About this course Demonstrate your aptitude for legal research and develop a specialist knowledge in a specific aspect of law with this specialist research degree. If you work in the legal profession, a masters qualification can contribute to your professional development. On this course you choose to research an area of law which means you can specialise in a field and enhance your career prospects. If you work with, or have an interest in, law, it is likely to boost your employability in an increasingly competitive market. It is a benefit if you are looking to join the legal profession as a solicitor or barrister and want to stand out from the crowd of undergraduates. You choose the area of research for your thesis, although we are available to provide guidance. It is ideal if you want to become a specialist in a particular area of law or to develop your interest in a specific legal topic. You develop your research skills as well as the ability to produce in-depth and persuasive academic writing. During the course you work largely independently but you are guided by an experienced supervisor in a supportive environment. You can access legal materials in our dedicated law library in the learning centre, which is open 24-hours a day during term time. Our IT systems are set up so that most of your learning and research can be done anywhere off campus where you have access to a suitable internet connection.

Following this degree you may choose to pursue a law-related career in places such as • the Crown Prosecution Service • Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs • the police service • the Trading Standards Institute • youth offending teams • advice centres. A masters qualification in law is widely respected across many professions and therefore your career options can be varied. Opportunities can be found in • academia • politics • journalism • social work • the civil service. You may find your skills also translate well in business and commerce within national or multi-national companies.