MSc Social Science Research Methods (Social-Legal) (Law)

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Social-Legal) (Law) from Cardiff University are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career paths that combine legal expertise with research skills, enabling them to address complex social issues within the legal system. This program prepares students for roles in both the public and private sectors, as well as in academia, where they can influence policy and contribute to the development of more just and effective legal systems.

Legal Researcher: Graduates can work as legal researchers in law firms, think tanks, or academic institutions. They conduct detailed research on legal topics, analyzing case law, statutes, and legal theory. These professionals often contribute to academic publications, policy papers, or legal reforms by providing evidence-based insights into legal practices and the impact of law on society.

Policy Analyst: Many graduates find roles as policy analysts for governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or think tanks. They use their research skills to assess the effectiveness of existing laws, propose legal reforms, and advise policymakers on how to address social justice issues such as inequality, discrimination, and human rights violations.

Human Rights Advocate: Graduates with an interest in human rights can pursue careers in advocacy organizations or international NGOs, working on issues related to the protection of rights and freedoms. Their research expertise can help evaluate the effectiveness of human rights laws and campaigns, contributing to social change and legal reforms aimed at promoting human dignity and equality.

Criminal Justice Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers in criminal justice, where they work to understand the relationship between law, crime, and social issues. They may work in government agencies, NGOs, or research institutions, researching criminal law, sentencing practices, and rehabilitation efforts, aiming to improve the justice system's effectiveness in addressing crime and promoting rehabilitation.

Social Justice Consultant: With a focus on addressing societal inequalities, graduates can work as consultants to organizations or governments focused on social justice. They provide research-backed recommendations on issues such as legal access for marginalized communities, equal representation under the law, and the reform of legal systems to promote justice and fairness.

Legal Advisor: Graduates with this expertise can work as legal advisors to organizations or government bodies, where they offer specialized advice on the legal implications of social issues. This may include advising on policy development, legal reforms, and the implementation of laws that address social issues such as housing, employment, or healthcare access.

Academic or Research Fellow: Those interested in pursuing an academic career can work as university lecturers, research fellows, or professors in law or social science departments. They engage in academic research on legal and social issues, publish findings, and teach the next generation of students about the intersections of law and social sciences.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer: Many large corporations and multinational organizations hire graduates to work in their CSR departments, where they focus on ethical business practices and social impact. They can research and advise on how legal frameworks intersect with corporate responsibility, ensuring that companies contribute positively to society while adhering to legal standards.

International Law Consultant: For those with an interest in international law, this career path involves advising international organizations, governments, or multinational corporations on the legal and social implications of global challenges such as human rights, trade law, environmental law, and international conflict. Their research on social-legal topics can guide decision-making at a global level.

Public Affairs Specialist: Graduates can work in public relations or communications roles for governmental agencies, legal bodies, or NGOs. They use their research to influence public opinion on key legal and social issues, drafting reports, speeches, and policy recommendations that communicate complex legal matters to a wider audience.

Social-Legal Consultant: With a focus on the intersection of social issues and legal frameworks, graduates may become consultants for social work agencies, government departments, or international organizations, advising on how legal systems can better address social problems such as homelessness, addiction, or education.