Social Research and Law and Legal Studies Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

Why Social Research and Law and Legal Studies at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck, University of London, is renowned for its commitment to evening study, allowing students to balance their education with professional responsibilities. The university boasts a strong reputation in social research, law, and criminology, supported by a faculty of leading experts in these fields. The interdisciplinary approach of the MRes programme fosters critical thinking and innovative research methods, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to progress to doctoral studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

For the 2026-27 academic year, the tuition fees for the MRes in Social Research and Law and Legal Studies are as follows:

• Full-time home students: £11,340 per year
• Part-time home students: £5,670 per year
• Full-time international students: £20,850 per year
• Part-time international students: £10,425 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The MRes programme comprises a total of 180 credits, including core and optional modules, alongside a dissertation. The core modules include:

• Advanced Topics in Quantitative Social Research
• Applied Social Data Analysis in R
• Experiments in Social Science
• Introduction to Quantitative Social Research
• Qualitative Research Design
• Qualitative Social Research Methods

Students will also choose two option modules from the following:

• Equality and the Law
• Futures: The Globalization of Human Rights
• Healthcare and Human Rights
• International Rights of Minorities
• Issues in International Law and Human Rights
• Taking a Case to the European Court of Human Rights
• The History and Philosophy of Human Rights

The programme culminates in a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words, allowing students to apply their research skills in a substantial project.

Careers with Social Research and Law and Legal Studies

Graduates of the MRes in Social Research and Law and Legal Studies can pursue diverse career paths in various sectors. Potential roles include:

• Social researcher
• Government social researcher
• Human resources officer
• Higher education lecturer
• Politician’s assistant

Alumni often find employment in government departments, think tanks, NGOs, the Civil Service, and political parties, showcasing the programme's relevance and applicability in the job market.