Program Overview

Introduction to Socio-legal Studies

The University of Kent's Socio-legal Studies program is a research-focused degree that explores the relationship between law and society. The program is offered as both a Master's (LLM) and a Doctoral (PhD) degree, with full-time and part-time options available.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: LLM 1 year full-time, PhD 3 to 4 years full-time
• Start date: September
• Location: Canterbury

Overview

Kent Law School (KLS) is a world leader in critical and interdisciplinary scholarship, including socio-legal studies. The school's research has been ranked second in the UK in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. The program is designed for students who want to explore the social, historical, and economic context of law and its impact on society.

Entry Requirements

• A first or good second-class honors degree in law or a relevant subject
• A Master's degree with a separate dissertation component is strongly recommended
• Particular attention will be paid to the demonstrated ability to undertake a sustained piece of academic research and writing
• International students: Please see the University's International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information

Funding

The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships for postgraduate researchers, including the Kent Law School scholarship. The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:

• LLM: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (EU), £19,300 (International)
• PhD: £2,503 (UK), £9,650 (EU), £9,650 (International)

Research Areas

The Kent Law School has a wide range of research areas, including:

• Critical Commercial Law and Business Law and Regulation
• Critical Obligations
• Environmental Law
• European and Comparative Law
• Gender and Sexuality
• Governance and Regulation
• Healthcare Law and Ethics
• International Law
• Law and Political Economy & Law and Development
• Legal Theories and Philosophy
• Property Law

Staff Research Interests

The University of Kent's world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The Law School is recognized for the international quality of its research, with expertise across many areas of law.

Your Future

Employability is a key focus throughout the University, and at Kent Law School, you have the support of a dedicated Employability and Career Development Officer. The school also offers a range of work placement opportunities, employability events, and careers talks.

Fees and Funding

The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships for postgraduate researchers. The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:

• LLM: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (EU), £19,300 (International)
• PhD: £2,503 (UK), £9,650 (EU), £9,650 (International)

Next Steps

To apply for the Socio-legal Studies program, please visit the University of Kent's website. You can also contact the Law School for more information about the program and the application process.