Legal and Constitutional Studies PGDip/MLitt

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.

Semester 1

In the first semester, you will take the following compulsory module:

• The Idea of Law: introduces fundamental concepts, questions and analytical frameworks relevant to legal, historical and constitutional research.

You will also choose two additional modules from the lists below. These modules may be subject to a maximum number of participants .


You will choose one of the following:

• Approaches to Legal History: a grounding in particularly influential authors and works on the history of law.
• Approaches to International Law: underlying philosophical issues arising from the nature and practice of international law.

and one of:

• Special Topic in Legal and Constitutional Studies 1 (tailored individual course of study): detailed research and tuition within a specialised field of choice.
• Sources and Source Criticism: an introduction to mediaeval sources, suitable for those intending to work on medieval legal history.

The structure and modules of Semester 1 may be subject to change for 2019 entry.

Semester 2

In the second semester, you will take the following compulsory module:

• Comparative Studies in Legal and Constitutional Research: a forum for students to develop, present and write on a particular field or topic, drawing on methodological ideas from Semester 1 modules.
• Special Topic in Legal and Constitutional Studies 2: provides students with the opportunity for detailed research and tuition within a specialised field of their choice.

You will also choose one additional module from the list below. These modules may be subject to a maximum number of participants (


You will choose one of the following:

• Comparative Studies in Legal History: a forum for students to develop, present and write on a particular field or topic.
• Global Constitutionalism: fundamental training for students specialising in constitutionalism.

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt. Students may apply to undertake the PGDip instead of the MLitt from the outset of their application.