Politics and Law (including Year Abroad)

Politics and Law (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles governing political systems and legal frameworks worldwide. This undergraduate degree is designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, comprehensive knowledge of political theories, institutions, policies, and legal processes, and the ability to analyze complex societal issues from multiple perspectives. The program integrates core modules in political science and law, providing a solid foundation in areas such as international politics, comparative politics, constitutional law, human rights, and criminal law.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the opportunity to spend an academic year abroad, allowing students to experience different legal and political environments firsthand, develop intercultural awareness, and enhance their employability in an increasingly globalized world. The Year Abroad component involves studying at partner universities across Europe, North America, or beyond, where students can engage with new ideas, languages, and cultural contexts. This international experience not only broadens academic understanding but also fosters personal growth and adaptability.

Throughout the course, students benefit from the expertise of experienced academics and practitioners who incorporate current events and contemporary issues into the curriculum. The program emphasizes critical analysis, research skills, and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in law, politics, public administration, journalism, international organizations, or further academic study. The combined approach of political analysis and legal understanding ensures that students are well-equipped to interpret and influence the political and legal landscape of the future. With flexible module options and strong support services, this program aims to develop well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in diverse professional environments.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you have 120 credits of compulsory modules and no optional modules. For BA Politics and Law (Including Year Abroad) your optional modules can be chosen from within the Department of Government and Law School in your second and final year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
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.
During your second year you will have 105 credits of compulsory modules and you will take a further 15 credits of optional modules. You spend your third year abroad. In your final year you will have complete choice where you will have 120 credits of optional modules, although 30 credits will be taken from our School of Law and 90 credits will come from our Department of Government.
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 four-year course consists of 420 credits (120 credits in your first year, 60 credits in your third year abroad, 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

Introduction to Politics;
Introduction to European Politics or Introduction to International Relations;
Public Law 1;
Legal Skills; and
Foundations of the Law of Property.

Year 2

Political Analysis;
Joint Seminar in Politics and Law;
Public Law 2;
Foundations of the Law of Obligations;
Contract; and
one half-year law optional module.

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

One full-year law module or two half-year law modules; and
a combination of three full-year politics modules or six half-year politics modules.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: AAB-ABB
• GCSE English: C; GCSE Maths: C
• IB: 33-32 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 12 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder 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.
-levels: AAB-ABB

IB: 36-34 points

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.

Politics and Law at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to equip students with a deep understanding of political systems, legal frameworks, and their interplay within domestic and international contexts. The program covers core areas such as comparative politics, international relations, public law, constitutional law, and criminal justice, enabling students to critically analyze political and legal issues. One of the distinctive features of this degree is the Year Abroad component, which provides students with an invaluable opportunity to expand their cultural horizons, develop language skills, and gain international perspectives on political and legal systems by studying at partner universities across the globe. This immersive experience not only enhances academic understanding but also fosters independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills, which are highly valued in today's globalized job market.

The program is designed with a flexible structure that allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, selecting modules that range from human rights law and European Union politics to security studies and environmental politics. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research and expert faculty members who are active in their fields, providing a rich learning environment that encourages critical thinking and debate. Additionally, Essex's strong links with international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and legal institutions offer numerous opportunities for internships, work placements, and networking, helping graduates to establish professional careers in law, politics, consultancy, or further academic research.

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, examinations, and group projects, fostering a variety of skills including analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork. The program also emphasizes practical skills such as legal research, policy analysis, and negotiation, preparing students for a wide range of employment opportunities or postgraduate study. Graduates of Politics and Law at Essex have gone on to successful careers in legal practice, journalism, public administration, academia, and international organizations. The university's vibrant campus, inclusive community, and supportive academic environment contribute to a fulfilling student experience, making it an ideal choice for those interested in understanding and shaping the political and legal landscapes of today and the future.