Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

See the How to apply page.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 4 January 2024 for the 2024-25 MCL programme. It is not possible to apply after that date.

Must I have studied law degree at University to apply for the MCL?

Usually. Please see Criteria for more information.

Can I apply for the MCL if I have not yet completed my first degree in law?

Yes. Note, though, that the MCL Admissions Committee can only consider your application on the basis of grades provided at the time you apply. As a result, if an unsuccessful applicant currently engaging in academic study subsequently receives excellent results, they should apply again in the following year rather than expecting any change in the decision made. It is likely that successful applicants who have not yet completed their first degree in law will be asked to fulfil academic conditions concerning the completion of their studies.

What grades do I need to have to be offered a place on the MCL?

See Criteria.

Can I take the MCL if I am from a civil law country rather than a common law country?

Yes. Those from a civil law background take the same course as those from a common law background. Civil law students will likely need to do extra work to familiarise themselves with the case law method and other attributes of the common law system. The MCL Director offers an introduction to common law method session as part of the orientation process for MCL students as term gets underway.

Can I apply for the MCL if English is not my first language?

Yes. If you are not from a country on the Postgraduate Admissions Office's List A you will need to pass a language test demonstrating proficiency in English.

Do you accept applications from students who already have an LLM?

Yes, but applicants who have done an LLM at Cambridge cannot re-take any of the papers they took while studying for the LLM.

Can I apply for the MCL and another course at Cambridge for the same year of entry?

Yes, but you must make a separate application for each course by the relevant application deadline. If offers of admission are made for more than one of these courses, you will have to choose which course place to accept – you cannot study the MCL and another course concurrently. Your election is irrevocable.

Can I take the MCL on a part-time or distance learning basis?

No. The MCL is a full-time degree programme. Students are required to be resident in Cambridge throughout each Full Term of the academic year, absent special dispensation.

How long is the MCL and what are the term dates?

The course starts in the first week of October and finishes at the end of the following June. The term dates are available on the University website.

Once I have applied, when I can expect to find out if I have been offered a place?

By 30 April of the calendar year in which you wish to start the MCL.

If I take the MCL, can I be sure I will be able to get a place at the college I would like to attend?

Unfortunately no, but you can express a preference. Please be assured that those who are accepted by the Faculty of Law for the MCL course always secure a place at one of the Cambridge colleges.  

Will I find out which college I will be affiliated with before the deadline expires for payment of the reservation fee?

It is highly unlikely, given that your application file will only be circulated to colleges for membership consideration once your MCL offer has been set by the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

If I receive an offer subject to academic or language conditions and fail to meet these conditions, is it possible to obtain a waiver?

It is very unlikely. Should you wish to enquire further, please contact mcl@law.cam.ac.uk.

I have received an offer of an MCL place and would like to attend Cambridge but cannot take the place up for the year for which I initially applied. Is it possible to defer?

Unfortunately no. Deferred entry is not possible for the MCL due to the limited number of places available each year.

I have received an offer to join the MCL and have a month to pay the reservation fee. Can this deadline be extended?

No, unfortunately it is not possible for the deadline to be extended. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Will obtaining an MCL degree entitle me to practise in the United Kingdom?

No. This is the case with all law degrees. The Law Faculty’s website provides guidance on becoming a barrister or solicitor in the UK.

I have checked the website thoroughly, together with supporting documentation, but I have a question to which I cannot find the answer. Is there anyone I can contact?

Yes. Please contact mcl@law.cam.ac.uk.