Master of Letters

The Master of Letters (MLitt) is the research degree one level below the DPhil in the hierarchy of difficulty and originality. It calls for a thesis of between 40,000 and 50,000 words written over two or at most three years (including a probationer year). It is a full-time degree. The thesis must make a worthwhile contribution to knowledge and understanding within its field.

Students are never admitted to the MLitt degree directly. Your initial application to read for an MLitt is strictly speaking an application to become a Probationer Research Student (PRS). It is possible to wait until the 'qualifying test' at the end of the PRS year before deciding whether you want to aim for a DPhil or an MLitt. It is also possible that your qualifying test assessors will make the decision for you. Occasionally an MLitt is also conferred on those who submit a DPhil thesis that does not meet the full DPhil standard but still meets the MLitt standard.

• More about funding for postgraduate students.

• More about admissions: requirements and procedures, links  to forms, etc.

• Our postgraduate handbook (pdf) explains in more detail what to expect as an MLitt student, including more details on the course in legal research method and the qualifying test.

• General questions about life as a research student? Check out our FAQs.