Research Training
The Centre offers a comprehensive research training programme to support you throughout your graduate studies. Alongside compulsory training, you'll have opportunities to attend seminars, discussion groups, conferences, and specialist methodology courses across the University.
Theory and Methods
All newly enrolled graduate students are required to attend the Theory and Methods course.
The course runs throughout Michaelmas and Hilary terms, with weekly two-hour seminars, followed by student presentations in Trinity term. It provides a foundation in socio-legal theory, research design, and methodology, helping you develop the knowledge and skills needed for your research.
Further information, including seminar topics and reading lists, is available in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Research Seminar Series
The Centre hosts a programme of research seminars during Michaelmas and Hilary terms, with seminars normally taking place weekly during Michaelmas.
These seminars feature presentations from Centre researchers, academics from across the University of Oxford, and invited speakers from other institutions. They offer valuable insight into current socio-legal research and demonstrate how a range of theoretical and methodological approaches are applied in practice.
Attendance is compulsory for first-year students. The seminar series also provides an excellent opportunity to engage with researchers, discuss ideas, and become part of the Centre's research community.
Students’ Socio-Legal Discussion Group
Organised by graduate students, the Students' Socio-Legal Discussion Group offers an informal and supportive space to:
- Present your research
- Discuss your progress with peers
- Exchange ideas and feedback
- Hear from invited external speakers
Attendance is strongly encouraged. Information about meetings is circulated by the Centre's student representatives.
Conferences and Seminars
In addition to the regular seminar programme, the Centre hosts and promotes conferences, workshops, and special seminars throughout the academic year.
Students are encouraged to attend these events to broaden their knowledge, engage with leading researchers, and expand their academic networks. Details of upcoming events are circulated regularly.
Additional Classes
The Centre's socio-legal research training forms part of the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), giving students access to a wide range of additional research methods training.
You are also encouraged to explore methodology courses and online resources offered across Oxford and beyond, including:
- Grand Union DTP methodology training
- ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) online video resources
- Courses offered by:
- Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR)
- Saïd Business School
- Centre for Criminology
- Department of Sociology
Further opportunities are available through the Social Sciences Division's Researcher Development programme.
Students should discuss additional training options with their supervisor to identify the opportunities most relevant to their research project.