Undergraduate

Law and Legislative Studies

James Parker, politics student, in Westminster on placement
Historic legal texts on dark library shelves
Two students working with a client in the Legal Advice Centre
A lecturer and student sit in front of a computer monitor in the Legal Advice Centre

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This unique law course gives you the chance to work for an MP or peer on a year-long Westminster placement.
You’ll build in-depth knowledge of the law and the political system and learn to think like a lawyer.
You’ll join a tight-knit legal community and be taught by academics whose expertise is influencing policy and addressing real-world challenges.
Gain professional experience with paid internship opportunities and the chance to work on real cases in our Legal Advice Centre and Mediation Centre.
Hone your legal skills taking part in ‘trials’ in our mock courtrooms.
We offer much more than a degree. Here you’re a professional-in-the-making from day one.
James Parker, politics student, in Westminster on placement
Historic legal texts on dark library shelves
Two students working with a client in the Legal Advice Centre
A lecturer and student sit in front of a computer monitor in the Legal Advice Centre
Law Court
Law - Law and Legislative Studies

Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • September 2024

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative system on this unique law course which includes a 12-month placement in Westminster.

You'll learn to think like a lawyer and apply your knowledge of legal and political science to social problems and challenges.

Here, you’re a professional-in-the-making from day one, learning as a valued member of a tight-knit legal community. We offer a personal experience: every student counts. We take the time to get to know you, to develop your individual abilities, help you challenge current thinking and grow in confidence.

  • Spend a full year

    on a Westminster placement

  • 92.7%

    of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • Work on real cases

    in our Legal Advice Centre

  • University of Law

    partnership

  • Annual

    Careers in Criminal Justice Fair

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Work for a Member of Parliament or a peer on a 12-month placement in Westminster as part of this specialised degree.

You’ll gain in-depth exposure to British parliamentary procedures and behaviours. And a thorough understanding of law and the political system.

We provide you with much more than a degree. We’re all about preparation for your career.

Learn the legal ropes in our mock courtrooms. And working on real cases –ranging from family mediation to employment tribunals – in our Legal Advice Centre and Mediation Centre. You’ll build your experience through mini-pupillages at Wilberforce Chambers and internships with local law firms and government. And practice your legal skills in our Law Society’s mooting and client interviewing competitions.

You can rub shoulders with leading law firms at our yearly careers convention too. And you’re guaranteed a place at University of Law, which prepares students for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

This course opens the doors of opportunity for careers in government or legal practice. In fact, there are so many of our graduates now working in Westminster that they’ve affectionately become known as 'the Hull Mafia'.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Introduction to Law and its Study

This module provides you with a basic introduction to law and the key skills for studying it. In particular, you'll develop your ability in academic writing, problem solving and research.

Compulsory•20 credits

Systems of Justice

Develop your understanding of law as a fundamental social institution. You'll reflect on your understanding of justice, with reference to contemporary social issues.

Compulsory•20 credits

Criminal Law

Develop a strong understanding of criminal law in England and Wales. You'll focus on topics like property offences, non-fatal offences against the person, defences and inchoate offences.

Compulsory•20 credits

Public and European Law

In this module you'll study the law governing the UK state, the institution of the European Union and the nature of the legal relationship between the UK and the EU.

Compulsory•20 credits

British Government

In the age of Brexit who governs Britain? Discover the workings of the British state and where power lies. From the uncodified constitution, the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet government to Whitehall, English local government, Scottish and Welsh devolution to the great parties of state: the Conservative Party and the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. Encounter the traditions, institutions and political parties which govern Britain.

Compulsory•20 credits

Introduction to Comparative Politics

This module introduces Comparative Politics, one of the major building blocks for the study of Politics. It introduces “the study of the state” and some of the main concepts used by politics scholars, like political culture, political parties, executives, legislatures and constitutions.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

The Contemporary House of Commons

The Contemporary House of Commons module provides a distinctive opportunity not only to study the role of the House of Commons in the UK political system, but also to engage with practitioners, to develop skills of advocacy and to engage in research of primary sources, and to do so through small-group extended seminars, ensuring continuous engagement with fellow students and with the module leader, who is also parliamentarian.

Compulsory•20 credits

Political Research

In this module you will begin the journey of becoming an independent and autonomous political researcher. You will learn more about how Political Research – especially that conducted within the School of Politics and International Studies – is produced, and be equipped with the understanding and skills necessary to design your own political research project. This module will prepare you for the Final Year Project and for putting into practice your own programme of research.

Compulsory•20 credits

Parliament in the UK: Approaches to Reform

Parliament in the UK: Approaches to Reform provides students with an opportunity to assess Parliament in the content of a constitution in flux, to debate the merits of constitutional reforms, and to engage with practitioners, to develop skills of advocacy- not least through an adversarial debating format – and to engage in research of primary sources, and to do so through small-group extended seminars, ensuring continuous engagement with fellow students and with the module leader, who is also parliamentarian.

Compulsory•20 credits

Obligations I – The Law of Tort

Study the general framework and key concepts of the law of tort. Among other things, you'll consider the grounds of liability and evaluate the role of tort law in modern society. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Obligations II - The Law of Contract

Examine contract formation and enforceability, factors that may render a contract void, the interpretation of contractual terms and potential remedies for breach of contract.

Compulsory•20 credits

European Union Law

You'll consider the operation of the internal market and how to access it; the state of Brexit negotiations; and alternative models for continuous partnership with the European Union. 

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

The third year is spent in Westminster working for a Member of Parliament or a peer.

You’ll have access to our exclusive seminar series which regularly features presentations by senior Parliamentary officials including Black Rod, the Speaker, the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the Clerk of the House of Commons.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your internship – both in Westminster by former Hull placement students who now work there full-time, and by our dedicated member of staff in Hull who will be in regular contact.

While on placement, you’ll also complete the following modules.

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Paper
  • Self-Evaluation Document

Comparative Legislatures

Examine how legislatures fit within systems of government. You'll explore the Westminster model, US Congress, and the Brazilian, German, South African and Chinese parliaments.

Compulsory•20 credits

Land Use and Regulation

Develop insight into the issues surrounding the use and regulation of land. You'll cover topics such as co-ownership, leases, and private and public regulation of land use.

Compulsory•20 credits

Trusts: Managing for Others

This module will introduce you to the legal concept of the trust and help to develop an understanding of the role the device plays in facilitating and regulating the management of wealth for others.

Compulsory•20 credits

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Examine the historical and theoretical context of alternative dispute resolution, focusing especially on mediation. You'll then explore mediation skills via workshops based around role-play scenarios.

Optional•20 credits

Family Law

This module covers the study of relationship formation and breakdown, the cohabiting family, same sex relationships, the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and children. You'll experience applying the practical aspects of family law to problem questions.

Optional•20 credits

Global Human Rights

This module centres on exploring and understanding the UN, European, African, and Islamic/Arab League human rights systems, also covering related global issues such as terrorism.

Optional•20 credits

Employment Law

Explore the role of law in the workplace. You'll consider the protection offered by employment law, work contracts, remedies available to wronged workers and discrimination in the workplace.

Optional•20 credits

Law Clinic

Experience law in practice, advising real clients with real problems, researching legal issues and writing letters of advice under the supervision of professionally-qualified members of staff.

Optional•20 credits

The Law of Business Organisations

Law plays a vital role in the creation, operation and regulation of business organisations. You'll study the way the law facilitates the creation and operation of partnerships and private companies, as well as the regulation that is imposed upon them.

Optional•20 credits

Medical Law and Ethics

Get to grips with controversial issues which often make the headlines. You'll explore the ethical conflicts behind the legal principles of topics including abortion and assisted dying.

Optional•20 credits

Criminal Evidence

Learn how the law balances the defendant's interests, with respect for victims and witnesses. Topics include the right to a fair trial and the process of collecting evidence.

Optional•20 credits

Dissertation (Law)

You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

Optional•20 credits
12 Modules

Playlist

Westminster Placement

Course highlight 3 mins

Dr Caroline Gibby

Course Overview 2 mins

Law facilities

Course highlight 1 min

Why choose Law at Hull?

Student story 8 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Our legal academic expertise is addressing intellectual and real-world challenges.

With considerable expertise in restorative justice, civil law, international and public law, our research has always had a strong interest in social and criminal justice.

See more academics for this subject
Lindsay Moir
Featured academic

Professor Lindsay Moir

The Law School’s Research Director, Lindsay has been awarded British Academy and the Economic and Social Research Council research funding during his career. He also held a visiting position at the International Human Rights Law Institute, Chicago.
Professor Thomas Lundmark
Featured academic

Professor Thomas Lundmark

Thomas practised and taught law in California before serving as a Fulbright Senior Professor in Germany. He’s a State Bar of California member, on the editorial staff of the journal ‘Rechtstheorie’ and has written 100+ publications.

Take a look at our facilities

Legal Advice Centre

Work on real cases advising members of the community in our Legal Advice Centre. Your chance to make a huge difference to people’s lives and get a head start over other graduates.

Mock Courtrooms

Learn the legal ropes in our mock courtrooms. Our mock criminal law courtroom includes a dock for ‘the accused’, witness box, jury area, public gallery and Judge’s chamber.

Mediation Centre

Gain real-world experience of mediation, working with local businesses and individuals to solve civil law disputes such as consumer, tenancy or employment issues.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

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Mediation & Legal Advice Centre

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Nidd Legal Advice Centre
Law Court
Mediation & Legal Advice Centre
Brynmor Jones Library
LLM International Law student Georgia Sykes

Future prospects

Our LLB programmes include the foundations of legal knowledge, which are essential for going into legal practice. The skills and knowledge you’ll gain are also highly sought after by a range of employers inside and outside the legal field.

We’ve been teaching Law at Hull since the University was founded in 1927 and our graduates form a wide network around the world. Our graduates go on to roles including solicitor, barrister, legal executive, MP, civil servant and political researcher.

Watch

Careers in Law
University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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  1. (Law) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2020/21, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2023.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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