PhD course in Comparative Law and Comparative Legal Methods

From 17–19 September 2025, the Faculty of Law at the University of Bergen hosted a PhD course in comparative law at Solstrand Hotel, organized by the Research Group for Legal Culture, Legal History and Comparative Law. The course is part of the KULTKOM project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, and brought together around 30 PhD candidates and 5 lecturers from more than 10 different countries. Through a dynamic mix of plenary sessions, and small-group discussions, participants explored how comparative legal methods, concepts, and theories can be applied to their own research projects. 

Participants praised the course for its academic depth, tailored feedback, and relevance to their work. Many highlighted the opportunity to engage with experts and peers on methodological challenges, and they appreciated the space to reflect on their own research in a supportive and interdisciplinary environment. The setting at Solstrand Hotel added a unique dimension to the experience, fostering informal conversations and a strong sense of community among participants.

With its international profile, high-quality academic content, and focus on practical application, the course was widely recommended by attendees as an essential opportunity for PhD candidates working with comparative legal analysis. Several participants even suggested it should be a compulsory part of doctoral training in law.