DCL

An abbreviation for Doctor of Civil Law, a higher doctorate awarded by a number of universities, particularly in Britain and the Commonwealth. At the University of Oxford, the DCL is one of the University’s higher doctorates and has traditionally been awarded for a substantial and distinguished body of published research in law. Oxford’s DCL dates from the medieval university and ranks among its most senior academic degrees. The abbreviation is not exclusive to Oxford: other universities, including Durham and McGill, have awarded DCL degrees, with requirements and status varying between institutions.