Socio-Legal Studies MSc

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 across 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, enabling critical examination and effective influence on 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. It provides robust research training, practical dissertation experience and interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing you for careers in NGOs, government or broader socio-legal fields.

The University of Bristol is ranked 54th in the world and 9th in the UK for Law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026). Ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (REF 2021), the University of Bristol ensures you are challenged and inspired by world-leading academics.

Of the academics teaching on this programme, some are part of the Bristol Socio-Legal Centre (BSLC): https://www.bristol.ac.uk/law/bristol-socio-legal-centre/. This is an international centre of excellence for critical scholarship, teaching and public engagement on how the law interacts with society, social change, and social justice and for the development of novel socio-legal and interdisciplinary methodological approaches. This enriches our curriculum with real life scenarios.

The programme can be part of the South West Doctoral Training Partnership, offering interdisciplinary pathways with researchers from Bristol, Bath, UWE and Exeter Universities: https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/.