MLaw Contemporary Legal Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Qualifying law degree route for non-law graduates, recognised for entry into the legal profession in Northern Ireland, combined with postgraduate elective modules to build a Master's in Contemporary Legal Studies. Year one provides the academic stage of legal qualification; year two offers specialist electives.

Department: Law | Duration: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time | Intake: Entry year 2027/28 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: eight core law modules plus Legal Methods and Skills workshops, assessed by in-person exam and continuous assessment, including mock client problem questions. Year two: postgraduate taught electives from areas such as law and technology, commercial law, intellectual property law, criminology and international human rights law (law and non-law electives), with more intensive research and legal writing.

Career pathways

Year one gives the Qualifying Law Degree needed for professional legal studies in Northern Ireland. Law at Queen's is ranked top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a discipline other than Law. Graduates holding law degrees not recognised by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Northern Ireland (for example international law degrees, Scottish law degrees, or unrecognised Republic of Ireland degrees) may also apply. Exemption may be considered for holders of a Master's degree, or a 2:2 honours degree in a non-law discipline with 2 years' relevant professional experience. Graduates holding a law degree recognised by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Northern Ireland may not register. Designed for UK and ROI non-law graduates and for law and non-law graduates from other countries whose law degree is not recognised in Northern Ireland; applicants outside Northern Ireland should confirm with their own regulator that the programme meets its requirements. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

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