MSc Socio-Legal Studies

Program Overview

The MSc in Socio-Legal Studies explores the multifaceted role of law in society, offering a comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to law. Through rigorous research training and engagement in lively debates, graduates cultivate critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of law's societal impact, preparing them for careers in academia, social change organizations, government, or even the legal profession.

Program Outline

On the program, 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. 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 program suitable for graduates from any discipline who have an interest in the way law works in society.

Outline:

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.

Assessment:

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.

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 program (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 organizations 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.

Other:

The program 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.

UK: full-time £13,700 per year UK: part-time (two years) £6,850 per year Overseas: full-time £26,700 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.