MRes Law
SOAS University of London
Key Information
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 16,400 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* UK full-time fees; £23,680: UK full-time fees
Introduction
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
The MRes in Law aims to provide students with advanced skills in legal research, the ability to undertake high-level analysis of law and legal issues with a focus on areas of research specific to the School of Law at SOAS, a grasp of the research methods that underpin the discipline and its place in the humanities and the social sciences, a grounding in legal research methods, and the ethics of legal research.
The MRes in Law is especially suited to candidates who wish to undertake a PhD or professional research in law. It prepares students to undertake high-quality research.
Why study MRes in Law at SOAS
- We are UK Top 20 and World Top 200 for Law (QS World University Rankings 2021)
- SOAS MRes in Law is a unique qualification that brings together in-depth training in research and research methods focused on the research done in the School of Law. This is combined with other courses that are specific to SOAS and often not available anywhere else
- The degree has been developed to meet the needs of both researchers and practitioners. The programme is thus ideally suited to prepare for a PhD in Law at SOAS, or alternatively as a stand-alone qualification, for instance, for jobs requiring in-depth policy research
Centre for Human Rights Law
The area of human rights, conflict and justice occupies an important place in the SOAS School of Law, which is home to the SOAS Centre for Human Rights Law. The Centre provides a focal point for research activities and regular events, and an opportunity for postgraduate students to become involved and engage with the SOAS research community and actors in the field.
Admissions
Gallery
Curriculum
Structure
Students must take modules to a total value of 180, consisting of a dissertation (90 credits) and 90 credits of taught modules. Taught modules are worth either 15 or 30 credits.
Students who wish to graduate with an MRes in Law are required to follow the structure set out below.
Please note: Not all modules listed will be available every year. Please see the individual module page for information.
Dissertation
Dissertation (20,000 words), on a topic related to the degree programme.
- MRes in Law Dissertation
Taught Component
Compulsory Modules
- Research Methods in Law
- Research Methods in Management
and
Choose a module(s) from the List of Law Options below to the value of 30 credits
or
Choose a Language module(s) from Postgraduate Open Options to the value of 30 credits
and
Choose a module from the List of PGT Law options below to the value of 15 credits.
List of Modules (subject to availability)
- Preliminary Law, Legal Reasoning and Legal Methods
- Colonialism, Empire and International Law
- Comparative Constitutional Law
- Foundations of International Law
- Gender and the Law of War
- Gender, Sexuality and Law: Selected Topics
- Gender, Sexuality and Law: Theories and Methodologies
- International Criminal Law
- International Investment Law
- Justice, Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Post-Conflict Societies
- Law and Policy of International Courts and Tribunal
- Law and Postcolonial Theory
- Law and Society in Southeast Asia
- Law, Rights & Social Change
- The Law of Armed Conflict
- Water Justice: Rights, Access and Movements (Law)
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Climate Change Law and Policy
- Human Rights and Islamic Law
- International Commercial Arbitration
- International Human Rights Clinic
- International Protection of Human Rights
- Islamic Law (MA/LLM)
- Law and Development in Africa
- Law and Natural Resources
- Law and Society in South Asia
- Law and Society in The Middle East and North Africa
- Islamic Law in Global Financial Markets
- Israel, Palestine, and International Law (30 credits)
- Multinational Enterprises and the Law
- Human Rights of Women
- Justice, Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Post Conflict Societies
- Intellectual Property Law (PG)
- International laws on the use of force
- Gender, Sexuality and Law: Theories and Methodologies
- Law, Environment and Social Justice
- International Migration Law
- International Refugee Law
- Law and Global Commons
- Law and Justice in Contemporary China
- Mapping International Law in London - International Legal Geography in the Capital of Empire
- International Environmental Law I: Principles, Institutions & Enforcement
- International Environmental Law II: Biodiversity, Wildlife & Habitats
- The Prohibition of Torture in International Law
- Water and Development: Commodification, Ecology and Globalisation (Law)
- Multinational Enterprises and the Law I
- Multinational Enterprises and the Law II
- Business and Human Rights in the Global Economy
- Comparative Company Law
- Israel, Palestine, and International Law (15 credits)
- Palestine, Resistance, and the Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution I
- Alternative Dispute Resolution II
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.
Career Opportunities
Employment
SOAS Law graduates leave SOAS as civic-minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to their communities and societies. With a thorough understanding of the legal dimensions underlying many of our global challenges today, our Law students are valued by employers due to their analytical skills, specialist knowledge, and global perspective.
Careers
Recent School of Law SOAS graduates has been hired by organisations including:
- PwC LLP
- BLM Law
- BloombergNEF
- British Medical Association
- Clifford Chance
- DAC Beachcroft LLP
- Department for Work and Pensions
- EY
- HM Treasury
- Latham & Watkins
- Legal Cheek
- Simpson Millar Solicitors
- The Economist
- Travers Smith
- Vodafone
- World Cancer Research Fund
Roles
SOAS Law degree graduates gain positions including:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Barrister
- Finance Manager
- Legal Researcher
- Paralegal
- Financial Analyst
- Procurement Manager
- Tax Consultant
- Business Developer
- Recruitment Consultant
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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