Ph.D. in Law

The doctoral program at IDC Herzliya is designed to enable a selected group of highly qualified candidates to develop independent scientific research and writing capabilities at the highest academic level. The program is intended for those who have successfully completed LL.M or MA studies in a thesis or non-thesis track, whether with or without practical experience. The program aims to develop knowledge and understanding in additional areas of the law in order to promote interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research. We believe graduates will become valuable to the public, private and third sector as well as academia.

Prof. Amir Licht
Prof. Amir Licht

Program Head

Head Program Welcome

About the Program:


  • The study program will be divided into two stages: The first stage is devoted to a year-long theoretical studies as well as the formulation of dissertation proposal. To this end at this stage, non-thesis students will take complementary studies and/or write an essay equivalent to a thesis. The second stage is devoted to writing an original dissertation with a fundamental contribution to the legal research, which complies with accepted research standards.
  • The study program at the first stage will include a yearlong research workshop for Ph.D. candidates (4 credits), legal courses in English taught by international visiting professors (4 credits), graduate-level electives offered in other Reichman University schools (2 credits) and participation throughout the doctoral studies in the non-credit Doctoral Colloquium in which students will present their work.
  • Following the successful submission of the dissertation, and in accordance with the traditions and highest European standards, the doctoral student will defend his dissertation in a festive event before the Examination Committee and an audience consisting of academics experts and other students.
  • Doctoral students will be exempt from all of tuition payments and will enjoy a thriving research-oriented work environment that will facilitate their independent research.

  • The program is designed for candidates holding a Master’s Degree (LL.M.) in law with a thesis or candidates who completed LL.M. studies without a thesis (subject to complimentary studies) as well as for holders of an undergraduate degree in Law (LL.B.) and candidates who completed M.A studies with or without a thesis.
  • Candidates will submit, with the application form a consent letter by a designated supervisor from among the Radzyner Law School faculty ranked as a senior lecturer or higher together with a an initial dissertation proposal. It is therefore advisable to speak to the designated doctoral supervisor at an early stage in order to coordinate mutual expectations. Candidates in the non-thesis tracks are also required to submit a preliminary research proposal after coordinating with the designated doctoral supervisor’s approval.
  • Out of all qualified candidates, the Higher Committee and the School Committee for Ph.D. Students will choose only a limited number of selected candidates who will be eligible to start the doctoral studies.
  • In 2019/2020 academic year, the Founder and President of the Interdisciplinary Center will grant one scholarship in the amount of NIS 30,000 per year, for a period of two years, to a candidate whom the Advisory Committee for Doctoral Studies chooses as the most promising one.