Thanks, so I should include the elements of SOP in the research proposal rather than submitting a separate one?

I see. Perhaps the research proposal should also include some elements of a personal statement since they do not ask for a separate PS specifically. For example, I am interested in the intersection of public law and EU law because I have studies these topics at undergraduate level. I am interested in the MPhil because this and that...I am interested in the university because of this and that etc. Then you can link what you've just said about the course with your proposal.

Hi Miki and all other 2024/25 applicants, I also have the same query as Omondimphil. The course page for MPhil in Law lists supporting documents to include CV, Research Proposal and Written Work only. The word limit for the research proposal is 600 words but in the explanation it states that it will be assessed for reasons for applying in addition to analysing the research proposal. So, I'm not sure whether a separate statement of purpose is needed, should I just upload it with the research proposal?

Hello everyone,
is someone planning to apply for the MJur Program at Oxford University for 2024/2025 ?
Looking forward to any replies. Thank you !!

Yes i am applying for the 2024-2025 mjur program

Hello everyone, 

I've just finalised my application for the MJur and only have to make a college preference (I know you don't have to choose one) and I wanted to ask what you guys chose and whether there are specific reasons for that. 

Thanks a lot and best of luck to everybody!

Yeah there must be a reason why they do not ask for a PS separately. If you are still unsure, email the law faculty.

Thanks, so I should include the elements of SOP in the research proposal rather than submitting a separate one?

I see. Perhaps the research proposal should also include some elements of a personal statement since they do not ask for a separate PS specifically. For example, I am interested in the intersection of public law and EU law because I have studies these topics at undergraduate level. I am interested in the MPhil because this and that...I am interested in the university because of this and that etc. Then you can link what you've just said about the course with your proposal.

Hi Miki and all other 2024/25 applicants, I also have the same query as Omondimphil. The course page for MPhil in Law lists supporting documents to include CV, Research Proposal and Written Work only. The word limit for the research proposal is 600 words but in the explanation it states that it will be assessed for reasons for applying in addition to analysing the research proposal. So, I'm not sure whether a separate statement of purpose is needed, should I just upload it with the research proposal?

Hi all, am about to submit my application with my referrals all sent in, but I'm wondering if I should get in one more referral - from a professor in NYU. Wondering if it's necessary or even recommended to get a 4th referee; would be keen to hear all your thoughts. Thank you!

There is some leeway (5% at least) but do not abuse it. 2100 words will be fine. 2500 will not be fine

Your written work may be an extract of the required length from a longer piece - in such cases, the work should be prefaced by a note which puts it in context.

This will be assessed for a comprehensive understanding of the subject area, an understanding of problems in the area, an ability to construct and defend an argument, your powers of analysis and your powers of expression.

Yes, definitely option 1.

There is some leeway (5% at least) but do not abuse it. 2100 words will be fine. 2500 will not be fine

Hi Miki, if don't mind me asking, for the essay component, I have a 7000-word essay which is quite detailed (including case law examples and analyses). I want to edit this down to 2000 words. Would Oxford be looking for: 
(1) A coherent extract of the 2000-word piece (ie, I'll extract out one or two of the sections and submit it as the essay
(2) A coherent argument within the 2000-word piece (ie, I'll edit the 7000-word essay down by removing most of the examples and some of the arguments, essentially "summarising" the essay)
(3) A writing sample, even if it is not entirely coherent because some big chunks are removed

I'm guessing the best bet is option (1), since the BCL site says:

Your written work may be an extract of the required length from a longer piece - in such cases, the work should be prefaced by a note which puts it in context.

So as long as I provide some context it may be okay? I think this also best comports with the assessment criteria:

This will be assessed for a comprehensive understanding of the subject area, an understanding of problems in the area, an ability to construct and defend an argument, your powers of analysis and your powers of expression.

Yes, definitely option 1.

If it is a chapter or something like that then I think it is also a good option. I think generally anything is good as long as it showcases your ability to write, your power of analysis and your arguments. Just make sure the extract does not look hectic and that it makes sense overall.





I didn't like option 2 in the previous question because it included removing examples, which I think would negatively affect the submission - a summary of an essay is not going to be analytical enough.

Yes, definitely option 1.

Hi Miki,









Thank you so much for sharing your advice! I am planning to submit an excerpt from my master's thesis (around 65,000 words long). Given the length, I feel like going with option 2 would give Oxford a better sense of my writing and reasoning. Would you still advise against it?









Thanks again :)

[Edited by miki3999 on Jan 12, 2024]

Does anyone know how long it takes for your application to go from "submitted but not processed yet" to ready for assessment or the equivalent next step?

[Edited by easymoneypiper on Jan 13, 2024]

Does anyone know how long it takes for your application to go from "submitted but not processed yet" to ready for assessment or the equivalent next step? I submitted my BCL app on 7 January.

Hi Miki.

I just had two questions, if you will be willing to answer.

1) When I choose to submit a 2000-word extract from a larger piece of work, the website says that I should include a prefaced by a note which puts the essay in context. Would you have any idea on how lengthy that preface can be? Will 50-100 words be too much?

2) The website also mentions that the LoR's are expected to usually be around 1-2 pages in length. If the LoR is lengthier, that would not negatively impact my application, right?

If it is a chapter or something like that then I think it is also a good option. I think generally anything is good as long as it showcases your ability to write, your power of analysis and your arguments. Just make sure the extract does not look hectic and that it makes sense overall.





I didn't like option 2 in the previous question because it included removing examples, which I think would negatively affect the submission - a summary of an essay is not going to be analytical enough.

Yes, definitely option 1.

Hi Miki,









Thank you so much for sharing your advice! I am planning to submit an excerpt from my master's thesis (around 65,000 words long). Given the length, I feel like going with option 2 would give Oxford a better sense of my writing and reasoning. Would you still advise against it?









Thanks again :)

1. My preface was 250 words long and it was fine.
2. What is a LoR haha

Thanks for the answer to Point 1.

On point 2, the LoR is the short form for Letter of Recommendation/Reference Letter, haha. Apologies

1. My preface was 250 words long and it was fine.
2. What is a LoR haha

References are uploaded by the referees on a separate portal, so it should be ok. Ideally, ask the referee to keep it to the required length.

Thanks for the answer to Point 1.

On point 2, the LoR is the short form for Letter of Recommendation/Reference Letter, haha. Apologies

1. My preface was 250 words long and it was fine.
2. What is a LoR haha

As I am hurrying to get the application material together, I have realised I haven't considered which college to apply to.



Where is everyone applying? Is it Balliol and Magdalen that are most competitive?



Miki3999 or other Oxford students/ex students, any insights into the pros/cons for BCL/graduate law students?

(I should say, Magdalen looks amazing but I am not a university medallist so I'm looking for other options!)

[Edited by Iwanttoseeprettyoldbuildings on Jan 17, 2024]

As I am hurrying to get the application material together, I have realised I haven't considered which college to apply to.

Magdalen, Christ Church and probably New are the most competitive. Note though that the colleges take other factors into consideration (not just grades) so just apply wherever you would like to go.

I applied to Christ Church (and got in) because they offered generous perks (£200 to spend on books, a sports grant, subsidized meals, graduate accommodation etc. Plus the hall is probably the best hall in Oxford).



Where is everyone applying? Is it Balliol and Magdalen that are most competitive?



Miki3999 or other Oxford students/ex students, any insights into the pros/cons for BCL/graduate law students?

(I should say, Magdalen looks amazing but I am not a university medallist so I'm looking for other options!)

Hi all, I submitted my full application a while back along with two completed references, but my third referee hasn't yet submitted theirs.

I understand from the website that this is fine past the deadline (i.e. as long as your application is complete and two of three are in the bank), but I'm unsure how far this grace period extends. Do you guys happen to know?

I would say asap

Hi all, I submitted my full application a while back along with two completed references, but my third referee hasn't yet submitted theirs.

I understand from the website that this is fine past the deadline (i.e. as long as your application is complete and two of three are in the bank), but I'm unsure how far this grace period extends. Do you guys happen to know?

Yes, definitely option 1.



Thanks Miki for all your help :)