Law, Culture and Society

The BA Law, Culture and Society at SOAS University of London offers students an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interplay between legal systems, cultural practices, and societal changes across the world. This programme is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of contemporary legal issues within their cultural contexts, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global perspective. Throughout the course, students explore the historical development and theoretical foundations of law in relation to social structures, cultural identities, human rights, and global justice. The curriculum covers a diverse range of topics, including the role of law in post-colonial contexts, indigenous legal traditions, human rights law, social justice, and the impact of globalization on local and international legal frameworks. Students are encouraged to critically examine how laws influence societal norms and vice versa, engaging with case studies and contemporary debates from different regions of the world.

The programme combines core law modules with modules from anthropology, politics, history, and cultural studies, fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of legal phenomena. This approach allows students to analyze legal issues from multiple perspectives and provides the flexibility to pursue individual interests within the social sciences and humanities. Small group teaching, seminars, and tutorials support active learning and critical engagement with complex themes. The programme also emphasizes practical skills such as legal research, academic writing, policy analysis, and oral presentation, preparing graduates for careers in law, international organizations, NGOs, policy-making, and academia. Students benefit from SOAS’s rich resources, including access to extensive library collections and a vibrant academic community specializing in social sciences and cultural studies. Overall, the BA Law, Culture and Society aims to develop informed, socially conscious graduates capable of contributing thoughtfully to debates on law and society worldwide.

The BA Law, Culture and Society programme at SOAS University of London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between law, culture, and social processes across different societies and historical periods. This innovative course combines legal studies with insights from anthropology, sociology, history, and politics, enabling students to critically examine how legal systems shape and are shaped by cultural values, social structures, and political developments worldwide. Throughout the programme, students explore a wide range of topics including human rights, justice, legal pluralism, social inequality, migration, gender, and ethnicity, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how law functions within diverse social contexts. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, equipping graduates to engage with contemporary global challenges. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, internships, and fieldwork, often collaborating with NGOs, legal organizations, or community groups to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The programme prepares students for careers in international law, human rights advocacy, policy analysis, social justice activism, academia, and further postgraduate study. With expert faculty members from various disciplines, access to SOAS’s extensive resources in cultural and social studies, and the vibrant academic community in central London, students enjoy a rich educational experience that encourages intellectual exploration and social engagement. Graduates emerge as thoughtful, informed professionals capable of critically analyzing and addressing complex legal and social issues affecting communities worldwide.

The BA Law, Culture and Society program at SOAS University of London is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of law within cultural and societal contexts. Admission to this program typically requires applicants to have completed secondary education that meets the university's entrance standards. Specific qualifications such as A-levels, IB, or equivalent are considered, with strong emphasis placed on prior academic performance in relevant subjects. Applicants are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English language, usually through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, unless they have completed prior education in English-medium institutions. The program encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply, fostering an inclusive academic community. Additionally, some prior knowledge or interest in social sciences, law, or cultural studies can be advantageous but is not strictly required. Once admitted, students are required to complete a set of core modules covering legal systems, cultural theory, and social structures, along with optional modules tailored to their interests within the fields of law, anthropology, history, and other disciplines. The program includes assessments through essays, examinations, presentations, and research projects. Students must meet specific academic standards across all modules to progress and ultimately complete the degree. Structured support and academic guidance are provided throughout the course to ensure students achieve the necessary competencies. The program also encourages engagement with external organizations and community projects to facilitate practical understanding and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Overall, the program aims to produce graduates who are critically aware of the complex interactions between law, culture, and society and who are equipped with analytical and research skills applicable in various professional and academic careers.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Law, Culture and Society program at SOAS University of London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for home and EU students are determined annually and are subject to change, with current rates available on the university’s official website. International students are also required to pay fees which are typically higher than those for UK and EU students, reflecting the university’s policy on international tuition. Students are encouraged to explore various funding sources including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and loans. The university offers a variety of scholarships dedicated to different student populations, including merit-based awards, need-based support, and specific scholarships for students from particular regions or backgrounds. For UK students, the Student Loan Company provides maintenance loans and tuition fee loans, which can cover part or all of the costs depending on individual circumstances. International students may seek scholarships such as the SOAS Undergraduate Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence or financial need. Additionally, external funding from government programs, charitable organizations, and private foundations may be available to eligible students. The university also provides guidance on applying for financial aid and managing finances during the course of study. Students are advised to regularly check the official SOAS website and contact the university’s financial aid office for up-to-date information on available funding options, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria. The program’s structure, which includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and research components, is designed to be accessible to students with various financial backgrounds, and the university is committed to supporting students in securing the necessary funding to complete their degree successfully.

The BA in Law, Culture and Society at SOAS University of London offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between legal systems, cultural practices, and societal structures. This program is designed for students who are interested in exploring how law influences and is influenced by cultural norms, social policies, and historical contexts across different regions and communities worldwide. The curriculum combines core modules in law with modules in anthropology, sociology, history, and political studies, providing students with a broad perspective and critical skills necessary for understanding contemporary social issues. Emphasizing critical thinking, qualitative analysis, and contextual understanding, the program prepares students for careers in policy analysis, human rights advocacy, international development, and further academic research. Students have the opportunity to engage with diverse case studies, participate in practical projects, and undertake research that addresses real-world problems. The program also encourages active participation in seminars, debates, and internships that foster a global outlook and an appreciation of diverse legal and cultural systems. Graduates of the course benefit from the university’s strong academic links with international organizations, NGOs, and cultural institutions, enhancing their employment prospects and academic development. The program typically spans three years full-time, with options for part-time study, and includes opportunities for international fieldwork and placements. Overall, the BA in Law, Culture and Society aims to produce graduates who are well-equipped to critically analyze societal issues from multiple perspectives and contribute effectively to social justice and policy reforms worldwide.