Law and Philosophy

Law and Philosophy at the University of Essex offers an intellectually stimulating and comprehensive program that explores the fundamental principles of legal systems alongside the core questions of philosophical inquiry. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of ethical, moral, and legal issues that shape contemporary society. Throughout the course, students will examine a wide range of topics including theories of justice, the nature of law, human rights, legal reasoning, and the philosophical foundations of moral values and political structures. The program combines the rigorous study of legal principles with philosophical debates, enabling students to appreciate the interconnectedness of these disciplines and their impact on societal development.

Students have the opportunity to engage with notable areas such as criminal law, constitutional law, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy. The course employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, fostering a vibrant academic environment that encourages debate and critical analysis. The program is designed not only to provide solid legal knowledge and philosophical understanding but also to develop transferable skills valuable in numerous careers. These include logical reasoning, articulate argumentation, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Graduates of Law and Philosophy are well-equipped for careers in legal practice, public policy, human rights advocacy, academia, and beyond. They gain a unique perspective on the moral and philosophical questions underpinning legal systems, which allows them to approach complex issues with insight and ethical awareness. The University of Essex ensures that students benefit from world-class teaching, extensive library resources, and vibrant academic communities dedicated to exploring the pressing legal and philosophical issues of our time. This program is ideal for students who are curious about the fundamental questions of justice, the nature of law, and the philosophical debates that influence legal and political thought. By the end of their studies, students will have refined their intellectual abilities, practical skills, and understanding of how philosophical ideas shape the legal landscape, preparing them for a diverse range of professional and scholarly pursuits.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date October 2015 Credits 360
Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Year 1

Legal Skills;
Foundations of the Law of Property;
Public Law 1;
The Enlightenment or a humanities or social science full-year option; and
Introduction to Philosophy.

Year 2
Land Law;
Equity and Trusts;
Public Law 2;
Jurisprudence 1;
Foundations of the Law of Obligations;
Contract; and
one full-year philosophy option or two half-year philosophy options.

Year 3
Criminal Law;
EU Law;
Tort;
one optional module;
Joint Seminar in Philosophy and Law.

Year 4
Two half-year optional modules;
two full-year philosophy optional modules; and
a dissertation or a law or philosophy full-year module or two half-year modules.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

A-levels: AAB-ABB, including at least one A-level in a subject that demonstrates essay-writing skills
GCSE English: C
IB: 33-32 points
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 12 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above)
Other equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

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 Essex.

Funding

For home and EU students your main source of funding will be government loans, as well as University bursaries and scholarships.

While international students may be eligible for some scholarships, as well as additional funding from charities and trusts, it is imperative that you do not travel to the UK or begin your studies without ensuring you have enough money to cover all fees and living expenses. It is virtually impossible to make arrangements for financial support once you have left your home country, while the immigration authorities are unlikely to allow you UK entry unless you have evidence that you can cover the costs of your study.

Accreditation

Our School of Law has an international reputation for providing a legal education of the highest quality. In particular, in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE, December 2008) 90 per cent of our research was rated as of ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘internationally recognised’ quality.