Law with Politics and Human Rights

Why study LLB Law with Politics & Human Rights at Goldsmiths
On this innovative LLB degree you'll immerse yourself in the study of law in relation to domestic and international politics.

• This qualifying law degree enables you to study law as it relates to politics. You'll focus on modern threats to democracy and human rights, the relationship between domestic law, international law and politics, and the synergies required to effectively counter threats upon liberal democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

• You'll develop an invaluable interdisciplinary understanding of how law operates in – and is shaped by – the UK political system and international law, studying law in its cultural, economic and socio-political context. You'll gain foundational knowledge of political theory and ideologies, UK and comparative governance, and world politics.

• We’re one of the highest-rated courses in the country. We're number 1 in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide Law League Table 2024).

• This programme is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board. It has been specifically designed to give you a solid foundation to tackle the new Solicitors’ Qualifying Examinations (SQE), and the equivalent training and qualification process for becoming a barrister.

• Goldsmiths has a rich heritage of social awareness and engagement. You'll be part of an environment that champions human rights and social justice.

• This degree is active. You won't just be sitting and reading, you'll learn problem-solving, debating and advocating through a range of experiential learning, extra-curricular and professional development activities, on campus and beyond.

• You will hone the essential critical thinking and practical skills needed in representing clients and defending cases as a solicitor or barrister specialising in politics and human rights.

Course Modules

Year 1 (credit level 4)
You'll study the following compulsory modules:

• 21st Century Legal Skills

• Contract Law

• Criminal Law: Theory and Practice

• Public Law and the Human Rights Act

• English Legal System in a Global Context

Year 2 (credit level 5)
You'll study the following compulsory modules:

• Challenges to Democracy

• European Union Law in the UK

• Land Law

• Law of Tort

• International Law and Politics

• Trusts

Optional modules
You must also choose one module from the list below:
Global Governance and World Order
Black British Activism & Citizenship in the Twentieth Century

Or you can choose on 15 credit module in a relevant politics or human rights intercollegiate module.

Year 3 (credit level 6)
You'll take the following compulsory modules:

• Dissertation

• Human Rights Law and Clinic

Politics and International Relations modules
You'll also take 2 - 3 Politics and International Relations modules from a list provided annually. These may include:

• Fascisms, Old and New

• Finance and the Global Political Economy

• Migration, Technology, and Humanitarianism

• The Politics of Popular Music

• Britain and Europe

• Colonialism and Non-Western Political Thought

• Feminist Politics

• Liberal Government and Power

You may choose to take 1 module from the list above and 1 in an intercollegiate module.

Law modules
You'll take the remaining 30-45 credits from a list provided annually in Law. These may include:

• AI, Disruptive Technologies and the Law

• Work Placement

• Commercial Law and International Trade Agreements

• Art Law

• Company Law

• Criminal Evidence (with Advanced Mooting and Advocacy)

• SQE2: Practical Legal Skills in Context

*Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, reports, case notes, statutory interpretation, critiques of articles, and research projects such as the dissertation.

As well as these traditional assessment methods, you'll also have the option in your second and third years to take modules that are wholly assessed in more innovative ways, such as:

• A portfolio of mooting contributions
• Client interviewing, persuasive argumentation, written advice and legal drafting
• Voluntary and prepared contributions in the classroom
• Taking part in a human rights clinic and other experiential learning activities

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Solicitors Regulation Authority
• Bar Standards Board