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Our master's by research courses aim to provide you with an advanced set of skills that will serve you well within legal research or a wide range of other careers.

You will be supported to develop specialist skills in legal research methods and analysis of law and legal issues.

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MA by Research Legal History

Gain a sophisticated understanding of the legal and historical approaches to social, cultural and political phenomena.

Develop advanced skills in archival research, and the ability to undertake high-level analysis of law and legal issues.

Suitable if you are considering entering the legal profession or wish to pursue a PhD in history, law or a related area.

Learn more about MA by Research Legal History

MRes Law

This course aims to equip you with high-level analytical skills and a strong grasp of research methods, research design and research project management skills.

Often selected by those students who go on to become PhD candidates.

Suitable if you are less focused on the pursuit of interdisciplinary links and primarily interested in the study of law as a discrete domain of knowledge and practice.

Learn more about the MRes Law

MRes Law and Society

This course emphasises socio-legal research, the study of law in context and the interplay of legal and social theory.

Explore the application of law and legal research in society. Develop advanced skills in legal research methods and analysis of law and legal issues, with an emphasis on doctrinal, theoretical and contextual law.

Ideal preparation for PhD study, and advances your self-understanding as a participant in the practice of legal scholarship.

Learn more about the MRes Law and Society

LLM Research Thesis

Join a dynamic research environment and develop your individual research interests.

Your studies will benefit from dedicated facilities, expert supervision, and a thriving staff and student research community.

This LLM offers an excellent basis for developing a PhD proposal, and you have the opportunity to receive specialist career development advice and support.

Learn more about the LLM Research Thesis

Why study with us

Study at a law school that provides you with the perfect balance between academic learning and practical experience.

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How you'll study

Thrive in our dynamic and international learning environment, underpinned by ground-breaking research and the support and guidance of expert academics and practitioners.

A group of Reading law students studying together outside

Life in the School

Learn in a friendly inclusive law school where our practice-focused approach provides you with multiple opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.