and materials.

 

Dates:

 

It is possible to submit documents for the PhD program in law in 2024.

 

  • Deadline for receiving documents - December 25, 2024
  • The English exam will be held on January 10, 2024
  • Candidates will be interviewed on February 1, 2024

 

Terms of payment

 

The cost of the PhD program at the Caucasus Schol of Law is 18,000 GEL (6,000 GEL per year).