Reasons to study this Master's

  • Learning from international researchers who specifically come to teach in Oñati; working closely with them during their teaching periods in a small-group setting; high teaching standards.
  • Studying together with students from all over the world and living in the same building, which facilitates building lasting friendships and promotes a truly global experience in the heart of the Basque Country.
  • A range of subjects that address central topics in the interaction of law and society: e.g., legal pluralism, globalisation, post-colonialism, human rights, legal cultures, penal policies, rule of law, judicial politics, migration, restorative justice.
  • A research-oriented programme which lays emphasis on: critical theoretical foundations, qualitative and quantitative approaches to social research, development of students' own research projects, ethical self-reflection.
  • Well-established international reputation. The programme is in its 34th year, and previous graduates are now among the leading scholars and practitioners in sociology of law.
  • The delivery of the programme is unique. Whereas other programmes are taught by in-house academic staff, our programme is taught by leading researchers in sociology of law from around the world.
  • Diversity of students. The Master's programme attracts excellent students from a wide range of economic and cultural backgrounds. While we cannot provide any full scholarships, we aim to help those in need of financial support with grant information and a limited number of small subsidiary grants.
  • New career opportunities. You will acquire the knowledge, skills and support needed to afford your transition to a new and rewarding professional career with confidence and determination.
  • A high proportion of our students continue with doctoral studies. For example, our graduates can directly register for a PhD programme at the University of the Basque Country, and we provide support for applying for PhD funding.
  • The IISL was first established as a collaboration between the Basque government and the RCSL, and has become a home for the international socio-legal community. Students may engage with scholars visiting the IISL for research stays and workshops and become part of this network.
  • Online platform for alumni of the IISL (students, visiting researchers, workshop participants, etc.). If you want to stay in touch and exchange information, experiences and opportunities, become part of the Oñati Community!
  • Access to one of the best socio-legal libraries in the world. The IISL is hosts a famous multi-language library on socio-legal topics. Researchers from around the world travel to Oñati specifically to use our library.
  • Publishing opportunities. Master’s theses of very high-quality may be turned into a journal article, which can be submitted to our international journal of emergent socio-legal studies, Sortuz. You can also consider other outlets of the IISL for your future research.
  • The Basque Country. Oñati provides the perfect atmosphere and environment for focusing on your Master’s studies. You have the opportunity to live, learn and study in a beautiful and tranquil environment.
For more information: 

Master Coordination Team

IISL Master Coordination Team
Avenida de la Universidad, 8
Apartado 28
20560 Oñati (Gipuzkoa) - Spain
T.: +34 943 78... Ver teléfono
E: master@iisj.es
  @IISJOnati