Faculty of Law, University of Oxford - Graduate Taught Course Prizes

Benefit

These are academic awards for the best examination results in the two Master’s degree programmes in law at the University of Oxford: the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) and the Magister Juris (MJur). A separate prize is awarded for the highest mark in each full-module and half-module. With around 35 full modules and 10 half-modules, there are numerous prizes to be won. The top and second-best overall results are also recognised with named awards: in the BCL programme, the ‘Vinerian Scholarship’ (first place) and the ‘Vinerian Proxime Accessit’ (runner-up), with corresponding top honours for the MJur programme. The prizes are awarded by the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The monetary value is not published, and some are honours of prestige rather than substantial cash prizes.

Eligibility

• Course: You are enrolled on the BCL or MJur programme at the University of Oxford. Both are intensive 10-month Master’s programmes in law.
• Legal background: The BCL is aimed at students from common-law jurisdictions; the MJur is aimed at students from civil-law jurisdictions.
• Results: You will win a prize if you achieve the top mark in your final exams (or, in the case of the Vinerian Awards, the top two marks). There is no separate competition you need to enter.
• Nationality: These degree programmes are open to students of all nationalities.

How to apply

You do not need to apply. The prizes are awarded automatically on the basis of your final exam results at the end of the school year.

How realistic are your chances?

Admission to the BCL or MJur programme is already difficult, as Oxford only accepts students with outstanding first-class law degrees. A prize then requires by far the best result in an elective module within this highly competitive group of students. This is an award for the very best-performing students; it is not something you can plan for. Think of it as recognition that may accompany outstanding examination results, not as financial support on which you can rely.