Law and Philosophy

The Law and Philosophy program at the University of Kent offers students a unique opportunity to explore the fundamental questions about law, morality, and justice through an interdisciplinary approach. This course is designed for individuals who are interested in understanding how philosophical ideas influence legal systems and how legal principles can be examined from a philosophical perspective. The program combines rigorous academic training in both law and philosophy, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the ethical and conceptual foundations of law.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of topics, including the nature of legal rights and duties, the concept of justice, the morality of legal rules, and the philosophical debates surrounding punishment and human rights. They will also study core legal areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, and contract law, alongside philosophical movements like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. The program emphasizes the application of philosophical reasoning to complex legal issues, preparing graduates for careers in law, public policy, academia, or further research.

The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to critically analyze legal systems and their underlying moral assumptions, fostering a nuanced understanding of contemporary legal challenges. The course is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners who are passionate about both disciplines, providing a supportive learning environment that encourages debate and intellectual growth. With access to comprehensive resources, including well-equipped libraries and research centers, students are equipped to undertake independent research projects and dissertations.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in moot courts, internships, and collaborative projects designed to enhance their practical skills and professional development. The Law and Philosophy program at the University of Kent prepares graduates to think critically about law’s role in society, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute thoughtfully to legal and philosophical discourses. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about understanding the ethical dimensions of law and seeking a challenging academic experience.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Total Kent credits: 360

Total Kent credits: 360

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

EN333 - Romanticism

HA355 - Introduction to the History of Art

EN302 - Early Drama

EN331 - Readings in the Twentieth Century

EN332 - Writing America

HA314 - The Shock of the Now: Themes in Contemporary Art

HA315 - The Shock of the Now: Themes in Contemporary Art

HA316 - Thinking about Photography and its Histories

HA317 - Thinking about Photography and its Histories

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification, Typical offer/minimum requirement

A level

• AAB in three A levels including English Literature or English language and Literature at grade B

Access to HE Diploma

• The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

• The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

• 34 points overall or 17 points at HL

English language requirements

6.5 IELTS (with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 entry support package has not been finalised. However, our 2014 financial support package included a £6,500 cash bursary. Find out more on our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Law and Philosophy undergraduate program at the University of Kent offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the legal systems and philosophical theories that underpin the rule of law. This course explores fundamental questions about justice, morality, and the nature of law through a combination of legal analysis and philosophical inquiry. Students will engage with complex topics such as human rights, constitutional law, criminal justice, and the ethical dilemmas faced by legal professionals, while simultaneously examining the philosophical ideas that influence legal theories, including natural law, legal positivism, and legal realism.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning, and a deep understanding of both legal principles and philosophical debates. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad yet detailed understanding of how legal systems operate and how philosophical perspectives can challenge or support existing legal frameworks. Courses typically cover topics such as the philosophy of law, legal ethics, constitutional law, and practical applications of legal philosophy in contemporary society. Additionally, students are given opportunities to participate in discussions, seminars, and research projects, fostering their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

The program aims to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths, including law, public policy, human rights advocacy, academia, or further postgraduate studies in either law or philosophy. The university's strong academic staff, many of whom are experts in their respective fields, provide dedicated support and mentorship to students, helping them to achieve their academic and professional goals. The university's location near London also offers excellent opportunities for internships and engagement with legal institutions, think tanks, and cultural organizations connected to legal and philosophical communities.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course emphasizes practical skills such as legal research, critical analysis, argumentative writing, and ethical reasoning. These competencies are highly valued across multiple sectors, making graduates well-equipped to navigate complex societal issues. The program also encourages interdisciplinary research and offers modules that explore the intersections between law, philosophy, politics, and society. Overall, the Law and Philosophy degree at the University of Kent provides a comprehensive education that bridges two essential fields, fostering a nuanced understanding of the principles that govern human conduct and societal organization, preparing students for impactful careers and informed citizenship.