Law (replacing the GDL) MA : University of Sussex

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Key information

Duration:: 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:: September 2025
Apply by:: 1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

“The Law MA prepares you with the essential knowledge and skills for your journey to becoming a lawyer. Whatever you choose to use your degree for, the Law MA lays the foundations for you to succeed.”Patrick Rusk, Law MA graduate
Trainee solicitor, Burt Brill & Cardens

Are you a non-law graduate looking for a law conversion course to get up to speed with a range of legal concepts?

This course offers you the opportunity to gain a Masters in Law so you’re prepared for many different career options. Replacing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/Common Professional Examination (CPE), this degree focuses on the key areas of the law in England and Wales and provides a solid foundation for preparing for the first stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), or training for the Bar.

During your studies, you’ll develop legal awareness and have opportunities to take part in skills training – such as learning how to moot, interview clients and negotiate – while engaging in informed discussion of the law. You’ll also experience some of the approaches used in vocational legal training such as the SQE.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a range of career options including:

qualifying as a solicitor
qualifying as a barrister
undertaking legal research
undertaking further study.

Accreditation

This course satisfies the academic component / GDL requirements of Bar training (subject to minimum pass marks and number of attempts). This degree acts as a gateway to further qualification as both a solicitor and a barrister. The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) must be taken by graduates wishing to become a solicitor.

This course satisfies the academic component for BSB purposes (subject to minimum pass marks and number of attempts). Find out more
This course satisfies the academic component for SRA purposes (subject to minimum pass marks and number of attempts). Find out more

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

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Degree requirements	You should normally have a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Degree requirements	Licenciado/Titulo with a minimum final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Degree requirements	Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Degree requirements	A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.2/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Degree requirements	Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a minimum final mark of at least 7.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second class lower division or CGPA 2.7/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-70% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-70% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Degree requirements	Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 7 (Fair Performance).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 15/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a university with a minimum overall grade of at least 70%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Degree requirements	Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with a minimum final mark of at least 12.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a minimum final mark of 2.7 or better.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a public university with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Degree requirements	Ptychion from an AEI with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0.

Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a minimum final mark of at least 14.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Degree requirements	Diploma di Laurea with a minimum overall mark of at least 101.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 3.5/5 or CGPA 3.0/4
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Degree requirements	Masters degree, depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Degree requirements	A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.8-2.99/4.0, 3.0-3.49/5.0, or 4.0-4.6/7.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall grade of C.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Degree requirements	Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.

Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum of at least 70% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Degree requirements	Bachelors with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Degree requirements	Masters degree with a minimum of 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Degree requirements	Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CAP 3.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Degree requirements	Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Degree requirements	Bachelors Special degree with a minimum lower second honours.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Degree requirements	Licence or Diplôme with a minimum 4.5/6 or 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Degree requirements	Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Uzbekistan

Degree requirements	Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 70%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Degree requirements	Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification can be in any subject. If you have a non-UK degree and intend to qualify as a barrister, you should also have a certificate of academic standing from the Bar Standards Board.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Standard level (65 overall, including at least 60 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 36 in each component.

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

Standard level (59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills).

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Standard level (80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
The British Overseas Territories
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

How to apply

You will be able to apply from November 2024.

Personal statement

Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application.

Find out how to write a personal statement

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Application deadlines

1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

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Modules

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below. For details about the part-time course, contact us.

MA or Graduate Diploma?

If you wish to graduate with the MA, you start work on your dissertation in the spring term and submit it in the summer.

You also have the option to finish your degree before the summer with a Diploma, which will give you the same scope to proceed to the next stage of legal qualification as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Spring and summer teaching

Dissertation

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Why study a Law MA at the University of Sussex?

What is International Development? from University of Sussex on Vimeo.

Video transcript

[On-screen text: Why choose the Law MA?]

I chose to study the MA as I wanted to make a transition into Law and make a career change. The MA Law was a great opportunity for me to undertake a course in law that would give me a qualifying Law degree and allow me to make that career change.

So our Law MA at Sussex is a law conversion course for students who have a first degree in a different discipline, but who want to go on to qualify as solicitors or barristers.

[On-screen text: What sets Sussex apart?]

As opposed to other universities where you’ll have a more traditional conversion course, the MA Law at Sussex allows you to take optional modules to expand your legal knowledge into areas you would be more interested in, which align more with your career prospects.

Sussex offers a number of law skills competitions, and as someone who was thinking about a career in the Bar, I decided to take on mooting.

Mooting teaches you transferable skills. The key one will be time management and organisational skills, which you will need when managing cases down the line.

The students have a chance to write a dissertation in the summer, which gives them an opportunity to develop their interest in an area of Law that they find particularly interesting. One of the other things about Sussex that makes us special is the fact that we have some amazing experts amongst our teaching staff.

[On-screen text: Why did you choose Sussex?]

When I was looking around universities, one of the main things I wanted was the lifestyle that Brighton offers. That's why I picked Brighton and that's why I picked University of Sussex.

One thing that drew me to the course in particular was the fact that it was offered as a Masters rather than a Postgraduate Diploma, and that gave me the opportunity to do some of my own research and write a Masters dissertation.

I chose to study the MA Law because of the expertise of the faculty.

Looking back on the entire course, I learnt some really, really valuable and transferable skills that will stand me in good stead for a career at the Bar in the future.

If you can get through the MA Law in a year and excel, the world’s your oyster.

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Our experts

I’m delighted to convene the Law MA course, and to work with a team of dedicated, inspiring and caring colleagues to deliver a first class learning experience.”Donald McGillivray
Professor of Environmental Law

Miss Fiona Clements

Lecturer in Law

View profile of Fiona Clements

Dr Mark Davies

Reader In Law

View profile of Mark Davies

Mr Kieran Durcan

Senior Lecturer in Law

View profile of Kieran Durcan

Prof Nuno Ferreira

Professor of Law

View profile of Nuno Ferreira

Dr Matthew Garrod

Senior Lecturer in Law

View profile of Matthew Garrod

Prof Donald Mcgillivray

Professor of Environmental Law

View profile of Donald Mcgillivray

Prof Lara McMurtry

Professor of Law and Legal Education

View profile of Lara McMurtry

Dr Maria Moscati

Reader in Law and Society

View profile of Maria Moscati

Dr Emanuela Orlando

Senior Lecturer in Environmental Law

View profile of Emanuela Orlando

Dr Ana Soares Peres

Lecturer in Law

View profile of Ana Soares Peres

Prof Lindsay Stirton

Professor of Public Law

View profile of Lindsay Stirton

Dr Ruth Stirton

Senior Lecturer in Healthcare LAw

View profile of Ruth Stirton

Dr Jo Wilson

Senior Lecturer in Commercial Law

View profile of Jo Wilson

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Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

Home students:: £11,025 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £11,025 per year for full-time students
International students:: £22,575 per year for full-time students

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Textbooks

The Law School provides online access to core texts for every module free of charge. However, you may choose to buy hard copies of some textbooks. The approximate cost of buying new copies of textbooks for all modules is £300.

Statute Books

You may find it useful to have a hard copy of a statute book for some modules. These cost around £15 each.

Law Society Membership

If you choose to become a Student Law Society member, annual membership costs £12. The Student Law Society runs optional events and trips four or five times a year. Costs vary but usually range between £5 and £40 per event.

Skills Competitions

For students who take part in optional skills competitions, most of the associated costs will be covered by the School. Students will need to cover some costs such as formal clothing and may need to cover printing costs when online bundles are not permitted. These costs will depend on the stage reached and whether it is an internal or external competition.

Law Ball

Tickets for the Annual Law Ball organised by the Student Law Society cost around £30. Attendance is optional.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

How can I fund my course?

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Bangladesh

Find out more
Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Egypt

Find out more
Sussex India Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of India

Find out more
Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Nigeria

Find out more
Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Pakistan

Find out more
Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Turkey

Find out more
Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Vietnam

Find out more

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

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Careers

As a graduate, you can work towards qualifying as a law professional. You’ll also be well prepared for roles working in-house without qualifying in any particular jurisdiction, or to go on to further study.

Career paths may include:

solicitor (Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam)
barrister (Bar Professional Training Course)
paralegal/legal executive
in-house counsel
judge
legal researcher or librarian
the Civil, Police or Probation Service
local government.

Sussex finds that sweet spot between academic excellence and a friendly atmosphere. Talk to any member of the faculty, and you will be in no doubt that you’re talking to an expert in their field.”Patrick Rusk
Law MA graduate

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

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Law (replacing the GDL) MA

Key information

Accreditation

Virtual Masters Open Day

Entry requirements

Argentina

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Cyprus

Denmark

Ecuador

Egypt

France

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Iran

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kuwait

Lebanon

Malawi

Malaysia

Mexico

Nepal

Nigeria

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Palestine

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Qatar

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

USA

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

LanguageCert Academic SELT

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE