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Postgraduate Study

The MLitt in Law may be awarded after two years of supervised research (or a proportionally longer period if undertaken on a part-time basis) and following examination of a thesis not exceeding 60,000 words inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of appendices, bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter. For a candidate to be awarded the MLitt, their thesis must have demonstrated all of the criteria below:

1. provides evidence of a useful contribution to the field of study;

2. systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in the field of study;

3. includes critical evaluation of current methodologies and wider research in the area of study;

4. provides evidence of an understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry;

5. submission of work of a quality and quantity expected for two years of full-time postgraduate research (or part-time equivalent)


Continuing

MLitt candidates may apply to continue to the PhD by submitting a Postgraduate Application Form to the Postgraduate Admissions Office via the Applicant Portal by the relevant course deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

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Key Information


2 years full-time

3 years 4 months part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Letters

Faculty of Law

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


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