MA Law

Overview

At a critical time in history, our MA in Law presents an exciting opportunity for you to move into a highly sought-after field of study - and graduate to meet a growing demand from organisations worldwide for expert lawyers that can embrace challenges and innovation.

Our programmes are well-respected by leading law firms*. As an accelerated, fast-track, senior status postgraduate degree, the MA in Law builds on the fact that you have already benefited from a university-level education, allowing you to graduate in just two years versus the three years it would normally take to obtain an LLB.

Choosing the MA will enable you to develop core legal skill and a solid understanding of the foundation areas of legal knowledge, alongside options for further specialist study. This will see you gain a deeper understanding of law and legal reasoning than is possible with a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law - and access to a wider range of careers.

You will be challenged and inspired by world-leading academics dedicated to progressive and innovative thinking in a multitude of legal fields, presenting you with an exciting opportunity to explore some of the most challenging legal questions facing today's global society.

The intellectually demanding, research-rich curriculum our academics deliver is what makes our graduates stand out. Able to demonstrate excellent legal, analytical and research skills they are empowered to pursue top-flight roles in the legal, business, finance, criminal and technology sectors, or as specialist in-house lawyers.

Find out how you can do more with law at the University of Bristol Law School.

Ranked #4 in UK for most graduate trainees recruited by top law firms (Chambers Student Guide 2019).

Programme structure

We have a large and vibrant international community and University of Bristol MA students benefit from small class sizes. There are four core units in year one, which are assessed by examination and/or coursework.

You will also benefit from an intensive 'Thinking Like A Lawyer' unit at the beginning of the degree to help prepare you for your substantive units. Year two includes three core units plus a further optional unit of your choice.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Law.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline. Applicants with a lower class of degree with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Admissions Statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

English language requirements

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

UK: full-time: £10,700 per year
UK: part-time (two years): £5,350 per year
Overseas: full-time: £24,700 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 for 2023/24

Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School fees and funding webpages. This includes information about the Law School's Think Big about Global Justice Scholarships, open to international postgraduate students.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduating from a world-leading law school* will open doors for careers in a variety of sectors. Individuals who have completed the MA in Law have gone on to:

qualify as solicitors or barristers in the UK, and as lawyers in other jurisdictions,
work in private practice, as in-house legal counsel for businesses or in the public sector,
act as advisers in international organisations, or for international NGOs and other agencies,
study further in the UK or overseas.

Please visit our Careers and Employability webpage for more information.

*A top 50 Law School (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022).