Fully Funded PhD Studentships in International Law and Anthropology at Dublin City University (DCU): Up to €25,000 Annual Stipend

Dublin City University (DCU) is offering two fully funded PhD studentships in Anthropology and International Law, providing an exceptional platform for students passionate about research, policy, and social impact.

Pursuing a PhD can be a life-changing step for aspiring researchers, especially when the opportunity comes with full funding and the chance to work on innovative global issues.

Overview of the PhD Opportunity

These full-time doctoral scholarships are hosted by the School of Law and Government at DCU and are set to begin in September 2026. The programme is based in Dublin, Ireland, though candidates may travel for fieldwork depending on their research needs. E

ach successful applicant will receive a generous annual stipend of €25,000, with tuition fees fully covered up to the non-EU rate.

The application deadline is 11 May 2026, making this an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates to secure funding for advanced academic research in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About the CAREINTLAW Project

The PhD positions are part of a prestigious European Research Council (ERC)-funded project titled Centring Care in International Law (CAREINTLAW). Led by Professor Catherine O’Rourke, this five-year research initiative explores how “care” is understood and applied within international law frameworks.

The project draws on feminist care ethics to investigate how legal systems can better address human needs and sustain relationships. By combining legal theory, ethnographic methods, and creative approaches, CAREINTLAW aims to reshape how international law is interpreted and practiced globally.

Research Streams Available

Applicants are encouraged to develop their own research ideas aligned with the overarching theme of care in international law. The programme offers flexibility and supports diverse academic interests through two main research streams:

1. International Law (Doctrinal and Theoretical)

This stream is ideal for candidates interested in legal theory and analysis. Researchers may explore how care is reflected in legal texts, institutions, or specific areas of international law. Topics may include feminist legal theory or broader conceptual approaches to care within global governance systems.

2. Ethnography of International Law

This pathway suits applicants who want to examine how international law operates in real-world contexts. Research may involve studying institutions, communities, or organisations and how care is practiced or constrained in these settings. While prior ethnographic experience is helpful, it is not mandatory, as training and support will be provided.

Support and Research Environment

Successful candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research community. The programme offers close academic supervision, professional development opportunities, and the freedom to shape individual research directions.

Additionally, funding is available for fieldwork and related research activities, ensuring that students can fully explore their topics without financial barriers.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must submit the following:

• A Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• A Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages, excluding references), including:
  • Academic background
  • Research objectives
  • Methodology
  • Timeline and structure

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview in mid-May 2026. Candidates may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency if required.

Applications should be submitted via email before the deadline.

Submission

Please send your completed application to: [email protected]

Application deadline: 11 May 2026, 17:00 (Ireland)

Why Apply?

This PhD opportunity stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, strong funding package, and focus on socially relevant research. It is particularly suited for candidates interested in law, anthropology, human rights, and feminist theory.

With access to expert supervision, international research exposure, and a collaborative academic environment, this programme provides a solid foundation for a career in academia, policy, or global advocacy.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about exploring how care can reshape international law and are looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe, this programme at Dublin City University is worth serious consideration.

The combination of financial support, research freedom, and global relevance makes it a compelling option for aspiring scholars.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.