Law and Finance

The University of Oxford offers an esteemed Law and Finance program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and financial practices essential in today's complex global economy. This interdisciplinary degree provides a rigorous curriculum that integrates core legal theories with practical financial skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in law, finance, business, and public policy. Students will explore fundamental areas such as contract law, constitutional law, financial regulation, corporate governance, and international finance, gaining valuable insights into the legal frameworks that underpin financial markets and institutions. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication, enabling students to analyze complex legal and financial issues and develop innovative solutions. With access to world-class faculty who are leading experts in their fields, students will engage in engaging lectures, seminars, and workshops tailored to current industry and legal challenges. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for internships, moot courts, and collaborative research projects, fostering practical experience and professional development. The university's distinguished reputation, combined with its extensive alumni network and strong links to the legal and financial industries, provides students with valuable networking opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates of the Law and Finance program at Oxford are well-prepared to excel in various sectors, including legal practice, financial services, policy-making, and academic research. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application ensures students are equipped to navigate and influence the evolving legal and financial landscapes globally. Whether students aim to pursue advanced legal studies, enter the finance industry, or continue academic research, this degree offers a solid foundation and a pathway to successful careers in diverse professional environments.

There are two core finance courses, Finance and First Principles of Financial Economics, a core interdisciplinary course, Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions, and one or more elective courses in law. There are also pre-sessional courses in maths and financial reporting.

In addition to these core MLF courses, students selecting the Law Stream will take two law electives from a tailored list of about 10 law courses that are available to students on the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL). The list of law electives comprises courses that are business law-oriented and thus are intended to complement both each other and the MLF course as a whole. In taking these electives, you will be joined by students taking the Law Faculty's other taught graduate courses, the BCL and the Magister Juris (MJur).

MLF students can also select the Finance Stream. If you select this option, you will take only one law elective. In lieu of the second law elective, you will take a mandatory finance course, Corporate Valuation, in the second term and one finance elective in the third term. The short menu of finance electives has been selected from those offered by the Saïd Business School for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MSc in Financial Economics (MFE), comprising finance courses intended to complement the MLF programme. The electives are studied at the Saïd Business School alongside MBA and MFE students. It is anticipated that the Finance Stream will be available in future years, subject to notice.

Finance, a core MLF course, is taught during the first and second terms through twelve three-hour classes spread over the two terms and is assessed by a combination of a group work exercise that takes place during the second term and a timed examination at the end of the second term. 

First Principles of Financial Economics, another core course, is taught during the first term through weekly three-hour classes and is assessed by a combination of a group work exercise that takes place during the term, and an assessed essay and a timed examination at the end of the first term.

Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions, the MLF core interdisciplinary course, is taught through lectures and seminars during the second and third terms. It is assessed during the third term by means of a group work exercise involving the analysis of transactional case studies, including the preparation and presentation of proposals, and by an assessed essay submitted during the third term. 

Law electives from the BCL may be taught by a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials over the duration of the academic year, except for the dissertation option, which involves one-to-one sessions with an assigned supervisor. 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. 

Each law elective, except for the dissertation, is assessed through a timed, three-hour examination at the end of the third term. Those taking the dissertation option are instead required to submit a 10,000- to 12,500-word dissertation in the third term.

Finance Stream courses are taught by interactive classes at the Saïd Business School during the second and third terms, and assessed by formal coursework and/or practical work and/or a timed examination during and/or at the end of those terms. 

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or a very strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications) in law. Equivalent qualifications may include a master’s in law or a postgraduate diploma in law or other law professional equivalent. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA 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).

The longer it is since you have been in full-time education, the more attention will be paid to any relevant professional experience. 

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Around 300 words
• Written work:One essay of 2,000 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).

The University of Oxford offers a highly esteemed undergraduate degree in Law, formally known as the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), which is renowned globally for its academic rigor and comprehensive curriculum. The Law programme at Oxford provides students with a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of legislation, legal theory, and practical application. It covers a wide range of legal disciplines, including constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, administrative law, and international law, ensuring graduates develop a broad and deep understanding of the legal system. The course is distinguished by its emphasis on critical analysis, legal reasoning, and the development of persuasive argumentation skills. Students are encouraged to engage actively with legal texts, case law, and scholarly opinions, fostering a sophisticated approach to legal problem-solving. Additionally, Oxford’s tutorial-based teaching method plays a significant role in the learning process. This personalized approach involves weekly sessions where students discuss their work directly with expert tutors, enabling tailored feedback and fostering critical thinking. The Law programme also offers a variety of electives and specialized options, allowing students to explore particular areas of interest such as human rights, commercial law, or environmental law, among others. Graduates of the Oxford Law programme often pursue careers in the judiciary, academia, legal practice, or policy-making, benefitting from the university’s extensive alumni network and connections to legal institutions worldwide. The program’s structure combines rigorous academic study with opportunities for internships, moot court competitions, and legal research, all designed to prepare students for the complex challenges of modern legal environments. Overall, Oxford’s Law programme is distinguished by its academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and professional development. The law degree at Oxford is recognized globally as a mark of distinction, opening doors to prestigious career paths in law and related fields.