University of Bristol Law School
MSc in Social Legal Studies
Bristol, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 Aug 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 29,400 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* overseas/EU full-time. UK students full-time: £15,300; part-time: £7,650.
Key Summary
Offered jointly by the Law School and the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS), the programme explores contemporary legal issues from multiple perspectives. You will develop strong empirical research skills and theoretical insights, enabling critical examination and effective influence on legal and social policies.
Ideal for those interested in the dynamic relationship between law and society, this MSc is perfect for aspiring academics, PhD candidates, and professionals seeking to impact legal and social change. It provides robust research training, practical dissertation experience, and interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing you for careers in NGOs, government, or broader socio-legal fields.
Ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (REF 2021), the University of Bristol ensures you are challenged and inspired by world-leading academics. The programme is part of the South West Doctoral Training Partnership, offering interdisciplinary pathways with researchers from Bristol, Bath, UWE, and Exeter Universities.
Course structure
You will study two core units in the Law School and three core units in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. You will take one optional unit chosen from the Law School’s Supervised Individual Study (Socio Legal Studies) unit or those offered in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Methods of assessment will depend on the optional subjects chosen, but could include essays, presentations, or written examinations.
Your dissertation will build on the optional unit 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 Socio-Legal Studies.
University of Bristol is 8th in the UK and 51st in the world (QS World University rankings 2026)
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 2025/26
The Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences 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 funding webpages.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Graduating from a world-leading university* can open doors to careers in a variety of sectors. The MSc Socio-Legal Studies:
- 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.
- provides an ideal introduction to working for NGOs and other organisations that work for legal or social change, or within government.
- is good preparation for students choosing to enter the legal profession carrying with them a broader understanding of the way law operates within society.
Our careers and employability page provides more information about the support and opportunities we offer during your studies.
*Ranked 51st in the world (QS World University Ranking 2026)