MLF application FAQs
Q: I have not studied law at degree level, am I eligible to apply for the MLF?
A: Applicants for the MLF must have either a degree in law or a professional qualification in law (i.e. one that will enable them to qualify to practice as a lawyer). This is because although the programme is taught in conjunction with the business school, the law courses on the programme are graduate law courses, so they will assume a level of legal knowledge equivalent with that of a law graduate.
In Oxford, there is a two-year BA in law that is specifically for graduates who have already completed a degree in another subject. If you studied this programme, you would then be eligible to apply for the MSc in Law and Finance.
Information about the BA can be found on pages 21-22 of our e-brochure, and on the University page about second undergraduate degrees (the section about Senior Status Law is about three headings down). You might also find our faculty page about this degree useful. Please note that the deadline for applying to start the BA in 2013 is 15 October 2012.
Q: What should I submit for the 2,000-word piece of written work?
A: The written work that you submit should be a piece of academic writing that is not longer than 2,000 words, written solely you by, in English. It does not need to have been published or marked, and it can be a section of a longer piece of work (e.g. a dissertation), although it would be helpful if you could indicate if this is the case.
The piece should enable the assessors to make a judgement about your suitability to study the MSc in Law and Finance. It is up to you what topic this piece of work is about, but it may be sensible to submit work that you have done that relates to law and finance; this is not specifically required because the Admissions Committee understand that not all applicants will have something suitable in this area that they can submit.
Ultimately, it is a matter for your judgement, to decide which piece of work demonstrates your academic ability and suitability for the programme, and is therefore most appropriate.
Q: I am from a non-native English-speaking country, but I have studied a graduate programme taught in English in the UK, do I still need to submit language test scores?
A: It is open to you to apply to waive the language requirement if you have completed a programme of study at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction was in English. In these circumstances the University has a discretion to waive the language requirement.
So, if you apply and are made an offer it may still be conditional on your obtaining the necessary scores in the English language tests, if the waiver is not granted.
To apply for a waiver, please include a letter with your application stating the reasons you wish to be exempted from the language test requirement and the assessors will make a decision based on your complete application.
Q: What should I include in the Statement of Purpose?
A: The Statement of Purpose is your chance to explain your reasons for wanting to do the course, your future plans or any other information about yourself you find relevant to the application that is not included in your CV or anywhere else in the application materials. The statement should be no longer than one side of A4.
Q: What grades or GPA do I need to have received in my degree in order to be eligible to apply for the MLF?
A: The Admissions Committee are looking for applicants who have at least high second class, first division (2.1) degree, or equivalent, although most applicants who receive offers have a first class degree. Admission to the programme is offered on a competitive basis, so the strongest applicants in the field will be offered places. Students tend to be in the top 5-10 per cent of their class at University.
To work out the equivalency of your degree to the UK system, you should contact the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC).
