The Diploma in Legal Studies is a 1-year research course; candidates are required to undertake independent research under the supervision of a member of the Faculty and must keep at least 3 terms of residence before submitting for examination a thesis not exceeding 30000 words; the thesis must afford evidence of serious study and the ability to discuss a difficult problem critically; the Diploma year may, in appropriate circumstances, be counted towards either the MLitt or PhD research degrees; an applicant interested in writing a thesis on a topic in international law should apply for the Diploma in International Law; the Diploma in Legal Studies covers all other topics within the field of law; in addition to the course fee, students may have to pay a college fee and a University Composition fee.