StudyQA — Master: Law — University of Oxford

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The MPhil in Law is only available to those who have first completed the BCL, MJur or MSc in Law and Finance. It is a one-year research degree in the course of which students write a thesis of 25,000 to 30,000 words, as well as completing a course in legal research methods.

The MPhil dissertation is completed over three terms - the maximum submission date for the dissertation is currently under review, but will be no earlier than 1 August. The exact date will be confirmed to applicants no later than the point of initial offer.

Students also undertake the faculty’s course in legal research methods during their first two terms. This provides training in legal research methodology, but will also expose you to the diversity of and intellectual challenges involved in legal scholarship and will serve as a forum of peers in which you will be able to discuss the methodological challenges involved in your own research.

Throughout the period of your studies, you will work with an assigned supervisor who will meet regularly with you to discuss your work and provide feedback and advice. You will also be able to take part in a range of seminar programmes and discussion groups, affording plentiful opportunities for interaction with your peers and academics working in the same or related research areas to yours.

The examination method for the thesis is the same as that used for the DPhil – two examiners are appointed who read the thesis and hold an in-depth oral examination, known as a viva voce, with you. The examiners will then write a report which may either recommend that you be awarded the degree, or awarded the degree with a distinction grade, or should be given the opportunity to re-submit for the degree within a further three terms.

When completing the MPhil as a route into the DPhil, the material submitted for examination is also considered as part of the qualifying test for admission to the DPhil and will usually be incorporated into the DPhil thesis.

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.

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

To be admitted to the MPhil in Law, candidates must also successfully complete the BCL, MJur or MSc in Law and Finance and meet any conditions attached to the offer, such as a achieving a distinction grade in particular subjects.

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).

Other appropriate indicators will include:

Official transcript(s)
CV/résumé
Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic