European Legal Studies

European Legal Studies at the University of Kent offers an in-depth exploration of the legal systems, institutions, and processes across Europe. This programme is designed for students who are interested in understanding how European laws are formed, interpreted, and applied within the context of diverse legal traditions and cultures. Over the course of the programme, students will examine the legal frameworks of the European Union, individual member states, and international legal standards that influence the development of European law. The curriculum covers key areas such as constitutional law, human rights, contract law, criminal law, and procedural law, providing a comprehensive understanding of both national and supra-national legal systems.

This programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical legal research methods. Students will participate in lectures, seminars, and case studies that highlight real-world legal issues and challenges faced by European nations today. Additionally, the course encourages comparative analysis, enabling students to evaluate differences and similarities across various legal systems and to understand the broader implications of legal harmonization and integration within Europe. Through optional modules and optional study abroad opportunities, students can tailor their learning to specific interests such as European Union law, international law, or legal policy.

The programme prepares graduates for diverse career paths including legal practice, policy advising, international organizations, and further academic study. It also develops transferable skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and intercultural understanding, which are essential in the global legal landscape. With access to the university’s resources, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience essential for a successful career in law or related fields. The European Legal Studies programme equips students with a nuanced understanding of the evolving legal landscape of Europe and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to legal developments on both national and international levels.

Detailed Course Facts

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

UK/EU £3,375 International Student £11,230

• 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:

• LW508 - Criminal Law
• LW313 - A Critical Introduction to Law
• LW315 - Introduction to Obligations
• LW316 - Foundations of Property
• LW588 - Public Law 1

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• LW592 - Public Law 2
• LW593 - European Union Law
• LW597 - The Law of Obligations

Year abroad

Your year abroad takes place between your third and final year. You have the option of studying in the Netherlands (Amsterdam or Maastricht), Denmark (Copenhagen), Sweden (Uppsala), Finland (Turku), Czech Republic (Prague), Austria (Vienna) and Norway (Bergen).

For more general information about studying or working abroad as part of your course, please see the Go abroad webpages.

Possible modules may include:

• LW574 - Law Year Abroad Mark One
• LW575 - Law Year Abroad Mark Two

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• LW598 - Equity and Trusts
• LW599 - Land Law
• LW600 - Law, Science and Technology
• LW604 - Morality and Law
• LW607 - Reading Twentieth Century Murder Cases
• LW608 - Law in Action
• LW609 - Advanced Topics in Property Law: the politicsof ownership
• LW611 - Law Dissertation Autumn Option
• LW615 - Neuroscience in Law: Forensic, Medical and Ethical Aspects
• LW617 - Legal Ethics: Exploring the Ethics of Lawyersand Lawyering
• LW623 - Race, Religion and Law
• LW624 - Labour Law
• LW626 - Appropriate Dispute Resolution: Theory and Practice
• LW589 - The Skills of Argument - How to Argue and Win
• LW591 - Family Law
• LW603 - Race, Religion and Law
• LW570 - Law and Social Change
• LW594 - Skills in Legal Interpretation
• LW595 - Access to Land
• LW596 - Gender, Sexuality and Law
• LW505 - The Family and the Law
• LW506 - International Law
• LW507 - Critical Legal Theory
• LW579 - The Law & the Media: Freedom of Expression as it relates to the Media
• LW580 - Consumer Law
• LW581 - Law and Literature
• LW582 - Banking Law
• LW583 - Art Law
• LW584 - Forensic Science in Criminal Trials
• LW585 - Environmental Law I
• LW586 - Environmental Law II
• LW509 - Human Rights and English Law
• LW514 - Labour Law
• LW517 - International Business Transactions
• LW518 - The Law of Evidence
• LW519 - Law and Medical Ethics
• LW520 - Company Law and Capitalism
• LW522 - Comparative Law
• LW523 - Mental Health Law
• LW540 - The Philosophy of Law
• LW541 - Legal History
• LW542 - Policing
• LW543 - Clinical Option:Legal Process and Public Legal Services
• LW544 - Punishment and the Penal System
• LW551 - Law and Literature
• LW552 - European Legal Systems
• LW555 - Banking Law
• LW556 - Intellectual Property Law
• LW563 - Law - Dissertation
• LW566 - Law Dissertation (1 unit option)
• LW571 - Law and Society: Regulating Communities
• LW572 - Immigration Asylum & Nationality Law

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 85

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.

• A level: AAA/AAB

• 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

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 assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit 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.

European Legal Studies at the University of Kent offers an in-depth exploration of legal systems, institutions, and principles across Europe, preparing students for careers in international law, European institutions, and related sectors. The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks within the European Union and beyond, emphasizing comparative law, legal history, and the functioning of European institutions such as the European Parliament, European Court of Justice, and European Commission. Students will study key issues including human rights law, constitutional law, and the challenges posed by globalization and Brexit. The curriculum combines theoretical understanding with practical skills such as legal research, analysis, and drafting, which are essential for legal practice within European contexts. The programme often includes opportunities for internships, exchanges, and participating in moot courts, allowing students to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. The academic staff comprises scholars with expertise in EU law, constitutional law, and international relations, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Graduates of the European Legal Studies programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in legal practice, consultancy, public policy, or further academic research. The course is typically delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops, with assessments based on essays, exams, and project work. It aims to develop critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and an awareness of the legal issues facing Europe today, making it an ideal choice for students interested in the legal dimensions of European integration and governance.