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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. Candidates for the MLitt are registered in the first instance for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Legal Studies which provides training in legal research and must attend, during term-time only, the weekly classes provided by the Faculty's Research Training and Development Programme that offer instruction on research techniques and advice on matters such as getting work published and obtaining academic jobs.

  • Full-time students are required to be in residence in Cambridge during their studies.

  • Part-time students have no residence requirements but are required to attend the University on a regular basis as prescribed by their Degree Committee. Generally, we expect part-time research students to be physically in Cambridge for around 45 days per year, spread throughout the year.

Students are appointed a principal Supervisor as well as an academic adviser to act as a source of advice on matters relating to a student's research and research environment. If the project is interdisciplinary, a second Supervisor may be appointed. Students are initially registered as probationary research students for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Legal Studies and must participate in the Faculty's Research Training and Development Programme which aims to provide an introduction to advanced research techniques and methods in law and cognate disciplines.

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

Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.

Virtual Postgraduate Open Days

The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.

Events for international students

Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.

For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.

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Key Information


Michaelmas 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
Nov. 17, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 8, 2026
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 14, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.

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