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 University of Bristol Law School with Schools in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences , the programme explores contemporary legal issues from multiple perspectives. You will develop strong empirical research skills and theoretical insights, enhancing your capacity to examine critically the real-world effects of legal and social policies.
Designed for those interested in the dynamic relationship between law and society, this MSc is ideal for aspiring academics, PhD candidates and professionals seeking to impact legal and social change. The MSc provides robust research training, an opportunity to devise your own dissertation project and interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing you for careers in NGOs, government or broader socio-legal fields.
At the University of Bristol, the postgraduate student experience is enriched by a vibrant international community, diverse teaching methods and a group of scholars passionate about the law's impact on society and interdisciplinary research.
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.
You will study two core units in the Law School and three core units from elsewhere in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences. You will also have the opportunity to elect to either join one of the Law School's many LLM units or take a unit from the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Methods of assessment will depend on the optional subjects chosen but could include essays or oral presentations.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Socio-Legal Studies.
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 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 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, or if your subject is not listed above, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, 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.