MSc Socio-Legal Studies
- MSc
Overview
The MSc Socio-Legal Studies blends rigorous research training with interdisciplinary insights on how law interacts with society. Emphasising empirical research and practical application, this programme prepares you to influence future legal and social policies, positioning you at the forefront of socio-legal change.
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.
Programme 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.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Law
OR
an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent non-law degree in a related field, such as Sociology, Social Policy, Social Welfare, Public Administration, Social Administration, Demography/Population Studies, Geography, Economics, Political Science, History and Philosophy.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will also consider your application if your subject is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months, paid) in fields including, but not limited to: government departments, NGOs, Think-Tanks.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £15,700 per year
- Home: part-time
- £7,850 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,400 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
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 and scholarships
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.
Career prospects
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)
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk