Law student sues Cambridge after failing PhD

Cambridge law student Jacob Meagher is entering a legal case against the University due to the struggles and results of performing his PhD oral examination.

Having failed the ‘viva voce’ – the interview examination where the candidate defends their written thesis (in this case 100,000 words) – Meagher lost out on the opportunity to further his law career. In response, he is seeking “substantial damages” from the institution and believes a different method of achieving his PhD should have been provided.

The case was first brought forward last March, nearly a year after the original result of Meagher’s PhD, delivered in April 2023.

Summarising the claim, Mr Justice Constable said: “The claim alleges disability discrimination and victimisation of various kinds under the Equality Act 2010, breach of contract and breach of common law duty of care.

“[He] sought damages, on the basis that the non-completion of his PhD led to the lost opportunity to take up a tenancy as a barrister at a particular set of chambers and that Mr Meagher has, as such, suffered a substantial loss of earnings.”

Following the exam result, Cambridge suggested Meagher could re-submit and try again but retracted this offer later and refused the opportunity

The University had recommended forms of disability access in the viva voce, such as the interviewers asking specific questions rather than general ones and allowing breaks and pauses between questions and answers.

Following the exam result, Cambridge suggested Meagher could re-submit and try again but retracted this offer later and refused the opportunity.

Originally, the case against members of academic staff and the institution was dismissed in its 2024 hearing, as well as the aspects of contract breach. However, upon appeal, Mr Justice Constable agreed to reinstate the case against the institution on contract breach terms but still denied legal action against the staff.

This case is not about particular adjustments; it concerns the conduct of an institution which is well known for its poor record when it comes to disability, dispute resolution, and student mental health support

Jacob Meagher, law student

A qualified barrister since 2016, Mr Meagher said: “This case is not about particular adjustments; it concerns the conduct of an institution which is well known for its poor record when it comes to disability, dispute resolution, and student mental health support.”

The conduct of the viva voce and PhD system varies amongst countries and branches of education institutions.

Whilst in the UK this is a private examination between the student and two interviewers, in other countries it is seen as a ceremony, in which family, friends, and fellow students are invited to ask questions. Often, it is deemed a celebration of hard work instead of an extra examination.

Some consider a change in the UK PhD structure – to reflect its international counterparts – to be a necessary step for UK universities moving forward. Others advocate cutting the interview stage entirely for those individuals that cannot reflect on their findings as fairly as others.