Overview

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

As an accelerated, 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 in Law will enable you to progress onto the Bar Practice Course or prepare, in part, for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) - developing core legal skills and a solid understanding of the seven foundations of legal knowledge.

You will also have opportunities to gain Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) through our law clinics - and gain free access to career development resources from our partner, BPP University, designed to help aspiring solicitors and barristers prepare for the SQE or the Bar.

Choosing a postgraduate law degree from the University of Bristol will see you embark on an intellectually demanding, research-rich curriculum that will make you stand out to future employers. 

Challenged and inspired by world-leading academics, you will be able to demonstrate excellent legal, analytical and research skills and be empowered to pursue a top-flight career in or beyond law. That is why our programmes are well-respected by leading law firms*.

* Fourth most targeted university by top UK employers (High Fliers 2023)

Programme structure

We have a large and vibrant international community and 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. Professional experience is not required. Recognised Prior Learning is not currently accepted.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant qualifications.

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.

Go to admissions statement

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 (two years)
£13,700 per year
UK: part-time (four years)
£6,850 per year
Overseas: full-time (two years)
£26,700 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 2024/25

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.

The Law School has partnered with BPP University to offer law students the Bridge Programme, a free career development course to help aspiring solicitors and barristers prepare for their future careers, through two distinct pathways. Find out more about the Bridge Programme.

Please visit our Careers and Employability webpage for more information.

*A top 60 Law School (QS World Rankings 2023).