Socio-Legal Studies

Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between law, society, and social change. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how legal systems influence societies and vice versa, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Through a combination of rigorous academic training and practical insights, students examine a diverse range of topics, including law and social justice, human rights, legal philosophy, criminal justice, and the social dynamics that underpin legal institutions. The course encourages engagement with contemporary legal issues, emphasizing the importance of social context in shaping legal developments and policies. Students benefit from the expertise of leading academics and practitioners in the field, participating in seminars, workshops, and research projects that promote an active learning environment. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as research methodology, critical analysis, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in legal practice, policy-making, academia, or advocacy. With its unique interdisciplinary approach, the Socio-Legal Studies program at Oxford aims to foster a nuanced understanding of law as a social phenomenon, equipping students to contribute thoughtfully to debates on justice, equality, and societal transformation. The program provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing further academic research or professional roles that require deep legal and social insight.

The thesis must make a significant and substantial contribution to its field. Students are particularly encouraged to develop a topic that contributes to an understanding of ‘law in action’, which is a key aspect of the ‘law in society’, research pursued in the Centre. 

As a DPhil student you will in the first instance be admitted to Probationer Research Student (PRS) status.  During the first year you must take the course on theory and methods (part-time students will be able to tailor their study and methods training in liaison with their supervisor, and may undertake certain training later). This is intended to develop your appreciation of law as a social phenomenon, to introduce various theoretical perspectives and to consider the variety of practical techniques by which research questions may be addressed.

In your third term (sixth term for the part-time pathway ), you can apply for transfer from probationary status to full DPhil status by taking a qualifying test (QT) which is assessed by two examiners. This requires you to submit a well-developed research outline plus a substantial piece of written work. A similar exercise then takes place in your sixth term (twelfth term for the part-time pathway), when you report on your progress and submit a substantial part of the proposed thesis for a further assessment that leads to a confirmation of DPhil status.

After three or at most four years (no later than 8 years for the part-time pathway), you submit your final thesis to two examiners, respectively internal and external to the University. The examiners read the text and then conduct an intensive oral examination with you, known as a viva voce, before making a written report to the faculty. On that basis, your thesis may be judged to have passed, so that you can be awarded a DPhil, or to be in need of revision, in which case it is referred back to you for re-submission at a later date; in extreme cases, it may be rejected. 

Throughout the period of your studies, you will work with a supervisor with whom you should meet individually at regular intervals to discuss your project and to provide feedback and advice. You will also be able to take part in an extensive range of seminar programmes and discussion groups, affording plentiful opportunities for interaction both with your peers and with academics working in the same or similar research areas.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in law, or in any other social science discipline including sociology, anthropology, politics, and economics. A high upper second class is normally defined as one in which an average mark of 65% or above is achieved.

Equivalent qualifications may include a postgraduate diploma or a master’s degree. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

Most students admitted to the programme have a previous master's qualification but this is not a formal requirement.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Around 1,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Oxford is an interdisciplinary program that explores the complex relationships between society and the law. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how legal systems function and influence social behavior, policy-making, and institutional structures. It encourages critical thinking about legal principles, social justice, human rights, and the role of law in shaping societal norms. The program combines legal analysis with social science research methods, enabling students to examine real-world issues through a multidisciplinary lens. Students have the opportunity to study various topics, including constitutional law, criminal justice, civil rights, policing, and the regulation of social behavior. The course is designed for individuals interested in careers in academia, policy analysis, legal practice, or public service, and it emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, and tutorials led by distinguished academics and practitioners who are experts in their fields. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, participate in debates, and engage with current social issues. The program fosters an environment of intellectual rigor and encourages students to critically evaluate laws and policies within their social contexts. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in diverse sectors such as law firms, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. The university provides excellent resources, including access to law libraries, research centers, and a vibrant academic community. Overall, Socio-Legal Studies at Oxford is an ideal program for those seeking to understand the intricacies of law and society and to develop analytical skills applicable to a wide range of professional fields.