Law
A postgraduate law degree allows students to develop specialist expertise in legal principles and practice while engaging critically with the role of law in addressing global, social, and commercial challenges. It provides a strong academic foundation while offering opportunities to specialise in areas such as international law, commercial law, human rights, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
The programme offers the opportunity to study core subjects including advanced legal theory, comparative law, international trade law, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks. Many courses also integrate case analysis, mooting, policy workshops, and independent research, enabling students to refine their legal reasoning, advocacy, and analytical skills.
Why study Postgraduate Degree in Law?
Studying law at postgraduate level is a chance to combine academic depth with practical application, preparing graduates for careers in legal practice, corporate sectors, international organisations, and public policy. It also provides a pathway to doctoral research or professional qualifications, equipping students to take on specialist or leadership roles within the legal field.
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Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
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A Master’s degree (Merit or Distinction) in Law (LLM) or a closely related legal discipline such as International Law, Human Rights, or Criminology.
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Applicants must also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or an equivalent qualification with at least a UK 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) classification.
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Graduates from other disciplines (e.g. Politics, Philosophy, or International Relations) may be considered if they demonstrate strong legal or research expertise relevant to the proposed area of study.
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International qualifications must be equivalent to UK standards (evaluation via UK ENIC may be required).
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Prestigious institutions (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, King’s College London) typically expect a first-class undergraduate degree and a Distinction-level LLM.
Work Experience Requirements
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Work experience is not a formal requirement for admission to a PhD in Law, though relevant professional experience is highly regarded.
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Applicants with backgrounds in legal practice, policy, government, or academia often strengthen their applications by demonstrating applied understanding of legal systems.
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Research experience, published work, or academic teaching assistantships are advantageous.
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For professionally oriented doctorates (e.g. Doctor of Juridical Science – SJD), legal practice experience may be required.
English Language Requirements
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IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 7.0–7.5, with no component below 6.5.
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TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 100, with minimum section scores around 25.
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PTE Academic: Overall score of 70–76, with no skill below 62.
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Applicants whose previous degree was taught in English or obtained in a majority English-speaking country may be exempt from submitting English test scores.
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Top research universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE) typically require IELTS 7.5 overall, with writing and reading bands of at least 7.0.
Additional Application Documents
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Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from all completed qualifications (with certified English translations if required).
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Comprehensive research proposal (usually 1,500–3,000 words) outlining your intended topic, research aims, key questions, methodology, and contribution to legal scholarship.
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Personal statement or statement of academic purpose detailing your research interests, motivations, and how your background aligns with the proposed PhD.
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Curriculum vitae (CV) including academic achievements, publications, conference presentations, internships, and relevant legal experience.
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Two or three academic references, at least one from a supervisor familiar with your research or legal writing skills.
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Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
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Some departments may also request a sample of written academic work, such as an LLM dissertation chapter, legal research paper, or published article.
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A few universities (e.g., LSE) may ask for GRE/GMAT results for applicants from non-UK institutions, although this is uncommon.
