MA Legal Studies
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
SOAS's MA Legal Studies program provides an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, integrating perspectives from political science, sociology, and international relations. Students engage with critical legal theories and examine the role of law in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses a range of modules that cover international law, human rights, environmental justice, and legal pluralism. Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies by selecting electives that align with their interests and career goals. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on a legal topic of their choice.
Research Focus: SOAS is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in areas related to law and global justice. Students benefit from access to a vibrant academic community and are encouraged to participate in research projects, seminars, and conferences that address pressing legal issues worldwide.
Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes practical engagement with legal institutions and organizations. Through partnerships and collaborations, students gain insights into the application of legal principles in real-world settings, preparing them for careers in law, policy-making, and advocacy.
Global Perspective: Situated in London, a global legal hub, SOAS offers students a unique vantage point to study law within an international framework. The program encourages comparative legal studies, fostering an understanding of how different legal systems interact and influence global governance.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25740
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 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA Legal Studies program at SOAS University of London are equipped with a unique blend of interdisciplinary legal knowledge and a global perspective, making them highly competitive in various professional fields. The program's comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on critical legal analysis prepare students for diverse career paths:
Legal Practice and Consultancy: While the MA Legal Studies is not a qualifying law degree, graduates often pursue roles that require strong legal analytical skills. These include positions in legal consultancy, compliance, and policy advisory roles within law firms, corporations, and governmental agencies.
International Organizations and NGOs: The program's focus on legal systems in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as its emphasis on human rights and international law, prepares graduates for careers in international organizations such as the United Nations, as well as non-governmental organizations working on global justice issues.
Public Policy and Government: Graduates are well-suited for roles in public policy development and analysis, working within government departments or think tanks to shape and evaluate legal and regulatory frameworks.
Academia and Research: The rigorous academic training provided by the program enables graduates to pursue further research or academic careers, contributing to scholarly discourse in legal studies and related fields.
Corporate and Financial Sectors: The analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the program are valuable in the corporate world, particularly in roles related to regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and corporate governance.
