Law and Society - MA
Law shapes almost every aspect of society. Our Law and Society MA takes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging you to critically examine law and legal institutions in their broader social context. This intensive programme is designed for aspiring researchers preparing for PhD study, as well as those aiming for careers in the public or non-governmental sectors.
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.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year full-time, or up to 2 years with Placement, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2025/26 academic year.
Why study Law and Society at Keele University?
Course summary
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.
Other courses you might be interested in:
"The Law and Society LLM explored a diverse range of theoretical and methodological perspectives and I gained invaluable insight into qualitative and quantitative research design. I critically engaged with legal phenomena in its broader socio-legal context in an environment fostering creativity and independent curiosity. An enriching, illuminating and relevant postgraduate course beneficial to all seeking to interrogate law beyond its doctrinal roots."
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.
Modules
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.
We offer two pathways on the MA that cater to different career paths:
- Pathway one offers a balance between core foundational modules and a selection of optional modules.
- Pathway two is a research methods intense pathway for students who intend to pursue a PhD and intend to apply for funded studentships or who have successfully been awarded funding from the ESRC (or another body).
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, year long)
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.
Optional modules
You must choose one of the following modules:
Foundations of Social Research: Design and Philosophy (30 credits, Semester 1)
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, Semester 2)
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)
The module introduces you to the pioneering innovations in social and legal studies in community legal education, socio-legal advocacy and reflective practice. You will engage in a 45hrs/ 5-week internship with leading third sector organisations through the Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele, CLOCK. Engaging in a placement in socio-legal advocacy, you will develop critical academic social and legal research skills through an interactive and reflective learning experience. This will help you develop employability skills to be leaders in the local and international fields of social and legal services.
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, year long)
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, Semester 1)
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.
Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies in Social Sciences (30 credits, Semester 2)
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, 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.
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)
The module introduces you to the pioneering innovations in social and legal studies in community legal education, socio-legal advocacy and reflective practice. You will engage in a 45hrs/ 5-week internship with leading third sector organisations through the Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele, CLOCK. Engaging in a placement in socio-legal advocacy, you will develop critical academic social and legal research skills through an interactive and reflective learning experience. This will help you develop employability skills to be leaders in the local and international fields of social and legal services.
Proposed options from other PGT programmes:
MA in International Law and relevant pathways
MA in Medical Ethics and Law
"The Law and Society LLM was ideal preparation for PhD research, providing a firm platform from which to confidently explore a range of theoretical and research skills. The course encouraged a deeper understanding of how the law facilitates or undermines social justice at personal, local, national and international levels. I feel my PhD studies are benefitting greatly from the opportunity to critically analyse the law and pursue socio-legal research in the various modules offered in the programme."
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
"I am so grateful to have undertaken the LLM in Law and Society as a foundation year to my PhD research. The year equipped me with knowledge and skills in socio-legal theory, introduced me to philosophy in social science research and equipped me to explore quantitative and qualitative research methods. This has enabled me to plan and design my research in a way that is not constrained by knowledge within my comfort zone, but which has pushed me into new areas, whilst focusing upon the aims and purpose of my study. Keele University and the Law School staff also supported me to elect modules that advanced my knowledge of mental capacity law and practice, creating a unique, challenging and enjoyable experience."
Social life, societies and sports
Find out moreAccommodation
Find out moreLocal area and travel
Find out moreBoost your employability
Find out more
Postgraduate funding and scholarships
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Some travel costs may be incurred if an external project or placement is undertaken; any such costs will be discussed with the student before the project is confirmed. It will be possible for the student to select an internal project and that would not incur any additional travel costs. There may be additional costs for textbooks and inter-library loans.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
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.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Additional costs
You do not need to budget for additional mandatory or optional costs beyond standard study expenses. For general information, see the university's additional costs information.
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you’ll be taught
Modules are taught either across the semester or delivered in short, intensive blocks over two to five days. Ahead of starting the programme, you’ll receive a welcome pack with key information, a pre-course reading list, and an induction to help you prepare for studying Law at Keele.
Teaching combines lectures, seminars, group work, and case studies, giving you the chance to engage with ideas in both structured and interactive settings. Each module is supported by guided and independent study, and you’ll be expected to read widely to deepen your understanding and prepare for assessments.
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.
