Skip navigation Skip to main navigation for this site Skip to navigation for this section

  • Law (MRes / Postgraduate Diploma in Research)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Final assessment for most option modules is based on a 4000-word essay. The core course Research Frameworks is assessed by a 4000-word essay plus a 2000-word research proposal and an oral presentation to an audience of peers. For the MRes you also prepare a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice. If you do not wish to undertake the dissertation, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Research (DipRes).

  • Attendance
      • One–two evenings a week part-time; two–three evenings a week full-time.
      • Our flexible evening teaching is ideal if you want to combine studying with working during the day. However, if you work more than 20 hours a week, we strongly recommend you study part-time.
      • Some options offered as intensive weekend courses.
      • Classes held October–April.
      • Dissertation submitted in September.
  • Duration
      • Two years part-time or one year full-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Good second-class honours degree in law or a related discipline.
      • Degrees from overseas institutions must be equivalent to a UK second-class degree.
      • Other relevant qualifications and appropriate professional training and experience welcome.
      • Excellent English language skills are essential.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)
      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7050 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £7950 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £14,075 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • Both taught and research (a dissertation) components. Teaching and learning formats may vary; some modules follow a traditional programme of weekly meetings, others take the form of intensive courses offered over one or two weekends.

      Find out more about what you can expect from classes and the help and support we offer students.

Law (MRes / Postgraduate Diploma in Research) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • The Master’s in Research (MRes) is an innovative programme. The equivalent of an MPhil, it provides an excellent taught foundation for future doctoral research and it will be of interest to anyone who wishes to develop academic research skills, work as a researcher or commission research.

      The programme involves both taught and research components across a range of disciplines. The research work for the dissertation is supported by a number of components designed to develop your skills in formulating a research proposal and communicating ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

      You may either study for a general MRes in Law, or, depending on the option modules you choose, you may opt to follow a specialist pathway such as: MRes in Legal Theory; MRes in Socio-Legal Studies; MRes in Law and Human Rights; MRes in Law and Economic Development; MRes in Law and Culture; MRes in Criminal Justice.

      Applicants should submit a research proposal of approximately 500 words with their application form. This should cover the proposed area of research, anticipated contribution to the field of research, the proposed methodology and an initial literature review.

      Find out more about studying law at Birkbeck.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Gives you the opportunity to develop your research ideas at advanced level, while enjoying the support of a taught programme.
      • Choice of a general award or a selection of specialist pathways.
      • Staff teaching on the programme are recognised experts in their fields and approach law in an innovative way within a vibrant research culture.
      • Watch our video: studying law at Birkbeck
  • Course structure

    • Core modules:

      • Research Frameworks: an introduction to approaches to research across a range of disciplines and to the theoretical frameworks for advanced legal scholarship. You will gain a foundation in the generic skills necessary to undertake research while pursuing an advanced discipline-based research project.
      • Dissertation (MRes only): a 20,000-word research project.

      Two option modules (one term each). Options may include:

      Please note: not all options will be available every year.

  • Study resources

    • The School of Law is an internationally recognised centre for critical and interdisciplinary legal research. It provides an exciting and innovative environment for a wide range of research with a strong theoretical and policy focus. The School is the home of Birkbeck Law Press and publishes Law and Critique: The International Journal of Critical Legal Thought.

      Birkbeck Library has an extensive collection of books, journals and electronic resources in law and related disciplines such as economics, politics and sociology. Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.

      We run an induction programme that offers classes on methodology, and regular research seminars.

  • Further study opportunities

    • The MRes is the equivalent of an MPhil, and provides an excellent taught foundation for future doctoral research on the School of Law's PhD programme. The course will enable you to develop academic research skills, work as a researcher or commission research. 

  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in the legal profession, in government and the public sector, or as researchers and journalists.

      Find out more about the career advice and information we offer.

  • Apply now