Program Overview

Key Facts

Qualification

MPhil

Course duration

1 year

Typical Entry Requirements

• Entry Requirements: 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Applicants should submit a full research proposal at the point of application

Course Overview

MPhil

The MPhil is designed for those who wish to pursue research in a particular area of legal interest under the expert guidance of a member of the Department's staff.

Requirements for Completion for the MPhil

• You will be required to complete a thesis of around 60,000 words.
• You will consult regularly with your supervisor, who will advise and provide guidance on the project.
• Those studying the degree full-time will also take a short course on research training to assist them to develop appropriate research skills.

Period of Study for the MPhil

• The normal period of registration for a full-time student is 12 months during which time you should be based in Aberystwyth.
• The normal period of registration for a part-time student is two years.
• Those studying on a part-time basis need not be resident in Aberystwyth during this time.

About this course

Masters by Research

• At Aberystwyth you can register for an MPhil or an LLM (Research).
• There is no difference between these qualifications.
• Most students register for the MPhil, which is recognised in the UK as a research qualification, whereas the LLM is usually reserved for taught Masters programmes.
• Some overseas students, however, prefer to be awarded an LLM because the title signifies clearly that it is a law degree.
• In either case, you can register for one year to produce a thesis of about 50,000-60,000 words.
• You will work under the direction of one or more supervisors but are not required to attend any classes.
• After the year at Aberystwyth you have up to two years to write up your research.

Modules September start - 2025

Year 1

• Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change.
• They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

• Grants Development Workshops: PGM2510, 10 credits
• Leadership for Researchers: PGM1910, 10 credits
• Manuscript Skills: Post Medieval Palaeographic and Diplomatic: PGM1210, 10 credits
• Principles of Research Design: PGM0210, 10 credits
• Public Engagement and Impact: PGM1610, 10 credits
• Reading and Writing Development Group: PGM2610, 10 credits
• Theoretical Foundations of Research in Law and Criminology: PGM2710, 10 credits
• Ways of Reading: PGM0410, 10 credits
• Ways of Working: PGM1810, 10 credits

Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh