Civil Law

The Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at the University of Oxford is one of the world's most prestigious postgraduate law degrees, designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding of civil law and related legal principles. This rigorous program offers an in-depth exploration of various aspects of civil law, including contractual obligations, property law, obligations and remedies, and the principles underlying civil justice. Students engage with advanced legal theories and develop critical analytical skills through a comprehensive curriculum that combines core modules with specialized options, allowing for both breadth and depth of knowledge.

The program is characterized by its academic excellence and the distinguished faculty comprising leading legal scholars and practitioners. Students have the opportunity to participate in interactive seminars, workshops, and tutorials that foster an environment of intense intellectual engagement. The BCL also emphasizes legal research and writing, preparing students for careers in academia, legal practice, or policy development. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to practical legal issues, facilitating a well-rounded understanding of civil law's role within the broader legal system.

Designed for students who already possess an undergraduate degree in law or equivalent qualification, the BCL typically spans one year of full-time study, although part-time options may be available. Admission is highly competitive, with applicants evaluated based on their academic records, references, and personal statements demonstrating their motivation and capacity for advanced legal scholarship. The program not only enhances intellectual abilities but also provides valuable networking opportunities through interactions with international students, visiting scholars, and legal professionals.

Graduates of the Civil Law program at Oxford often proceed to influential roles in legal practice, academia, judiciary, or governmental agencies, leveraging their advanced expertise in civil law to make meaningful contributions within their fields. The university's rich history and commitment to academic rigor ensure that students emerge from the program well-equipped to tackle complex legal challenges and contribute to legal reform and development worldwide. Embarking on this program means joining a global community of legal scholars committed to excellence, innovation, and justice in civil law.

You will choose four courses from a list of around 40 different options, including a dissertation option. All options are taught by a combination of lectures and/or seminars and tutorials apart from the dissertation option, which involves one-to-one sessions with an assigned supervisor.

Seminars are normally led by a senior member of academic staff but are typically interactive in nature, and you will be expected to participate in the discussions arising from the material covered. Tutorials involve an intensive discussion between a tutor and two or three students, providing an opportunity for you to present your ideas and discuss your work with leading academics. Typically, seminars will introduce you to a particular area of study and familiarise you with general concepts and ideas which will then be investigated in greater depth in the tutorials. For most tutorials you will be expected to write an essay, which typically will be marked and returned to you at the next tutorial.

Outside of the seminars and tutorials, you will be expected to read extensively in order to acquire the necessary knowledge to engage with course material at an appropriate level.

All course options are examined by timed examinations at the end of the course - with the exception of the Jurisprudence and Political Theory option, which is examined by three assessed essays, and the dissertation option. Timed examinations comprise a three-hour examination for each option, in which students typically answer three questions from a list of eight.

Entrance is very competitive and applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications) in law. 

In the absence of an undergraduate degree in law, candidates may be admitted with a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification in law at distinction level. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA usually sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

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).

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement: Around 300 words
• Written work: One essay of 2,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers various financing options for students pursuing the Civil Law program, aiming to make legal education accessible to a diverse range of applicants. Students can apply for a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages designed to offset tuition fees and living expenses. Oxford provides several merit-based scholarships specifically targeted at law students, which are awarded based on academic excellence, potential, and financial need. These include the Clarendon Fund, a major international scholarship scheme that covers tuition and provides a living allowance, available to outstanding applicants regardless of nationality. Additionally, students may apply for the Oxford Law Foundation scholarships and other departmental funding opportunities, which are competitive and require separate applications.

Apart from institutional funding, students are encouraged to explore external scholarships and grants offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations, as many of these are compatible with Oxford study programs. The university also offers guidance on student loans; domestic students from the UK can access government-backed student loans to cover tuition and maintenance costs, while international students are advised to seek funding from their home countries or private sources. Oxford's flexible financial planning services assist prospective students in understanding and managing their funding options, including budgeting for accommodation, study materials, and personal expenses.

Work opportunities, such as graduate research assistantships or part-time roles within the university, may also help students support their studies financially. Furthermore, the university provides a comprehensive financial aid office that offers advice on applying for funding, managing finance during the course, and planning for post-graduation financial stability. Overall, Oxford is committed to supporting its students financially through a combination of scholarships, external funding options, and institutional resources, ensuring that the pursuit of legal studies, including Civil Law, is achievable regardless of financial background, provided applicants meet the relevant criteria.

The Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious postgraduate law degrees globally, designed to provide in-depth knowledge of private law, including substantive and procedural aspects. The program typically attracts students with a strong academic background in law, aiming to deepen their understanding of civil law principles, legal theory, and practical applications within the context of the English legal system and comparative law. The BCL offers a diverse range of topics, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests, including areas such as contract law, tort law, property law, and constitutional law.

The program duration is generally one academic year for full-time students, with options available for part-time study in some cases. The curriculum involves a combination of taught modules, which may include lectures, seminars, and tutorials, allowing for close engagement with leading legal scholars and practitioners. Assessment methods incorporate written examinations, essays, and research dissertations, encouraging critical thinking, analytical skills, and scholarly contribution to legal debates.

Students enrolled in the BCL benefit from Oxford's extensive resources, including access to legal research libraries, legal databases, and opportunities for participation in colloquia and conferences, fostering a vibrant academic community. The program emphasizes not only the comprehension of legal rules but also their application, interpretation, and theoretical underpinnings, preparing graduates for careers in academia, the judiciary, legal practice, or policy analysis.

Admission to the BCL is highly competitive, with applicants required to demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, usually a first-class undergraduate degree in law or equivalent, and an interest in advanced legal research. The program's alumni include prominent legal scholars, judges, and practitioners who have contributed significantly to national and international legal fields. Overall, the Oxford BCL is regarded as a rigorous, intellectually demanding program that cultivates expertise in civil law and fosters a global perspective on legal issues.