A PhD is recommended for those seeking to deepen their knowledge in a specific area and who wish to work in research in the future. Specifically, a PhD in Law focuses on the study of constitutional principles and their repercussions in other branches of law.
Although it is often recommended for those who want to become professors or pursue a research career, a PhD in Law can be a turning point in a legal career. Everything will depend on where the person interested in entering this stage is currently, both professionally and academically.
If you are considering pursuing a PhD in Law, keep reading, as we will present five reasons to invest in this certification.
But first, let's explain in more detail what the course is, what the requirements are to pursue a PhD, and what legal scientific research is like in Brazil.
About the PhD
A doctorate, like an academic or professional master's degree , is a stricto sensu postgraduate program —these take place after graduation.
Master's and Doctoral programs are academic and research-oriented in nature, aiming to deepen scientific training. Postgraduate studies (stricto sensu) award diplomas and academic degrees in the form of Master's or Doctoral titles.
The PhD program has a minimum duration of two years. It is necessary to present a thesis or final project as defined in institutional regulations, and for this, the candidate must study a certain number of subjects related to their area of concentration.
During the program, students must also take partial and general exams. At the end of the course, after passing all stages, the student will receive a diploma.
Requirements for entering a PhD program.
According to the Ministry of Education (MEC) , stricto sensu courses are open to candidates who have graduated from undergraduate higher education courses and who meet the requirements of the educational institutions and the student selection notice (art. 44, III, Law No. 9.394/1996 ).
Given this, a question arises among those interested in pursuing a PhD: "Do I need to have completed a Master's degree first?" The answer is: it depends.
Each institution has specific requirements for doctoral applicants. Basically, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC), the minimum requirement common to all educational institutions is a higher education diploma.
Some institutions even require candidates to be fluent in at least two languages, for example. The criteria may change according to each specific application process.
Although it is not a requirement to have completed a Master's degree before entering a Doctoral program, this path is usually the most common among those building an academic career.
About the selection process
Generally, before actually entering a PhD program, it is still necessary to go through a selection process . First, the applicant must meet the requirements of the institution they are interested in.
Next, you will need to go through personal interviews, in addition to having research skills, especially in the research area. At this point, having previously completed a Master's degree, either academic or professional , can facilitate validation and relevance to the research.
Last but not least, the student needs to have an original thesis from the very beginning of its development, with the support of a supervisor.
Challenges of a PhD in Law
When starting a PhD program, students need to be aware of the challenges they will face along the way. After all, this is one of the biggest steps in academic life (if not the biggest!).
Among the challenges of a PhD in Law is, undoubtedly, the production of a thesis . This thesis must be original, that is, completely unpublished. This will require a great deal of reading and dedication throughout the program.
The student will also need to participate in conferences, events, and research groups to enrich their critical thinking and strengthen their research.
Therefore, it will be necessary to set aside a significant portion of time to dedicate to activities related to the PhD program during the course.
Doctorate in Law in professional objectives
Undoubtedly, further training in a particular area will contribute not only to academic success, especially in Law.
The perspective gained through a PhD includes a greater understanding of reality and, consequently, the possibility of acting in a transformative professional career. This is especially true in a niche where market demands are constantly increasing.
Thus, the knowledge offered by a PhD in Law, for example, can have a unique impact on legal practice.
Graduates will be able to put into practice, for example, in offices, classrooms, or public institutions, all the technical skills acquired during their doctoral studies.
5 advantages of a PhD in Law
Pursuing a PhD can undoubtedly change a professional's life. Below, we list five reasons why you should consider investing in this stage of your professional and academic career.
Check it out!
Professional authority
A doctoral degree will guarantee greater professional authority—especially in the chosen research area. The credibility gained after completing the course is undeniable and can open doors in the job market and in academia.
This is because a doctoral program offers a much greater theoretical depth than other specializations. Therefore, it is common for a PhD holder to become an authority on a particular subject upon achieving this qualification.
Networking
During a PhD program, it's possible to build an excellent network, whether within research groups, in the classroom, or even at events during the program.
Specifically in a PhD program in Law, it is common to see judges, professionals, professors, freelancers, and other professional categories seeking common ground and willing to exchange experiences and knowledge.
Career opportunities
After completing a PhD in Law, many career opportunities are available to graduates. Among the main ones are teaching or research, but in addition, there is the possibility of becoming a lecturer or working in the private sector, for example.
Higher remuneration
Pursuing a PhD can increase a professional's salary by up to six times, according to data from a study conducted by the Center for Management and Strategic Studies in conjunction with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications. For many, this is a great reason to dedicate themselves to studying to become a PhD.
Internationalization
Some universities offer incentives for their doctoral students to further their thesis work at institutions abroad.
IDP , for example, establishes agreements with renowned foreign universities and institutes to give students the opportunity to experience periods of international study and research.
The international agreements signed by IDP enable entry into more than 15 educational institutions in approximately 6 different countries.
Conclusion
Pursuing a PhD in Law can bring numerous achievements in different areas: personal, academic, and/or professional. After all, the graduate becomes a specialist in a field of knowledge.
The possibilities for those with a PhD in Law go far beyond an academic career. The degree can be a game-changer in other careers, as it confers an air of authority and considerable prestige in an increasingly competitive market.
Furthermore, the journey towards obtaining the degree allows the student to acquire valuable skills, especially in research, and thus be able to contribute to different areas of knowledge and work in the legal field.
At IDP, for example, the PhD program in Law includes research on fundamental rights, constitutional procedure and jurisdiction, and proposes new interpretations of various areas of law in light of constitutional principles.
The institution is nationally recognized for the quality of legal education it has offered for over 23 years. Its faculty is renowned and includes leading names in Brazilian law, among them Supreme Court justices and PhDs.
Visit the IDP website to learn more about our Doctoral , Academic Master's , and Professional Master's programs.
