Overview
The University of Cambridge offers a Master of Letters (MLitt) in Law designed for candidates who wish to engage in advanced research culminating in a thesis. This program is structured to provide students with the opportunity to explore legal subjects in depth under expert supervision.
- Award: MLitt (Law)
- Duration: 24 months full-time (or part-time equivalent)
- Assessment: Thesis examined by two examiners; oral examination if necessary
- Thesis length: Up to 60,000 words (including footnotes; excludes appendices, bibliography, table of contents, and other preliminary material)
- Delivery: Supervised research programme
- Application route: Postgraduate Application Form via the Applicant Portal
What you'll study
The MLitt in Law is completed through a supervised research programme which culminates in the submission of a thesis.
- Thesis (core requirement): The thesis, which should be up to 60,000 words including footnotes, is a critical component of the program.
- Examination: Two examiners, typically one internal and one external, are appointed to assess the thesis, each providing an independent report.
- Oral examination: An oral examination may be required, and an Independent Chair may be appointed to oversee this process.
- Final recommendation: Examiners submit a joint report to the Degree Committee with their recommendation regarding the award of the degree.
Entry requirements
- Academic background: Applicants should hold a UK First Class Honours Degree or its equivalent.
- English language proficiency: A minimum score of 107 on the TOEFL iBT or 7.5 on the IELTS is required.
- Application process: Candidates must submit the Postgraduate Application Form via the Applicant Portal.
- Supporting documents: Applicants need to prepare the standard materials required by the Faculty of Law, as detailed in the Applicant Portal guidance.
Career prospects
Completing an MLitt in Law from the University of Cambridge can open doors to various career paths within the legal field and beyond. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, legal practice, public policy, or international organizations.
- Graduate route (UK): Eligible graduates may apply for the UK Graduate route visa, allowing them to work in the UK after graduation.
- Eligibility criteria: To qualify, students must have completed an eligible qualification at a recognized institution and meet the requirements of the Graduate route at the time of application.
- Duration of stay: The Graduate route typically permits a limited period of stay post-graduation, contingent on the level of qualification and existing policies.
- Note: Visa regulations may change; it is advisable to consult the latest UK government guidance to verify eligibility before applying.