The Faculty of Law of VU University Amsterdam offers PhD candidates a stimulating research environment, both for PhD candidates employed by the faculty (internal PhD candidates) and external PhD candidates.
A PhD candidate working full-time writes a dissertation in four years under the supervision of a professor who has expertise in the relevant domain. An day to day supervisor is also involved in each PhD trajectory, who - depending on the requirements of the PhD candidate - offers close process guidance. Every PhD candidate is also automatically a member of the Graduate School.
In addition to conducting research, all PhD candidates must achieve 30 EC of education/training. Also, most internal PhD candidates are involved in teaching during the middle years of their track. This can be in the form of (guest) lectures, tutorials or thesis supervision. In this way they are well prepared for a further career in science, in which education and research play the greatest role.
In the legal discipline it has traditionally been customary to obtain a doctorate on the basis of a monograph. However, some research topics lend themselves perfectly to writing articles that can then be used for a PhD. In such cases, the faculty encourages its PhD candidates to write a paper-based dissertation.
To be eligible for a PhD position, you must hold a Master's degree or have successfully completed the doctoral examination or a related examination. Available internal PhD positions are announced on the VU website, see vacancies. Talented students are also sometimes actively approached for a PhD track.
Starting February 1 2026, the faculty charges an anual tuition fee for PhD candidates without a VU employment contract. More information can be found here.