Hello everyone,

As we eagerly await the Oxford and Cambridge decision I thought I would ask a very important question: After one completes their masters is there a set period that you have in order to embark on the PhD? Those who have done an LLB will know that once you have done this, you have to take the LPC or BPTC within 5 years. Is there a same type of period for the PhD or can you do it in, say, 10 years after you've done your masters?

No, I doubt whether any institution applies such a rule.

There is good reason for the time restriction existing with the post-LLB qualification route as it ensures individuals are not coming to the profession with law from a bygone era and it also ensures a greater likelihood that entrants have had continuing engagement with, and interest in, legal issues. The PhD exists for a different purpose and therefore doesn't require such a restriction. I can think of people who have allowed decades to pass between their undergraduate/ taught postgraduate studies and commencement of research degrees.

Hope this is helpful. Good luck with your applications.