Law

Why study Law?

At St Hilda's, Law students have ample opportunities to get involved in various activities outside of their studies. We have a very active Law Society which is set up and run by undergraduates. The St Hilda’s Law Society hosts a variety of speakers, including legal practitioners. It also organises social events for undergraduate and graduate law students. A major University mooting competition is organised by our law students each year.

There is the dedicated Law Network of alumnae, which provides an excellent springboard for careers. There are regular social and career events which provide an opportunity for current students to make contact with former students and to explore possible career paths. St Hilda's also hosts sessions of the Feminist Jurisprudence Discussion Group.

Further application information

The study of law combines skills from both the sciences and arts and therefore most A-level subjects are suitable. Candidates with either arts or science subjects, or a combination of both, are equally welcome to apply. The Law tutors are looking for people who can think clearly, reason carefully and argue persuasively. We are seeking candidates with the strongest academic potential whom we feel will make the most out of the intellectual opportunities we have to offer. We are looking both for academic potential and commitment to excel in the chosen course of study. In making our final decisions about candidates we inevitably place a certain emphasis on performance in the interview. If you are invited to interview at St Hilda’s, you can expect to meet with two interviewer panels, including two or more of our Law Fellows and Lecturers. The format of interviews may change slightly from year to year, but will typically involve a discussion around a legal text which you will have had time to read before the interview. The purpose of our interviews is not to test your pre-existing knowledge of the law, but rather your ability to engage deeply with different and difficult conceptual issues. Our interest is not with the substance of your views and opinions, but with the way you think about and respond to the problems we set and the questions we ask. We are looking for rigorous but flexible and reflective analytical thinking.

Please visit the Law course page on the University website for further information, including details on entrance requirements.

Law Society

Book Grant

This grant is to assist first-year students (first-year undergraduates, and graduate students in the first year of a postgraduate taught course) with the purchase of course books up to a maximum value of £60. Eligible students may apply only once during their first year and the application may be made in any term of their first year.

Law Network Bursary Fund 

Wednesday of Week 2 of any term
Forms please to go to: johannes.ungerer@law.ox.ac.uk
We would love to hear from you about your experience in the legal sector. If you would be interested in being part of a panel or talk, or would like to organise a presentation with your firm/chambers, please get in touch.

You may also be interested in the St Hilda's Alumni Law Society on LinkedIn.

Hear from our students

"When I applied to study law (Jurisprudence) at Oxford, I didn’t think I would get an interview never mind actually study here! I was in the mindset that people ‘like me’, from a state school in Wigan, wouldn’t get in here. Applying here was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had.

St Hilda’s College is an extremely inclusive and supportive place to be. Everyone here is very friendly. Additionally, the College itself is an amazing place to be, especially in summer as it's next to the River Cherwell. The location of the College is ideal as the Iffley Road Sports Centre and Cowley Road are both nearby, whilst Oxford city centre is just a 5-minute walk away.

Law at St Hilda's is a very intellectually challenging course, but the tutors here ensure that you can understand the complex concepts. Law at St Hilda's is made up of lectures and tutorials. The tutorials are normally one tutor to two students, so you always have the chance to explore anything you find especially interesting or challenging."

- Ben Ledwith, 2nd-year undergraduate