University of San Diego

What you'll study

This programme emphasises advanced legal research methods, applied doctrinal and empirical techniques, and professional skills needed for high-level legal analysis. Core modules typically cover legal research methodology, advanced legal writing and argumentation, comparative and international legal systems, and quantitative and qualitative research methods as applied to legal questions.

• Legal Research Methods: doctrinal research, archival research, and best practices for literature reviews and source evaluation.
• Advanced Legal Writing and Advocacy: drafting persuasive memoranda, policy briefs, and scholarly articles; citation and publication standards.
• Empirical Techniques for Lawyers: introduction to statistics, survey design, interviews, and data analysis relevant to legal questions.
• Comparative and International Law: frameworks for cross-jurisdictional research and transnational legal issues.
• Electives and Specialisms: students can tailor study through electives such as regulatory compliance, human rights law, intellectual property, environmental law, or health law, depending on faculty availability.
• Capstone or Thesis: an independent research project or supervised thesis that demonstrates mastery of research techniques and contributes original analysis to a chosen legal topic.
• Professional Practice Modules: workshops in legal project management, ethical practice, and communicating research findings to non-academic audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Candidates with a Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, or equivalent legal qualification are well suited; applicants from other disciplines with substantial legal or policy experience may also be considered. Typical documentation and criteria include:

• Official transcripts demonstrating a strong academic record at undergraduate level.
• A personal statement outlining research interests, professional goals, and reasons for choosing the programme.
• One or more academic or professional references addressing the applicant’s suitability for graduate research.
• A writing sample that demonstrates analytical and written communication skills; applicants with professional experience may submit a relevant policy paper or memorandum.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS), where required by the university.
• Relevant professional experience can strengthen an application, particularly for those without formal legal qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates of this master’s are prepared for a range of careers that require advanced legal research and analytical skills. Typical destinations include roles in legal practice, policy and legislative analysis, compliance, and research-focused positions.

• Legal researcher or research counsel in law firms and in-house legal departments.
• Policy analyst or legislative researcher in government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs.
• Compliance officer or regulatory specialist in regulated industries.
• Litigation support, e-discovery and legal project management roles that demand advanced analytical and writing skills.
• Academic and doctoral study pathways for those who wish to pursue a PhD or teach and publish in legal scholarship.
• Public interest and advocacy organisations where rigorous research underpins strategic litigation and reform campaigns.

Why study at University of San Diego

Studying at the University of San Diego places you within a university that combines professional legal education with interdisciplinary resources. The institution offers access to experienced faculty who supervise research projects and to a curriculum that balances doctrinal scholarship with practical skill development.

• Law‑focused environment: proximity to the law school’s teaching and research activities supports networking with practitioners, clinics and visiting scholars.
• Practical learning opportunities: workshops, clinics and collaborative projects help translate research skills into professional practice.
• Location advantages: San Diego’s legal, policy and international trade environment provides diverse local, national and cross‑border issues for applied research and internship opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: students can draw on university resources in fields such as business, public administration and international studies to broaden their research perspective.

Overall, the Master’s in Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies is aimed at candidates who want to elevate their research competence and pursue specialist or leadership roles where rigorous legal analysis is essential.