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). In the National Student Survey 2022, our Department of Law was ranked number 1 in the UK for its intellectually stimulating curriculum and programme, and we were rated the best department in London for quality of teaching in law.

• 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.

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 15 credits 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 30-45 credits of Politics and International Relations modules (2-3) from a list provided annually by the Department. 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 1 in an intercollegiate module.

Law modules
You'll take the remaining 30-45 credits from a list provided annually by the Department of 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