1.2 Researching the Right Law Degree for You
Universities offer many variations of Law degrees that can appeal to a variety 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 tailored to focusWhat the writer draws attention to at a given moment (e.g., setting, character, detail). on specialised subjects by the student.
The Available Courses
Thinking about studying Law in the future? There are many different degrees out there with some even requiring you to mix Law with other subjects, like politics or business, which can help you gain a more general experience. Since many Law modules mostly focus on writing essays, some courses will require you to do a big research project on a specific topic at the end called a dissertation. However, this is only for some universities and many will substitute this requirement for doing additional modules instead, so it’s worth checking the course details to find what works best for you.
Here’s a list of Law-related degrees, including straight Law courses, along with some of the modules you might study at university.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Law | A Law degree offers a broad curriculum, but requires that students study 7 specific modules: 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 to specialise in. These will likely include corporate or commercial law, jurisprudence, international law, or intellectual property law. |
| Criminology | Criminology degrees offer a range of topics, but most universities share a core set of modules, which 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 offers a diverse selection of subjects, but most share a core set of foundational modules, such as: 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 typically including: Principles of Economics, MicroeconomicsThe study of individual consumers, firms, and markets, focusing on decision-making and resource allocation., 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 essential modules such as: 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. |
It is no longer a requirement that you take a Law degree if you wish to become a solicitor, although it is if you are interested in becoming a barrister. If you do study something else at university but still want to go into Law and get a better understanding of it before you start, you can take a special course called the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). This is a great option if you're unsure about Law or want to keep your options open while still learning the key legal items. You’ll need this knowledge for important exams like the Solicitor’s Qualification Exam (SQE) or the Bar Professional Training Course, which are essential if you want to officially work as a lawyer.
Also, some universities ask applicants to take a test called the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test). The LNAT is essentially an entrance exam for the universities that require it, although they also review your other grades and personal statement alongside the result. It checks skills like critical thinkingThe ability to effectively analyse and evaluate arguments., argument-building, and reading comprehension; things that are very important in Law. Since some Law degrees require this test, preparing for it alongside your studies can really help. Other degrees might have their own entry requirements, so it’s always good to check what different universities ask for.
These undergraduate degree courses can be subjectThe person, place, thing, or idea the clause is about; performs or experiences the verb. to change at the universities’ will and based on demand. To stay up to date, visit your university of choice on an open day or use their internet page to stay informed about any changes to your course of interest.Note