MRes Socio-Legal Research

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a high 2:2 Honours degree with at least 57% or above or equivalent in Law or a social science subject, eg. Psychology, Sociology or Social Policy, or to have an MA with merit in a Law, social science or related subject. Non-law students will be required to take the pathway in 'Approaches to Research in Law'.

Course content

We’ll provide you with research training in generic social science skills giving you a solid basis in social science theory and methodology. You will build on these generalist skills by completing two skills-based modules with a socio-legal context and develop your specialist knowledge by choosing one of our optional modules.

You will complete a supervised research dissertation which allows you to bring together the conceptual and practical skills acquired in the taught modules and demonstrate your own understanding by applying them to your own research ideas in the socio-legal context.

The programme is ESRC-recognised. This means it meets the research training requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and that you are eligible to apply for ESRC funding for PhD research. Only a handful of Law Schools in the UK offer ESRC recognised programmes in this field.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

ESRC funded studentships

Students intending to take this M Res programme and then pursue a socio-legal PhD can apply to be funded for combined M Res and PhD by the ESRC through the South West Doctoral Training Partnership Socio-Legal Studies pathway.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

Learning and teaching

The methods of learning, teaching and assessment vary across modules. The generic social science modules are lecture-based whereas the socio-legal modules are taught in smaller seminar groups for which students prepare in advance. They also include some student-led seminars, presentations and practical exercises.

Assessment

All taught modules are evaluated by a range of assessments. These may include an oral presentation, practical exercise, reflective log, essay plan and/or essay. If the taught modules are successfully completed, you will progress to undertake a dissertation on an approved subject linked to your research interests. The 15,000 word dissertation on a socio-legal topic of your choice must be submitted for assessment by 5th September in the year in which you are first assessed. These examinations may be supplemented by oral examination. If you fail to meet the standard for the degree but reach an appropriate lower standard, you may be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate.

Research

In addition to your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from a stimulating programme of research seminars designed to enable staff and postgraduate students to experience cutting edge research by members of the academic and legal community both within and outside of Exeter.

Facilities

The Lasok Law Library, located in the Fourm holds in excess of 40,000 volumes and is open 24 hours a day. You can choose from diverse study spaces to suit your specific learning needs, whether dedicated quiet study, group work, or social learning over a coffee.

Our custom-built Moot Court offers students invaluable opportunities to take part in mooting activities and is equipped with the latest technology, including high-spec video conferencing.

Careers

The MRes Socio-Legal Research offers you the benefit of combining sought after legal and social science research skills, which are extremely useful to a wide range of employers.

Current and former students have, for example, undertaken research on projects of interest to academics and professionals working in the fields of family law, the legal profession and the prison service using empirical research methods.

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