Capital University

What you'll study

This programme combines intensive training in doctrinal and empirical legal research with modules that build professional practice skills. You will study core topics in legal methodology and advanced scholarship, then choose applied units that reflect your career aims.

• Advanced Legal Research Methods — research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, statutory interpretation and case analysis.
• Legal Writing and Publishing — academic writing for journals, policy briefs, and drafting for practice.
• Comparative and International Law — techniques for cross‑jurisdictional research and transnational legal issues.
• Law, Policy and Regulation — regulatory frameworks, compliance, and policy evaluation.
• Evidence, Advocacy and Professional Ethics — practical and ethical dimensions of legal practice and advocacy skills.
• Empirical Techniques for Lawyers — data collection, analysis, and the use of empirical evidence in legal arguments.
• Professional Placement or Clinic — optional supervised placement in a legal, regulatory or policy setting, or participation in a law clinic.
• Major Research Project / Dissertation — an extended piece of independent research supervised by a member of the faculty, oriented toward publication or practice-impact.

The programme is offered with flexible pathways to accommodate full-time and part-time study; taught modules are complemented by independent research and directed professional skills training.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in law (LLB) or a degree in a related discipline with substantial legal content, or to demonstrate relevant professional experience. Typical academic entry is an upper second-class honours (2:1) or international equivalent, though candidates with significant practice experience or professional qualifications may be considered.

Applicants must provide a personal statement outlining research interests and professional goals, plus at least one academic or professional reference. Where English is not the first language, successful completion of an approved English language qualification at the university's required level is typically required. Candidates for research-led routes should be prepared to discuss a proposed dissertation topic and meet with potential supervisors as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of careers that value advanced legal research and professional competence. Common pathways include:

• Legal research roles in universities, think tanks and research institutes.
• Policy and legislative advising for government departments and non-governmental organisations.
• Regulatory, compliance and risk roles in financial services, healthcare and other regulated sectors.
• Senior paralegal or solicitor-advocate positions where specialist research and drafting skills are an advantage.
• Careers in legal publishing, consultancy, and continuing to doctoral research (PhD) leading to academic posts.

The programme’s emphasis on applied skills, placements and network connections supports transitions between practice and policy-oriented roles.

Why study at Capital University

Capital University offers a supportive, research-active environment with access to specialist legal librarianship, electronic research databases and experienced supervisors. The law and professional studies faculty bring a mix of academic scholarship and practical experience from courts, regulatory bodies and international institutions.

Small cohort sizes enable personalised supervision for the dissertation and professional development, while structured placement and clinic options create direct links to employers and practitioners. Career services and alumni networks provide additional support for professional transitions and for candidates considering further academic study.