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Our research

Supporting the development, transition and resilience of business, law and society.

About our research

We have a rich, distinguished research history. Since our founding in the late 1960s, we’ve been at the forefront of many legal fields.

Our academics produce pioneering work, ranging from Dr Stan Marsh’s work on legal education to Professor Stephen Whittle’s groundbreaking work on transgender rights.

Our researchers have advised governments, including the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, French Ministry of Justice and All Party Parliamentary Groups. They provide vital support for critical issues, including transgender discrimination, domestic violence, surrogacy and ticket touting.

Our research not only contributes to the legal research agenda – it leads it. It’s practical, professional, evidence-based and driven by activism.
Professor Andrew Francis, Head of Manchester Law School
Our research not only contributes to the legal research agenda – it leads it. It’s practical, professional, evidence-based and driven by activism.
Professor Andrew Francis, Head of Manchester Law School

Explore our research

  • Student in the courtroom smiling at the camera

    Equalities and Human Rights

    We’re pioneering research with activism, to impact social change.

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  • Two physical geography students on a field trip to Great Langdale Valley photographed from behind

    Sustainability, Legal Geographies and the Environment

    Examining the regulation of business, social, political and built environments.

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  • Two students walking through a building holding coffees

    Professional Lives and Legal Education

    Informing policy and shaping the legal profession.

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  • Student climbing an indoor rock climbing wall

    Sports Law and Popular Culture

    We continue to be at the forefront of sports law and music industry research.

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  • Female researcher cleaning equipment used for new materials research

    Sylvia Pankhurst Gender and Diversity Research Centre

    Understanding what causes inequalities at work and building fairer workplaces.

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  • Researcher tightening bolts inside a test chamber

    Research missions

    Discover our five research missions — helping us to better understand the world around us and share new insights with policymakers, businesses and wider society.

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  • Student sat at a desk having a discussion

    Doctoral studies in Law

    Find out about doctoral programmes at Manchester Law School.

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