Applicant information
What happens after you apply to Bristol?
MSc in Socio-Legal Studies
| Awards Available | MSc |
|---|---|
| Duration of programme | One year full-time; two years part-time |
| Part-time study available? | Yes |
| Number of places | 20 |
Page contents
Programme overview
This programme develops your knowledge and understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of law and legal phenomena. It provides a sound research training for students wishing to proceed 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 in socio-legal studies, engaging in lively debates in a thriving research culture across social sciences and law.
A range of units is offered, suitable for graduates from any discipline who have an interest in the way law works (or fails to work) in society. Methods of assessment may include essays, presentations and/ or written examinations, depending on the optional subject(s) chosen, together with the dissertation.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in any discipline. A background in law is not essential; training will be given during the programme.
For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.
Admissions statement
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Programme structure
Core units
Three units in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
- Comparative Research Design
- Qualitative Social Research
- Quantitative Social Research
Two units in the University of Bristol Law School
- Advanced Legal and Socio-legal Research Methods
- Social and Legal Theory
Optional units
You will take optional subjects up to a value of 30 credit points, chosen from across most of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law and beyond. Units designed especially for the MSc offered by the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies are each usually worth 20 credit points. Units in the Law School are taken along alongside LLM students, and are each worth 30 credit points. Units in the MA in Anthropology are each worth 15 credit points.
Dissertation
The dissertation accounts for 60 credit points. It should build upon the optional unit(s) and develop the approaches taken in the compulsory units. You will be expected to demonstrate an ability to:
- frame a research question and use an appropriate methodology in response to that question
- organise discussion and select material pertinent to the topic
- show appropriate higher-level knowledge and understanding of the background context
Application deadline: 1 September 2014
Get in touch
Postgraduate Office
University of Bristol Law School
Wills Memorial Building
Queens Road
Bristol
BS8 1RJ
Tel: +44 (0)117 954 5357 or 5225
Email: law-pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/law
International students
Open to international students? Yes
English-language requirements: 7.0 with at least 6.5 in the reading and writing bands and 5.5 in all other bands, in addition to the standard entry requirements.
Find information for international students on eligibility, funding options and studying at Bristol.
Fees and funding
2014/15 fees
Full-time: UK/EU £5,800;
overseas £14,100
Part-time: UK/EU £2,900;
overseas n/a
Fees stated are per annum and subject to annual increase.
Funding options
ESRC recognition is available for 1+3, +3 and CASE studentships. The School has a number of quota awards for 1+3 or +3. ESRC deadlines are in March/April each year. Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students is available from the Student Funding Office website.
Research Assessment Score
Unit of Assessment 38 applies. See Complete RAE listings for University of Bristol for further details.
Useful further information
Accommodation
Our Accommodation Office helps all postgraduate students find accommodation.
Living in Bristol
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