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Durham Law School
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Research

Durham Law School is recognised internationally for excellence in legal education and research. Ranked among the UK’s top 5 law schools by The Guardian, The Times, and the Complete University Guide 2026, we are also a top-60 law school in the 2025 QS World Rankings.

We are at the forefront of doctrinal, theoretical and interdisciplinary debates where our contributions have made a significant impact within the UK and worldwide. Examples include our work on reforming the legal regulation of expression, particularly media freedom and the availability of extreme pornography. Other areas include debates on the meaning and modern shape of federalism, citizenship, and immigration policy in the UK, the EU, and beyond. Our research has examined law’s capacity to respond to technological change, particularly in biotechnology and security, including oversight of intelligence agencies. We contribute to debates surrounding Brexit.

Our vibrant community brings together a diverse and international group of academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and visiting scholars. Durham Law School is an inclusive academic community that supports leading researchers while nurturing the next generation of legal thinkers. Students are actively involved in our research culture and contribute to ongoing projects across the school. Durham Law School is a member of the International Association of Law Schools and the American Society of Comparative Law, and all staff belong to the UK’s principal legal academic body, the Society of Legal Scholars. 

  • Impact and Influence

    Our academic staff produce world-leading research creating significant legal impact. Durham Law School's scholars advise parliamentarians and policy-makers around the world, called to give evidence in parliament, have their research cited and quoted by the courts and international bodies.
    Close-up of a laptop

  • Research Groups

    Our Research Groups act as enablers of intellectual innovation in both current and future research. Every member of the School is a member of one or more groups, enabling individuals to trial ideas and build research collaborations, with researchers and stakeholders both within and beyond Durham.
    Staff outside Palatine centre

Impact and Influence

Our academic staff produce world-leading research creating significant legal impact. Durham Law School's scholars advise parliamentarians and policy-makers around the world, called to give evidence in parliament, have their research cited and quoted by the courts and international bodies.
Close-up of a laptop

Research Groups

Our Research Groups act as enablers of intellectual innovation in both current and future research. Every member of the School is a member of one or more groups, enabling individuals to trial ideas and build research collaborations, with researchers and stakeholders both within and beyond Durham.
Staff outside Palatine centre
Work with us

FSS International Brochure

The Faculty of Social Sciences has an extensive global collaboration in research and education with partners across the world, promoting Social Science solutions to the world’s greatest challenges.

The stories presented in our International Brochure demonstrate sustained and positive engagement with international partners, particularly around work with social justice in society and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Our eight departments have funded research projects on every continent.
Find out more in our International Brochure
Abstract blue illustration with web around a globe

  

Get in touch

Enquiries about Durham Law School and our courses should be sent via the contact links below.

Durham Law School

Durham University
Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE