Social Research and Law and Legal Studies

Our MRes Social Research and Law and Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary social science training programme designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace or for MPhil/PhD study.

The course covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses alongside substantive courses in the area of law and legal studies. You will also carry out an independent dissertation, putting into practice the methods and theoretical concepts you have been taught.

The course provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.

• Rigorous training in a range of contemporary social research methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Focuses on research design, addressing critical issues in social research.
• Interdisciplinary, theoretically informed and creative approach to research, forming an excellent foundation for doctoral progression.
• In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), Politics at Birkbeck was ranked 17th in the UK, Sociology was ranked 13th in the UK, and our School of Law was ranked in the top 10 for research intensity in the UK and top three in London, while our research environment was judged conducive to producing research of the highest quality.