MSc in Social Legal Studies
Bristol, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 26,700 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Overseas (including EU) full-time
Introduction
Overview
The MSc in Socio-Legal Studies presents an exciting opportunity to explore the role of law in society at a critical time in history and cultivate a deep understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of law and legal phenomena.
On the programme, you will develop rigorous research skills and the ability to engage in broader social understanding, providing a sound basis to progress to a PhD or a career in socio-legal research through the study of different research methodologies across the social sciences and law.
The MSc has an emphasis on practical research training; on the ability to plan, research and write a sophisticated dissertation; and on how to think in broad theoretical terms about law in society.
You will pursue independent, in-depth study of socio-legal topics, and engage in lively debates in a thriving research culture across social sciences and law. The range of units offered makes this master's programme suitable for graduates from any discipline who have an interest in the way law works in society.
The programme is one of five South West Doctoral Training Partnership interdisciplinary pathways delivered by world-leading researchers from the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England and University of Exeter.
Ranked #3 in the UK for legal research excellence (REF 2021)
Admissions
Curriculum
Course structure
You will study three core units in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies and two core units in the Law School.
You will take optional units up to a value of 30 credit points, chosen from across most of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. Units designed especially for this MSc that are offered by the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies are usually worth 20 credit points each. Units in the Law School are taken alongside LLM students, and are each worth 30 credit points.
Methods of assessment will depend on the optional subjects chosen, but could include essays, presentations or written examinations.
The dissertation accounts for 60 credit points. It should build on the optional units you have chosen and develop the approaches taken in the core units.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Socio-Legal Studies.
Scholarships and Funding
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2024/25
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 (MSc and PhD) and +3 (PhD) ESRC scholarships.
Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School fees and funding webpages.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Careers
The MSc in Socio-Legal Studies offers useful preparation for a number of careers.
- Foremost, the MSc is the academic basis and preparation for students choosing the 1+3 PhD programme (with three years of doctoral training following completion of this interdisciplinary master's degree). This is achievable if a student is awarded ESRC funding.
- It also provides an ideal introduction to working for NGOs and other organisations that work for legal or social change, or within government.
- Some students choose to enter the legal profession, carrying with them a broader understanding of the way law operates within society.