Law and Social Change Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The MPhil/PhD programme in Law and Social Change at Birkbeck, University of London, is structured to provide an in-depth exploration of the dynamic interplay between legal frameworks and social transformations. As part of an international consortium led by the University of Roma Tre, students are offered a unique opportunity to pursue a double doctoral qualification. This involves spending a year at the University of Roma Tre, engaging with a rich academic environment that includes collaboration with students and faculty from partner institutions such as University College Dublin, University of Lyon 2, University of Luxembourg, and University of Vilnius. The programme is designed for a selective cohort, admitting only three students per year from each consortium member, ensuring a focused and supportive research experience.

The MPhil/PhD is a prestigious postgraduate research degree that demands original contributions to the field of law, culminating in a substantial dissertation ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 words. Students benefit from the guidance of internationally acclaimed scholars, as well as access to specialised classes in legal theory, research methodologies, and presentation skills. The programme’s core themes revolve around social and legal theory, fostering interdisciplinary studies that enrich the research landscape.

At Birkbeck, students are initially registered for the MPhil and may upgrade to a PhD after demonstrating satisfactory progress during their first year. The programme places significant emphasis on understanding the impact of social changes influenced by transnational legal dynamics. It critically examines the governance of transnational markets and the relationship between transnational regulations and European law. With the rise of global trade and technological advancements, the programme addresses crucial regulatory shifts, moving from national to transnational contexts and from public to private governance.

Research conducted within this programme aims to enhance comprehension of transnational regulation and its implications for national and European legal systems. The cultural aspects of legal phenomena are also highlighted, encouraging students to engage in both synchronic and diachronic analyses. Interdisciplinary approaches are not only welcomed but are integral to the research ethos at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck’s research culture is vibrant and supportive, with numerous workshops, reading groups, and social events designed to foster collaboration and intellectual growth among researchers. The institution has achieved significant recognition for its research excellence, with 83% of its work rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Furthermore, the programme is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), ensuring that it meets high standards of academic rigor.

Why Law and Social Change at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck is renowned for its critical and interdisciplinary approach to legal research, making it an ideal environment for students interested in exploring the complexities of law in a changing social context. The university's location in Bloomsbury, London, provides access to a wealth of academic resources and networking opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MPhil/PhD in Law and Social Change are as follows:

• International students: £15,570 per year
• Domestic students: £5,006 per year

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

Syllabus

The programme encompasses a variety of research themes and methodologies, encouraging students to tailor their studies to their interests. The following areas are of particular focus:

• Transnational regulation and its impact on national legal systems
• Interdisciplinary approaches to legal studies
• Social and legal theory
• Comparative legal studies

Careers with Law and Social Change

Graduates of the MPhil/PhD in Law and Social Change are well-equipped for careers in academia, legal practice, policy-making, and various sectors that require expertise in legal and social dynamics. Alumni have found positions in prestigious institutions, contributing to research and practice that addresses contemporary legal challenges.