LLM Law and Gender

The LLM in Law and Gender at SOAS University of London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the legal frameworks, policies, and social issues surrounding gender equality and rights worldwide. This program is designed for students who are interested in understanding the complex interplay between law, gender identity, and social justice, with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects. Throughout the course, students will engage with a broad range of topics, including the legal regulation of gender discrimination, sexual violence, reproductive rights, transgender rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. The program encourages critical analysis of international, national, and local legal systems and how they influence gender relations and social change.

Students will benefit from SOAS’s diverse academic community, renowned faculty members with expertise in human rights, gender studies, and legal research, and the university’s strategic location in London, providing access to a wide array of institutions, NGOs, and policy-making bodies. The curriculum combines core modules with specialized options, allowing learners to tailor their studies to specific interests such as feminist jurisprudence, international human rights law, and law reform initiatives related to gender equality. In addition to coursework, students are expected to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects, fostering critical thinking, advocacy skills, and practical knowledge.

The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in legal practice, policy development, human rights advocacy, academia, and international organizations. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives, equipping students to analyze and influence legal and social change affecting gender rights around the world. Graduates will emerge with a nuanced understanding of the legal dimensions of gender issues and the ability to contribute effectively to debates, policy formulation, and legal reform efforts. Whether pursuing further research or professional practice, students will join a vibrant academic community committed to advancing gender equality through law and social justice initiatives.

The MA in Law and Gender at SOAS University of London offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the complex relationship between the law and gender issues across different societies and cultures. This programme examines how legal systems shape and are shaped by gender identities, roles, and inequalities, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between legal frameworks and gender dynamics. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics including feminist legal theory, human rights law, gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and the legal challenges faced by marginalized gender groups. The programme emphasizes critical analysis of existing legal structures and encourages students to consider innovative approaches to advancing gender justice.

Students will have the opportunity to study comparative legal systems and explore how gender influences legal processes and policies worldwide. The curriculum combines theoretical insights with practical case studies, enabling students to develop analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of how law influences gender equality and vice versa. Additionally, the programme addresses contemporary issues such as transgender rights, sexuality, and intersectionality, highlighting the ways in which race, class, and gender intersect within legal contexts.

The teaching staff includes leading scholars in gender studies, law, and human rights, fostering an intellectually stimulating environment where students are encouraged to question assumptions and develop their critical thinking skills. The programme also emphasizes research skills and offers opportunities for students to engage in independent research projects, culminating in an MSc dissertation. By completing this programme, graduates will be well-equipped for careers in advocacy, policy-making, legal practice, academia, and international organizations working on gender justice and human rights issues. Overall, the MA in Law and Gender aims to produce socially conscious legal professionals and scholars committed to promoting gender equality through legal reform and advocacy efforts.

Program requirements for the BA Law and Gender at SOAS University of London include completion of a core curriculum that integrates the study of legal principles with gender analysis, enabling students to critically examine how law intersects with issues of gender, sexuality, and identity. Prospective students are expected to have academic qualifications equivalent to A-levels or international qualifications demonstrating strong analytical and written skills. Prior knowledge of law or gender studies is not mandatory, as the program offers foundational modules in both areas.

Students must complete a series of compulsory modules in areas such as Introduction to Law, Gender and Society, and Legal Method and Research. In addition, they are required to choose from a range of optional modules that explore topics like Human Rights and Gender, Sexuality and the Law, Feminist Legal Theory, and Comparative Legal Systems. The program emphasizes research skills and critical thinking, with assessments including essays, presentations, and examinations. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage in debates, participate in seminars, and undertake independent research projects related to gender justice and legal reform.

To graduate, students must accumulate a specified number of credits, typically achieved through successful completion of modules equivalent to approximately 120 UK credits per academic year. The program is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of both legal systems and gender issues, preparing graduates for careers in academia, legal practice, policy-making, advocacy, or further postgraduate study. Participation in internships, workshops, and guest lectures is strongly encouraged to enhance practical skills and professional networks. Overall, the program aims to produce well-informed graduates capable of analyzing and influencing law and gender policy at local, national, and international levels.

The financing of the Law and Gender program at SOAS University of London is designed to accommodate a diverse range of students from different backgrounds and financial circumstances. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residence status; for UK students, the annual tuition fee for postgraduate taught programs is approximately £13,455, whereas international students pay around £24,840 per year. These fees are subject to annual increases and are indicative of the university's commitment to providing high-quality education in a specialized field.

Students are advised to explore various funding options available, including government sponsorships, scholarships, and grants. SOAS offers several scholarships specifically aimed at students studying law and gender-related disciplines, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition. For UK students, eligibility for student loans from the Student Loans Company (SLC) is available, covering tuition fees and maintenance costs, which are repayable after graduation contingent on income level. International students should consider external funding sources, including scholarships from their home governments, international organizations, and private foundations that support study in the UK.

Additional financial support can be accessed through the university's bursaries and financial aid programs, which provide assistance based on financial need and academic merit. Students are also encouraged to seek part-time employment opportunities both within the university and in the surrounding London area, which can help manage living expenses and gain valuable professional experience. Living costs in London, including accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials, are estimated to be around £1,200 to £1,500 per month. The university offers guidance on budgeting and financial planning to help students manage these expenses effectively.

International students should also consider visa-related expenses, including application fees and compliance costs, which are an integral part of study financing considerations. The university's international office provides detailed support to ensure students understand all financial requirements and available funding opportunities. Overall, the financing of the Law and Gender program involves a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, loans, personal savings, and income from part-time work, enabling students from various financial backgrounds to pursue their academic and career goals at SOAS.

The Law and Gender programme at SOAS University of London offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between law, gender, and society. This programme examines how legal frameworks influence gender roles, rights, and inequalities across different cultures and legal systems. Students will analyze key issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, gender discrimination, and the development of feminist legal theory. The curriculum combines core legal principles with critical gender studies, enabling students to appreciate the social, political, and cultural contexts in which laws are enacted and enforced.

Students will engage with a wide range of legal texts, case law, and scholarly articles, fostering skills in legal analysis, critical thinking, and research. The programme encourages an understanding of the global diversity of gender issues, addressing topics like women’s rights movements, LGBTQ+ rights, and intersectionality. Approaches from sociology, anthropology, and political science complement the legal perspective, providing a holistic understanding of gender dynamics in law.

The programme is suitable for those interested in careers in human rights, law reform, development agencies, NGOs, or academic research. It is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge to critically evaluate legal systems and advocate for gender equality. As SOAS is known for its international focus, the programme emphasizes comparative legal studies across different jurisdictions, including the UK, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Students will benefit from SOAS’s diverse and inclusive academic community, with opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in conferences and seminars. The programme typically includes modules on feminist legal theory, international human rights law, and gender and development. It also encourages engagement with activism and policy-making, fostering practical skills alongside academic understanding. Graduates of the programme will be well-positioned to pursue advanced studies or careers dedicated to advancing gender justice and equality worldwide.