Philosophy and Law

The Philosophy and Law undergraduate degree at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore the fundamental questions of human existence, ethics, and justice alongside a comprehensive study of legal systems and principles. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to provide a thorough understanding of philosophical ideas and their relevance to contemporary legal issues, equipping students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation of moral and legal reasoning. Over the course of the programme, students will engage with a broad range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and the development of legal doctrines and concepts. The curriculum encourages learners to critically analyze arguments, evaluate different perspectives, and develop their own reasoned viewpoints on complex issues.

Students benefit from teaching by experienced academic staff who are experts in their fields, as well as from a diverse learning environment that promotes lively debates and collaborative projects. The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, and provides opportunities for students to undertake research projects, participate in moot courts, and gain real-world legal experience through placements and internships. The interdisciplinary approach not only enhances understanding of the interconnectedness of philosophy and law but also prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including legal practice, public policy, academia, journalism, and human rights advocacy.

The Degree Programme emphasizes critical analysis and ethical reasoning, with modules that address contemporary issues such as human rights, criminal justice, constitutional law, and social justice from both philosophical and legal angles. Students will develop essential skills such as logical reasoning, written and oral communication, and detailed research. The university’s supportive academic community and dedicated resources foster an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Graduates of the Philosophy and Law programme leave with a well-rounded education that combines theoretical insight and practical skills, making them highly competitive in today’s dynamic job market. The programme also offers optional pathways and modules that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations. Whether pursuing further academic research or entering professional fields, students will be well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make meaningful contributions to society and to navigate complex legal and philosophical landscapes.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Legal Skills;
Foundations of the Law of Property; Public Law 1;
Introduction to Philosophy; and
Death, God and the Meaning of Life or The Enlightenment or a first-year philosophy optional module.

Year 2

Foundations of the Law of Obligations;
Jurisprudence 1;
Criminal Law;
Conceptual Foundations of Modernity or one optional philosophy module; and
Ethics or one philosophy optional module.

Year 3

Joint Seminar in Philosophy and Law;
a combination of two full-year law options or four half-year law options; and
one full-year philosophy option or two half-year philosophy options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and Law at the University of Essex offers students an intellectually stimulating program that combines rigorous training in philosophical reasoning with an understanding of legal systems and principles. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep comprehension of the theoretical foundations of law, alongside exploring important philosophical questions such as ethics, justice, and the nature of knowledge. The course is suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in law, public policy, academia, or related fields, providing them with a versatile skill set applicable in various professional contexts.

Throughout the program, students study core modules such as Introduction to Philosophy, which covers fundamental philosophical ideas and arguments, and Legal Systems, which provides an overview of the structures and functions of law. Optional modules allow students to tailor their educational experience, exploring areas like ethics, political philosophy, criminal law, or human rights. The degree emphasizes critical analysis of legal texts and philosophical arguments, encouraging students to question assumptions and develop well-reasoned viewpoints.

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, examinations, and research projects, fostering a diverse set of academic skills. The program is delivered by faculty members renowned for their expertise in philosophy and law, with opportunities for engaging in seminars, workshops, and debates. The university's campus facilities support independent research and collaborative learning, and students have access to libraries and online resources to aid their studies.

An important aspect of the program is its emphasis on employability skills. Graduates are equipped to navigate complex ethical and legal dilemmas, and many pursue further studies in law, philosophy, or related disciplines. The program also encourages engagement with real-world issues through guest lectures, internships, and partnership projects with legal institutions. Overall, the BA in Philosophy and Law at the University of Essex provides an enriching academic environment that prepares students for diverse careers and active citizenship.