Law and Society - MA
Explore the social role of law through our interdisciplinary Law and Society MA. You’ll develop critical thinking, research and analytical skills while exploring topics including equality, human rights, social justice and socio-legal advocacy. Choose from a broad range of postgraduate modules or a research-focused pathway designed to prepare you for PhD study and further research.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £10,400 per year. Part time £5,700 per year.
International - £18,200 per year.
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 1 year l Part time: 2 years l Modular: Up to 5 years l 'With placement': +6-12 months
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
Why study Law and Society at Keele University?
About the course
Keele's academically challenging Law and Society postgraduate programme adopts a critical and interdisciplinary approach. It draws on the Sociology of Law to provide a deep understanding of law as a social phenomenon and will enable you to develop critical awareness of the role law has in society and how it's shaped by social forces.
You’ll develop advanced training in research methods, critical thinking and analytical skills as well as opportunities for developing socio-legal advocacy skills and experience through outreach work. This will enhance your employability in areas including academic expertise, professional skills and social and ethical responsibilities preparing you for impactful careers in policy work or research.
Through the programme you will build a strong foundation in understanding some of the critical theories and methodologies that examine law and legal institutions and acquire the skills to choose a theoretical framework and methodology in the design of your own research project.
Our programme offers two distinct pathways, one focusing on a balanced mix of core foundational modules and wide selection of optional modules, while the other is an intensive research methods route designed for those intending to pursue a PhD.
Depending on your choice of pathway you can explore a variety of topics and approaches to law and society such as equality, human rights and social justice, community outreach and socio-legal advocacy as well as core training in philosophy of social research, research design and qualitative and quantitative research methods in social science.
"I completed both my undergraduate Law degree and LLM in Law and Society at Keele University. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I developed a passion for social justice and access to justice. While the LLM is primarily theoretical, the research and critical thinking skills I developed during the course have proved invaluable in my legal career. My experience has shown me that an LLM in Law and Society does not limit you to a career in academia or research. The understanding of socio-legal studies, alongside the research, analytical and critical thinking skills developed throughout the course, can provide a valuable foundation for a career in legal practice and beyond."
Course structure
If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement module after the taught element of your programme.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
You can discuss current module offerings and availability by contacting a member of the programme team listed below.
The programme offers two distinct pathways to enable you to focus your studies in the direction that is best suited to your areas of interest and future career goals.
- Pathway one allows you to explore the core foundational modules covering key philosophies and paradigms of the relationships between law and social phenomena, as well as offering a greater choice of optional modules from the law school’s broader postgraduate curriculum.
- Pathway two is a research methods intense pathway for students who intend to pursue a PhD, particularly those seeking funded studentships or who have successfully been awarded funding from the ESRC or another body.
If you choose to undertake your programme with a placement included, you will complete a 6 to 12-month placement module after the taught element of your programme. This will be arranged with our placement team, discussed in more detail under the ‘Placement’ tab below.
Pathway one modules
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (60 credits, prepared for throughout the course)
The production of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation provides an exciting opportunity to work under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest, demonstrating a level of knowledge and understanding far beyond what you have learned in class. You’ll be supported to develop the research skills needed to conduct an extended piece of work on a topic of your choice, analysing existing relevant research. Some students start the course with a clear idea about what they want to write about, but others find and develop particular interests as the course progresses. Examples of recent dissertation topics by students which reflect the breadth of the subject include: feminist judicial decision-making, disability rights, regulation of sex, gender and sexuality, legal consciousness in social care work, homelessness, rights of environment.
Foundations in Law and Society: Theories and Methodological Approaches (30 credits)
You will be introduced to a range of methods and approaches, enabling you to critically evaluate different methodological approaches. Through workshops, key readings, and practical exercises, you will learn about different philosophical perspectives underlying what constitutes social science 'knowledge', social research paradigms (e.g., positivism and interpretivism), and the relationship between theories and research designs. Through this module, you will develop an understanding of how expert researchers' questions and designs are informed by their philosophical assumptions and learn how to design your own research project.
Optional modules
You must choose one of the following modules:
Foundations of Social Research: Design and Philosophy (30 credits)
You will be introduced to a range of methods and approaches that enables you to critically evaluate different methodological approaches. Through workshops, key readings and practical exercises you will learn about different philosophical perspectives underlying what constitutes social science 'knowledge', social research paradigms (for example: positivism and interpretivism), and the relationship between theories and research designs. Through this module you will develop an understanding of how expert researchers' questions and designs are informed by their philosophical assumptions and learn how to design your own research project.
or
Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies in Social Sciences (30 credits)
This module explores the theoretical foundations, strengths, and limitations of each approach, gaining hands-on experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Sessions cover survey design, statistical analysis, interviews, focus groups, and thematic coding. Emphasis is placed on integrating methodological approaches to address complex social phenomena, enabling you to develop the skills necessary for conducting robust, rigorous research in diverse social science contexts.
You then choose your additional 60 credits from the modules offered by the Law School below:
Proposed pathway 1 optional modules:
Equality, Human Rights and Social Justice (30 credits)
This module invites you to explore the relationship between law, human rights and equality and to consider the relationship between law and social justice. You will learn to identify systemic inequalities and barriers and their broader social, economic, cultural and political implications. You will develop critical legal analysis and writing skills, contextualizing your knowledge within the broader theoretical landscape. This will assist you with writing a range of professional documents to deal with complex real-life issues, enhancing your employability skills.
Community Outreach and Socio-legal Advocacy (30 credits)
By undertaking 45 hours of outreach and sociolegal advocacy training over 5 weeks as an intern with Keele’s pioneering Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele (CLOCK), you will develop critical academic, social, and legal research skills through an interactive and reflective learning experience. You will also gain the opportunity to engage with a variety of leading third sector organisations, which will provide experiences to enhance your skills for employability in the context of local and international fields.
Please see the list of potential MA programmes offered in the Law School, from which optional modules can be selected, or please contact a member of the programme team to discuss.
Proposed options from other PGT programmes:
- MA in International Law and relevant pathways
- MA in Medical Ethics and Law
Pathway two modules
Compulsory modules
Foundations in Law and Society: Theories and Methodological Approaches (30 credits)
This module provides you with an understanding of key theories and methodological approaches that frame and interrogate law and legal institutions. The module will consider key themes including the meaning and complexity of legal issues, the relation between law and social relations and the interactions between legal change and social change. This will assist you with selecting an appropriate theoretical framework and methodology for your research project and understanding different approaches to the role of law in society.
Foundations of Social Research: Design and Philosophy (30 credits)
You will be introduced to a range of methods and approaches, enabling you to critically evaluate different methodological approaches. Through workshops, key readings, and practical exercises, you will learn about different philosophical perspectives underlying what constitutes social science 'knowledge', social research paradigms (e.g., positivism and interpretivism), and the relationship between theories and research designs. Through this module, you will develop an understanding of how expert researchers' questions and designs are informed by their philosophical assumptions and learn how to design your own research project.
Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies in Social Sciences (30 credits)
This module explores the theoretical foundations, strengths, and limitations of each approach, gaining hands-on experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Sessions cover survey design, statistical analysis, interviews, focus groups, and thematic coding. Emphasis is placed on integrating methodological approaches to address complex social phenomena, enabling you to develop the skills necessary for conducting robust, rigorous research in diverse social science contexts.
Dissertation (60 credits)
Writing an in-depth 15,000-20,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice, under the supervision of an experienced academic, gives you the opportunity to explore your scholarly voice and extend your knowledge beyond what is covered in the taught sessions. Examples of recent dissertation topics by students reflecting the breadth of the subject include: feminist judicial decision-making, disability rights, regulation of sex, gender and sexuality, legal consciousness in social care work, homelessness, rights of environment.
You can choose an additional 30 credits from the optional offered by the Law School.
Proposed Pathway two optional modules:
Equality, Human Rights and Social Justice (30 credits)
This module invites you to explore the relationship between law, human rights and equality and to consider the relationship between law and social justice. You will learn to identify systemic inequalities and barriers and their broader social, economic, cultural and political implications. You will develop critical legal analysis and writing skills, contextualizing your knowledge within the broader theoretical landscape. This will assist you with writing a range of professional documents to deal with complex real-life issues, enhancing your employability skills.
Community Outreach and Socio-legal Advocacy (30 credits)
By undertaking 45 hours of outreach and sociolegal advocacy training over 5 weeks as an intern with Keele’s pioneering Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele (CLOCK), you will develop critical academic, social, and legal research skills through an interactive and reflective learning experience. You will also gain the opportunity to engage with a variety of leading third sector organisations, which will provide experiences to enhance your skills for employability in the context of local and international fields.
Proposed options from other PGT programmes:
- MA in International Law and relevant pathways
- MA in Medical Ethics and Law
"During my undergraduate studies, I developed a keen interest in the research element of Law, specifically medical and disability law. This encouraged me to progress onto the LLM in Law and Society which enabled me to further develop my research skills through various modules, such as qualitative and quantitative research as well as socio-legal focused modules. It also enabled me to explore and develop my research interests further through the dissertation. If you are considering a career in research, then I strongly recommend this course as it gives you a true insight into what this career may entail and will provide you will the essential skills required for PhD study."
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject or 65% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in any Humanities, or Social Science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any humanities or social science subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £9,800 |
| UK - part time | £4,900 |
| International - full time | £18,900 |
This is a Band A course. For modular fees please refer to the modular tuition fees.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Placements: The placement year fee for students on a 'with Placement' programme will be £1,955 for 2026/27 entrants and £2,010 for 2027/28 entrants.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs for this course. However, students may incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you’ll be taught
The core modules for each pathway are based on seminar and group work, which involve you discussing issues under the guidance of your seminar leader. In preparation, you are expected to engage with pre-reading and other resources. Optional modules consist of lectures, seminars, and other group activities, depending on the programme they originate from.
For all modules, you are expected to engage in independent study comprising research and reading to enrich your guided discussions and assessment outcomes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module and are designed to reflect real-world and academic skills. These include essays, research proposals, book reviews, critical commentaries, legal briefs, reflective diaries, and educational posters aimed at public audiences.
