Public Law PhD
Mahmutbey Campus, Turkey
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Law
Altinbas University
Public Law
Program Overview: PhD in Public Law
The PhD in Public Law at Altinbas University is a research-intensive doctoral program designed to produce scholars and experts in the field of public law, with a particular focus on constitutional law, administrative law, and the relationship between the state and the individual. Situated in Istanbul, Turkey, this program draws on the country's unique legal landscape at the crossroads of European and Middle Eastern legal traditions.
Candidates engage in advanced coursework during the first four semesters, followed by a qualifying examination and an original doctoral dissertation. The program equips graduates with the analytical and research skills needed to contribute to legal scholarship, policy development, and academic leadership in public law.
Altinbas University, established in 2008 and officially recognized by YOK (the Turkish Council of Higher Education), provides a dynamic research environment with modern facilities across its Istanbul campuses. The university's Graduate School of Social Sciences oversees this program and ensures alignment with the Bologna Process and ECTS standards.
Key Program Highlights
- Research-focused curriculum covering constitutional law, administrative law, human rights, and EU law within the Turkish legal framework
- Access to Altinbas University's extensive library with over 56,000 publications and 1.35 million electronic resources
- Located in Istanbul, a major hub for legal practice, international organizations, and cross-border legal scholarship
- ECTS-based credit system aligned with the Bologna Process, facilitating international academic recognition
Curriculum and Modules
The PhD in Public Law curriculum is structured into a coursework phase, a qualifying examination, and a dissertation research phase. Students complete required and elective courses during the first four semesters, accumulating the necessary ECTS credits before advancing to independent research and thesis writing.
Advanced Constitutional Law
8 ECTSAn in-depth examination of constitutional theory, comparative constitutional systems, and the Turkish constitutional framework. Students analyze fundamental rights, separation of powers, and judicial review mechanisms.
Administrative Law and Governance
8 ECTSThis module explores the principles of administrative law, public administration structures, and the legal regulation of governmental authority. Topics include administrative procedure, judicial oversight of administrative acts, and public accountability.
Human Rights Law
8 ECTSA comprehensive study of international and European human rights frameworks, including the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in Turkish law. Students critically assess case law from the European Court of Human Rights.
Research Methodology in Law
8 ECTSThis module equips doctoral candidates with advanced legal research methods, including doctrinal analysis, comparative law methodology, empirical legal research, and academic writing for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
International Public Law
8 ECTSCovers the principles and sources of international public law, state sovereignty, international organizations, and the intersection of international law with domestic legal systems. Emphasis is placed on Turkey's role in international legal frameworks.
Doctoral Seminar and Thesis Proposal
8 ECTSA guided seminar in which candidates develop their doctoral thesis proposals, present preliminary research findings, and receive critical feedback from faculty and peers. Successful completion of this module leads to formal thesis registration.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the PhD in Public Law program at Altinbas University is competitive and designed to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds and clear research potential. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your dedicated point of contact throughout the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Master's DegreeA recognized master's degree with thesis in Law or a closely related field is required. The master's program must include a thesis component.
- Minimum GPAA minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (or equivalent) in previous graduate studies
- ALES ScoreA minimum score of 80 on the ALES (Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Exam) or equivalent GRE/GMAT score as determined by YOK equivalency tables
- Research ProposalA preliminary research proposal outlining the intended doctoral research area, objectives, and methodology
- InterviewShortlisted candidates may be required to attend an academic interview to assess readiness and fit for the doctoral program
Language Requirements
- Turkish ProficiencyTOMER B2 certificate or Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Proficiency Certificate required, as the program is taught in Turkish
- YDS ScoreA minimum YDS score of 55 or equivalent recognized foreign language exam score is required
- Alternative ExamsEquivalent scores from internationally recognized language exams accepted as per YOK equivalency guidelines
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Altinbas University offers various scholarship opportunities for international doctoral students based on academic merit and other criteria. Scholarship availability and amounts may vary by academic year. Contact Uni4Edu for the most current scholarship options and to explore your eligibility.
Altinbas Merit Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship available to high-achieving doctoral candidates that can cover a partial or full reduction of tuition fees based on academic performance and research potential.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the PhD in Public Law program are equipped for leadership roles in academia, government, international organizations, and legal practice. The program's rigorous research training and deep expertise in public law open doors to a wide range of career paths in Turkey and internationally.
Potential Career Roles
Potential Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Altinbas University has steadily built its reputation since its founding in 2008 and is officially recognized by YOK, the Turkish Council of Higher Education. The university has earned placements in several international ranking systems, reflecting its growing research output and commitment to academic quality.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #125 in Turkey |
| Law (Social Sciences and Humanities) | AD Scientific Index | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Overall in Turkey | YOK / National Rankings | Top 130 |
| Foundation Universities in Turkey | THE World University Rankings | #12 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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