Juris

The Juris programme at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive graduate law degree designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the law. This programme offers a rigorous curriculum that combines core legal principles with specialized elective options, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Throughout the course, participants engage with a diverse range of legal issues, including constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, and various areas of international and comparative law. The programme emphasizes critical analysis, research skills, and the development of persuasive legal arguments, preparing students for careers in academia, legal practice, public service, or policy-making.

The study structure typically includes taught modules assessed through written examinations and essays, alongside a substantial dissertation component that encourages independent research and in-depth exploration of a legal topic. Trainees benefit from the expertise of Oxford’s distinguished faculty members, access to extensive legal resources, and a vibrant academic community. The programme is suitable for students holding an undergraduate degree in law or related disciplines, as well as those with professional experience in legal fields seeking advanced academic knowledge. By completing the Juris programme, graduates will have gained both a broad understanding of the legal landscape and specialized expertise in particular legal areas, positioning them effectively for future legal challenges and leadership roles.

This programme not only fosters a deep theoretical understanding but also encourages practical skills such as legal drafting, analysis, and effective communication, which are critical for successful legal careers. Oxford’s Juris programme maintains high academic standards and offers a stimulating environment for intellectual growth, international exchange, and professional development. It is an ideal choice for aspiring legal professionals committed to excelling in the legal sector and contributing meaningfully to society through their legal expertise.

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, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• 3 Verulam Buildings Scholarship

• 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).

Juris at the University of Oxford is a distinguished postgraduate degree that provides comprehensive training in law, aiming to equip students with a deep understanding of legal principles, analytical skills, and critical thinking abilities. This program is designed for students who have already completed a law degree or have substantial legal expertise, seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in the field. The program typically offers a range of courses covering core areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, and legal theory, along with specialized modules that reflect current developments and debates within the legal landscape.

Students benefit from rigorous academic instruction delivered by leading experts in various legal disciplines, fostering a strong foundation in legal research, argumentation, and interpretation. The program encourages independent critical analysis and scholarly contribution, often culminating in a dissertation or extended research project that allows candidates to explore a particular area of law in depth.

The University of Oxford’s Juris program emphasizes a combination of taught courses, seminars, and tutorials, providing a dynamic learning environment that promotes active participation and peer-to-peer engagement among students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Students also have access to extensive legal resources, including a vast collection of legal texts, online databases, and the university’s renowned library system, which supports their research and academic development.

Students enrolled in the program have opportunities for professional networking through events, workshops, and conferences hosted by the university and affiliated legal institutions. The programu prepares graduates for a variety of career paths, including academia, legal practice, public service, or roles within international organizations. Additionally, the program’s rigorous academic training is highly regarded globally, opening doors to prestigious positions and further academic pursuits.

The duration of the program varies, but it generally is completed in one or two academic years, depending on whether students are full-time or part-time. Admission standards are high, requiring a strong academic record, relevant experience, and a clear motivation for pursuing advanced legal study. The university’s reputation for academic excellence and its vibrant intellectual environment make it an ideal destination for aspiring legal scholars and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of law at the highest level.