Law has been studied and taught in Cambridge since the thirteenth century, when the core subjects of legal study in all European universities were Civil law (the law of ancient Rome) and the Canon law of the Church. The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Its reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known world-wide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges.
The Faculty of Law is fully committed to doing everything it reasonably can to ensure that all students benefit from this experience, just as countless preceding generations of Cambridge Law students have done, as we navigate the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This advice for students and staff at the Faculty of Law on the Faculty’s planning in relation to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and information for current students and those holding offers for the 2020-21 academic year or considering applying in the future.
Courses
B.A. Degree
The undergraduate Law Degree at Cambridge is intended to give a thorough grounding in the principles of Law viewed from an academic rather than a vocational perspective. The emphasis is on principle and technique, reasoning and explanation. There are opportunities to study the history of Law, and to consider the subject in its wider social context.
LL.M. Degree
The Law Faculty at Cambridge offers a world-renowned, internationally respected LLM (Master of Law) programme. The one year taught course offers highly qualified and intellectually outstanding students the opportunity of pursuing their legal studies at an advanced level in a challenging – but supportive – environment.
The LLM course, with its rich historical traditions, attracts students of the highest calibre, from both common law and civil law jurisdictions. It is intended for those wishing to pursue further legal studies after completing their first degree in law, including those who are considering an academic career or intending to practise law and those taking a career break seeking to broaden their intellectual horizons.
The minimum entry requirement for the LLM is normally a First Class degree in law from a UK University, or the equivalent from an overseas institution.
LLD
The LLD may be awarded to established scholars who have given ‘proof of distinction by some original contribution to the advancement of the science or study of law’, almost invariably in the form of published works and who meet the eligibility criteria for the degree.
MPhil in Criminology
The MPhil in Criminology is a nine month full time programme. It is a taught Master’s degree that combines advanced study and research introducing students to some of the most important theory, methods and research in criminology.
The MPhil in Criminology offers a sound foundation of knowledge and methodological skills to those who wish to work in a wide range of criminal justice agencies, the legal profession, or other professional or voluntary organisations.
Postgraduate Research (MLitt / PhD) degree
The University offers two research degrees in Law: the MLitt or the PhD. Candidates are registered, in the first instance, for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Legal Studies and, at the end of the first year, are required to submit three items for a progress review: the personal progress log, a 15,000 word dissertation, and a short explanation of the proposed topic of PhD or MLitt research. The first-year progress review is undertaken by two assessors, normally the supervisor and another member of the Faculty of Law. An oral examination is held and, if candidates successfully complete the requirements of the Certificate and the first year progress review, they are retrospectively registered for either the MLitt or the PhD.
Squire Law Library
The Squire Law Library is located on the top three floors of the Lord Foster-designed Law Faculty building on the University’s Sidgwick Site. The Library maintains one of the largest legal collections (both printed and electronic) in the United Kingdom. It plays a central role in supporting the research and teaching aims of the Cambridge Law Faculty and in sustaining the Faculty’s international reputation as a centre of excellence in legal studies. The Squire serves law undergraduate students as well as advanced researchers and welcomes visiting scholars from all over the world.
Contact
The Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge
10 West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DZ
United Kingdom
Ph:+44 1223 330033
Fax: +44 1223 330055
Email: enquiries@law.cam.ac.uk
