UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL · UNITED KINGDOM
MSc Socio-Legal Studies
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS 9LAWD014T
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€34k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 54thWorld ranking for Law (Times Higher Education 2026)
- 9thUK ranking for Law (Times Higher Education 2026)
- 3rdUK ranking for legal research excellence (REF 2021)
- 94%Research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
This MSc program offers a blend of rigorous research training and interdisciplinary insights into the complex relationship between law and society. You'll develop strong empirical research skills and gain theoretical knowledge to critically analyze and influence legal and social policies. The program is ideal for those interested in socio-legal change, aspiring academics, PhD candidates, or professionals aiming to make an impact. It provides a robust foundation for careers in NGOs, government, or broader socio-legal fields, drawing on world-leading research from the University of Bristol Law School.
Curriculum
The program structure involves engaging with course materials through a mix of lectures, seminars, skills workshops, and independent learning. You will interact regularly with tutors who are leaders in their fields and with your peers. Assessments may include essays and oral presentations.
- Core Units
- Social and Legal Theory
- Advanced Legal and Socio-Legal Research Methods
- Elective/Optional Units
- Unit from Law School (LLM units available)
- Unit from School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
- Dissertation
- Independent research project building on optional unit and core unit approaches
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a range of careers in sectors such as research, teaching, public service, and policy. The program provides an academic basis for PhD study (1+3 PhD program), a strong foundation for working with NGOs or government bodies focused on legal or social change, and excellent preparation for those entering the legal profession with an enhanced understanding of law's societal context.
- NGOs
- Government departments
- Legal profession
- Research
- Teaching
- Public service
- Policy
- Crown Prosecution Service
- Home Office
- Racial justice initiatives
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Socio-Legal Studies program?
- Applicants should have an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Law, or a related non-law degree such as Sociology, Social Policy, Geography, Economics, or Politics. Relevant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months paid) may also be considered for candidates without a listed degree subject.
- What are the tuition fees for the MSc Socio-Legal Studies program?
- For Home students, the tuition fee is £15,700 per year. For International students, the tuition fee is £29,400 per year. Fees are subject to annual review and may increase by up to 8% each year for programs longer than one year.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, University of Bristol students and graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Discount, offering a 25% reduction in tuition fees. Additionally, the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences has an allocation of 1+3 (MSc and PhD) and +3 (PhD) ESRC scholarships.
- When are the application deadlines for the MSc Socio-Legal Studies program?
- The application deadline for Overseas applicants is August 13, 2026, and for Home applicants, it is September 10, 2026. Places are allocated on a continuous basis from September 2025 until filled, so early application is strongly advised.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this program?
- Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, teaching, public service, and policy, including roles in NGOs, government departments, and the legal profession. The program also provides a strong academic basis for PhD study through the 1+3 PhD program.
Entry requirements
Upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Law
Upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in a related non-law degree (e.g., Sociology, Social Policy, Geography, Economics, Politics)
English language proficiency (Profile Level B)
Applications will also be considered from candidates with significant relevant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months paid) if their degree subject is not listed. Applications may be considered with slightly lower interim or final grades, potentially with an aspirational offer. A relevant postgraduate qualification may strengthen applications with grades below entry requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)£29,400 per year
Tuition (home)£15,700 per year
Living—
Fees are subject to annual review. Budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year for programmes longer than one year.
How to apply
1. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the application form through the University of Bristol's online system.
2. Provide Supporting DocumentsEnsure all required documents are submitted with your application. Refer to the admissions statement for specifics.
Scholarships
Alumni Discount25% reduction in tuition fees
ESRC Scholarships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Socio-Legal Studies program?
+
Applicants should have an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Law, or a related non-law degree such as Sociology, Social Policy, Geography, Economics, or Politics. Relevant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months paid) may also be considered for candidates without a listed degree subject.
What are the tuition fees for the MSc Socio-Legal Studies program?
+
For Home students, the tuition fee is £15,700 per year. For International students, the tuition fee is £29,400 per year. Fees are subject to annual review and may increase by up to 8% each year for programs longer than one year.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, University of Bristol students and graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Discount, offering a 25% reduction in tuition fees. Additionally, the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences has an allocation of 1+3 (MSc and PhD) and +3 (PhD) ESRC scholarships.
When are the application deadlines for the MSc Socio-Legal Studies program?
+
The application deadline for Overseas applicants is August 13, 2026, and for Home applicants, it is September 10, 2026. Places are allocated on a continuous basis from September 2025 until filled, so early application is strongly advised.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this program?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, teaching, public service, and policy, including roles in NGOs, government departments, and the legal profession. The program also provides a strong academic basis for PhD study through the 1+3 PhD program.