LLB (Hons) Law with Politics course preparation
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the School of Law, Criminology & Policing. Before you join us for your LLB (Hons) Law with Politics degree, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities to help you feel prepared for your university studies. These include suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Read on to find out more.
Suggested reading
You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.
In the meantime, there are a couple of books you might like to read before starting your degree if you can. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. But if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library or access online, we suggest the following:
- The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken by The Secret Barrister
- Just Law by Helena Kennedy
- Eve was Framed by Helena Kennedy
- Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride
- The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham
- Spider Woman by Lady Brenda Hale
We’d also recommend browsing books such as ‘Legal Skills’ by Finch and Fafinksi.
The Law Trove
As a law and criminology student, you’ll be provided with free access to Law Trove. This is an online resource which gives you access to all of your textbooks and additional readings for your modules. So there’s no need to buy any textbooks. You will be given full training on how to use Law Trove and you’ll also be able to access hard copies in the library.
Politics
For Politics, there are a wealth of biographies and autobiographies of current and former politicians, alongside introductory works on British politics.
It is also worth reading some of the blogs about UK politics as the course provides opportunities for visits to political events and organisations. Conservative Home, Labour List and Lib Dem Voice are among those blogs checked regularly by tutors.
Module handbooks
During your first week you’ll be provided with:
- a programme handbook which contains all information relating to your programme
- module handbooks for each module that you are studying.
The module handbooks contain details of the module including: learning aims and outcomes, seminar and lecture schedule, required or suggested reading and assessment details.
Ongoing skill development
Throughout your studies you’ll also be required to attend introductory sessions and skill development sessions which will provide you with guidance on matters such as: how to access and use library services, how to use our virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and how to develop your academic skills such as essay writing and delivering a presentation.
Useful websites
Law
- Law in Action BBC Radio 4’s long running legal podcast, featuring reports and discussions on matters relating to law
- Law Pod UK Brought to you by barristers at 1 Crown Office Row, Law Pod UK covers developments across all aspects of civil and public law in the United Kingdom
- Linkubator Linklaters’ trainee-led podcast that brings you the hottest topics in the legal technology and innovation space
- The Intelligence from The Economist Daily podcasts providing a unique perspective on an expansive range of geopolitical issues and events shaping the world
- Law: Firming It A new podcast on Spotify from young professionals who discuss their journeys into law and provide hints and tips on the SQE route
- UK Supreme Court The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- British Society of Criminology Blog Explores current issues on crime, criminology and criminal justice
- Serial A true crime podcast series which delves into a new true crime story in each episode
- They Walk Among Us An award-winning weekly UK true crime podcast covering a broad range of cases, produced in partnership with the Law & Crime Podcast network
- UK True Crime Podcast Posts weekly episodes, offering new perspectives and insights on true crime stories in the UK
Politics
- The Week in Westminster. Radio Four weekly assessments of developments at Westminster
- BBC Radio 4 Best of Today Insights, analysis and expert debates as key policy makers are challenged on the latest news stories
- Politics Weekly UK The Guardian political columnist John Harris hosts a various guests to analyse the week’s political news
- Newsnight Comprehensive coverage of the day’s important national and international news stories
- BBC Newscast Weekly political discussions on the latest affairs
- Parliament live. Watch Parliamentary sessions (including Prime Minister’s Questions) live or view recordings. Available on iPlayer or YouTube.
Things to do now
There are several things you can do to start to prepare for your studies over the summer.
Join our community
Follow our School and our student societies on social media so that you can start connecting with your colleagues and chat to current students about their experiences.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the largest professional networking site with over 610 million members worldwide. It is very useful for networking and securing opportunities.
Find advice on creating a LinkedIn profile.
Once you have created your profile, join our School group and connect with your lecturers and your colleagues, along with employers as you progress through your degree so that you gradually build your network.
Prepare for your academic studies
- Listen to some of the podcasts and programmes listed above
- Get into the habit of following current affairs through reputable news outlets e.g., BBC News, The Independent, The Guardian, BBC Radio Four, Parliament Live
Think of the future
Beginning your degree is the first step on your career journey and it’s never too early to start thinking about your future career. Within our School we have a dedicated careers advisor – Emma Bonati – who is on hand to help you with all things career related. Emma and the Careers Team can assist with matters such as: developing a CV, writing a job application, securing part-time work etc.
Before you join us in September, start to get familiar with the Edge Hill Careers Team. You can also follow them on socials for regular updates: @ehucareers
It may also be useful to browse some career websites such as Prospects and Target Jobs.
If you’re unsure of where your degree can take you – don’t worry. Your Personal Tutor, lecturers, the Careers Team and the Work Placements Team are all here to offer advice and support to help you on your journey and throughout your studies. You will be invited to numerous workshops, panel events and careers fairs where you can interact with employers, build connections and learn about possible career pathways.
Think about volunteering
Volunteering is a valuable way to not only achieve personal development but also to build transferable and specific skills sought by employers. Find more advice on volunteering.