The MA in Law is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline who aspire to pursue a legal career. It is similar to a 'Graduate LLB' or a 'Law Conversion Course (GDL)' but studied over two years, providing a greater depth of study and comprehensive legal grounding. Students who have completed this programme can proceed to the professional stage of legal training with the advantage of gaining a master's level postgraduate law degree.
You will develop a thorough grounding in the seven foundations of legal knowledge - Contract, Land Law, Public Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, EU Law and Trusts. For your eighth subject, you will choose from a wide range of optional postgraduate units from our LLM programme catalogue , or research and write your own research project under the expert supervision of a member of staff.
Designed for those aiming for a legal career or seeking other professional roles across the public and private sectors, this programme develops the advanced analytical, communication and research skills valued by top employers.
Our vibrant international community and diverse teaching methods enrich the postgraduate experience at the University of Bristol. You'll engage with course materials and benefit from regular, in-depth interaction with tutors who are leaders in their fields, as well as with your peers, through a blend of lectures, seminars, bespoke skills workshops and structured independent learning.
In year one, you will study two core units in each of the two semesters. Each unit also starts by introducing you to the key legal skills that will enable you to research, think and write like a lawyer, preparing you for the substantive content you will study. Year two comprises the three final core units, with integrated skills teaching, plus a further optional unit of your choice.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the MA in Law.
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.
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 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 additional relevant qualifications. Please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
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 .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.