1.2 Researching the Right Law Related Degree for You
Universities offer many variations of Law degrees that can appeal to an array of students based on what modules may be on offer. There are 7 required modules that all law students must take, but the rest of the degree can often be selected by the student to specialise in areas that they are more interested in.
The Types of Degrees Available
Law degrees are available in many different forms and often accommodate a variety of other subjects in their syllabus. A dissertation is often required as Law degrees are almost exclusively essay-based in nature, but some universities will provide flexibility in this area. If a dissertation is not in your interests then ensure you research different syllabuses and apply to courses that appeal to you.
It should also be noted that many universities offer Law degrees that include a guaranteed number of modules in another discipline. These other subjects can diversify your knowledge, allow you to pursue personal interests, and provide specialist insight that will benefitThe gain or advantage received from making a particular economic decision. you in the future if you choose to move into similar fields. Some of the most common combinations are detailed in the table below, allowing students to pick from the modules listed or specific modules offered by certain universities.
Here is a list of degrees related to Law, including a direct Law degree, and some of the modules that a student may expect to undertake at university.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Law | A Law degree offers a broad curriculum, but requires that students study 7 specific modules alongside their chosen modules. These modules include: Criminal Law, the Law of Torts, Contract Law, LandAll natural resources used in production, including soil, water, forests, minerals, oil, and other resources from nature. Law, Equity and Trusts, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and EU Law. Alongside these, students will often have a variety of choices which they can use to specialise. These choices will likely include corporate or commercial law, jurisprudence, international law, or intellectual property law. |
| Criminology | A criminology degree will offer a range of topics for study but will include many similar modules across universities. These common modules typically include: Introduction to Criminology, the Criminal Justice System, Theories of Crime, Research Methods in Criminology, Policing and Crime Prevention, Punishment and Penology, and Victimology. Beyond these choices, students may have a chance to take other modules which may include cybercrime, forensic psychology, youth justice, or international criminology. |
| International Relations | An international relations degree encompasses a diverse selection of subjects, yet many universities offer similar core modules. These foundational modules typically include: Introduction to International Relations, Global Politics, International Organisations, International Political EconomyA system in which consumers, producers, and government interact to produce, distribute, and consume goods and services., Comparative Politics, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, and Conflict ResolutionThe ability to distinguish two separate points as distinct.. In addition to these, students often have the opportunityA gap in the market or a new idea that a business can use to meet customer needs and make a profit. to choose from a variety of specialised modules, which may include human rights, international security, regional studies, or global environmental politics. |
| Economics | An economics degree covers a broad spectrum of subjects, with many universities offering similar core modules. These essential modules typically include: Principles of Economics, MicroeconomicsThe study of individual consumers, firms, and markets, focusing on decision-making and resource allocation., Behavioural Economics, MacroeconomicsThe study of the overall economy, including GDP, inflation, unemployment, and government policies., Econometrics, Economic Theory, Public Economics, and International Economics. In addition to these, students often have the opportunity to select from various specialised modules, which may include development economics, behavioral economics, financial economics, or environmental economics. |
| Political Sciences | A political sciences degree also offers a range of subjects, with many universities providing similar core modules. These essential modules typically include: Introduction to Political Science, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Economy, and Research Methods in Political Science. Beyond these core subjects, students often have the opportunity to select from various specialised modules, such as political philosophyThe study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics., electoral systems, global governance, or political communication. |
A Law degree is not a strict requirement for becoming a lawyer. Instead, students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any field can opt to undertake the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). This is an interesting option for students who are unsure if the law is for them or if they want to ensure that they have the minimum requisite legal knowledge that will be tested in the Solicitor’s Qualification Exam (SQE) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). The SQE is required to become a practicing solicitor and the BPTC is required to become a practicing barrister.
It is also necessary to consider that some universities may require applicants to take standardised tests like the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test). The LNAT assesses skills like verbal reasoning, critical analysisThe process of evaluating information or arguments to identify strengths, weaknesses, and biases, forming a reasoned judgment. This is an important skill to develop for a history degree., and the ability to construct arguments. Preparing for this test alongside your academic studies is vital for gaining admission to certain competitive Law programs. Other degrees may have similar requirements or university specific aptitude tests.