Legal Methods and Systems examines the sources of English law, and explains the processes and the role and functions of the institutions and personnel involved in the English legal system. The module provides a foundation of legal knowledge, and introduces you to legal reasoning, legal analysis and legal study skills which you can apply in your subsequent legal study.

Law of Contract introduces principles that regulate legally binding agreements. The module examines when the law recognises agreements as binding and how such agreements are formed. You will look at the means and pretexts by which contracting parties may seek to escape from the obligations they have undertaken and different remedies that the law makes available when such obligations are breached.

Law of Torts introduces you to the law of civil liabilities, examining the objectives of the system as well as the main areas such as negligence, trespass, occupiers’ and employers’ liability, vicarious liability, defamation and privacy. The subject is largely based on case law.

Lawyers’ Skills lays the foundations for the development of a number of skills and competences related to working in the legal professions. The module introduces you to a number of aspects of the practical curriculum delivered on a Legal Practice Course and a Bar Professional Training Course.

Introduction to Political Concepts and Theory explores the foundations of political analysis and the concepts, approaches and methods through which we understand the subject. The module will critically examine the core ideas central to the study of politics.

Introduction to Political Systems and Institutions immerses you in political institutions and systems, focusing mainly on the UK but also using examples from the US. The module is designed to give you an introduction to, and understanding of, how politics works in practice in terms of institutions, systems, personnel and campaigns.  Focusing mainly on the UK, teaching will also draw on some examples from the US.

Criminal Law explores the substantive criminal law in England and Wales. The module combines the basic notions and framework of criminal liability with a detailed consideration of a range of specific criminal offences.

Land Law will provide you with an understanding of the key principles of property law which underpin the day-to-day management and control of land ownership, use and transaction, and enable you to place those dealings within the social context.

Public Law 1 introduces you to the fundamental constitutional principles of public law and demonstrates how these principles are realised in the UK and how an evaluation may be made of the UK’s adherence to these principles. The module also examines some of the unique or unusual characteristics of the UK constitution.

Public Law 2 introduces you to administrative law as it operates in the UK. It examines the operation of judicial review and the ways in which judicial review attempts to realise and comply with the principles of the rule of law and separation of powers. The module also examines the rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights and how these rights are given effect in the UK via the Human Rights Act 1998.

Comparative European Politics examines the government and politics of France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland on a comparative basis. The module will explore in a systematic manner through the application of a number of theoretical models the nature of the systems of government and politics in the three states.

Identity and Diversity: Contemporary France from 1968 to the Present provides an introduction to the history of contemporary France. The international dimension is emphasised by focusing on themes such as foreign policy, racism and colonial legacies. Also emphasised are popular protest, popular culture, social inequality and history as experienced from below. The aim is for you to benefit a comparatively rare opportunity to study the very recent history of an important neighbouring country which is often stereotyped and misunderstood in the UK and broaden your cultural awareness.

Psychology of Persuasion has a strong communication component, emphasising the discursive elements of a variety of written and visual texts. The module introduces a range of supporting theories, after which you work with models of audience consumption, reception and visual and discursive techniques aimed at producing impact, changing opinions and behaviours. Analysing a variety of media and case studies, you will apply a number of rhetorical and persuasive techniques to your own practice.

Crisis Management looks at a number of theoretical models relating to how crises develop, to the analysis of crisis situations and to the management of crisis. It focuses on reputation management and related concepts of organisational image and identity. The module includes analysis of past examples of crisis management and workshops simulating reactions to hypothetical crisis scenarios. A wide range of crises are used including crises from the worlds of politics, business and the charity sector.

Policy Making considers the complexities of making policy in the modern public sector. Public policy makers do not operate in a vacuum and their policy-making autonomy is bounded by a number of considerations including knowledge, law, power, resources and public opinion. The module seeks to demystify policy-making by systematically introducing you to the key policy-making stages, theories, methods and key debates, locating them in practical real-world contexts. Policy is of course often justified by reference to research. The module will therefore also focus on key research methods, enabling you to understand the research needs of policy makers as well as to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to conduct some of your own research.

The Politics of Migration acknowledges that migration is one of the key paradigms of the 21st century. To understand many of the trends and events in the world today, it is necessary to understand what migration is, how it is represented and ‘managed’, and how it is experienced, whether directly or indirectly. The module will introduce you to a range of theoretical traditions of migration, as well as a variety of case studies from both the UK and overseas, to enable you to understand and analyse a phenomenon that is highly relevant in contemporary politics.

Contemporary US Politics looks at politics in the US today and in the recent past.  It focuses on major trends and key developments while exploring in some detail the key institutions relevant to US politics. Focusing on the US politics from the Reagan presidency onwards, the aim is to equip you with an understanding of one of the major ‘theatres of politics’. You will explore key aspects of recent presidencies, the development of the role of Vice President, the US candidate selection system, the funding of political campaigns, the operation of Congress and State Houses, legislative processes, trends in party management and development, as well as any emerging news stories.

Broken Britain explores issues around class, culture and conflict in contemporary British society. You will examine a variety of sociological perspectives and case-studies to engage critically with questions such as whether British society is ‘broken’ or if the claim is a case of ‘moral panic’? If it is broken, why? Who broke it? What role has globalisation played? Is modernity itself broken? Can society be mended? What is the ‘Big Society’? What is the Good Society? Case studies may include ‘affluenza’ and consumption, family breakdown and the ‘parenting deficit’, the ‘underclass’ debate, the hollowing out of representative democracy, and the rise of ‘radicalisation’ and ‘violent extremism’.

European Union Constitutional Law examines the Constitutional Law of the European Union and the nature of the relationship with national legal orders. The module explores the nature and effects of the legal relationship and examines in particular the doctrines, principles, legal instruments, competences, institutions and rights recognised and conferred by EU Law and the law making process in the European Union.

European Union Substantive Law examines some of the core areas of the substantive law of the European Union. The module focuses on the law relating to the four freedoms and competition law in the context of the regulatory development of the EU Internal Market.

Equity and Trusts examines the fundamental principles of the law relating to trusts and equitable ownership of property. It also considers the role and responsibilities of trustees and other fiduciaries.

Strategic Political Communications looks in depth at political communication and how it is used by various players in the political arena. It is impossible to understand modern day politics without understanding how politicians and campaign groups communicate.  This module builds on your understanding of political systems and practices and analyses pieces of communication in a critical way.

Child Law examines the law governing the relationship between the State, parents and children in England and Wales. This includes exploring the law regulating conception, adoption, child abuse, juvenile crime, child rights, sterilisation, residence and the legal relationship between parents and children.

Company Law concentrates on the key features of the company as a legal institution and covers a selection of topics addressing some of the main policy issues relating to companies and business activity.

Consumer Law examines the law relating to consumer protection, focusing on sale of goods and supply of goods and services to consumers, product liability and product safety, off-premises and distance selling contracts, consumer credit, and the laws governing unfair commercial practices.

Dissertation is designed to allow you to carry out a substantial piece of self-directed legal research. The topic of your research may draw on the practical experience of the law gained in an appropriate work placement.

Employment Law deals with an important business resource, namely its employees and one of the most important forms of exchange between business and clients, namely contracts for the sale and exchange of goods.

Family Law examines the main areas of substantive law and social policy pertaining to the family. The focus is on the ‘family’ and the rights and obligations of the adults within it.

Human Rights introduces you to the assessment of the nature of human rights claims and their translation into law and legal institutions. It charts the emergence of human rights arguments through legal, social and political theory, and examines how these discourses have informed the creation of national and international law.

Intellectual Property Law critically examines the key principles of intellectual property (IP) law, the nature and scope of IP rights, procedures, national, regional and international, for the granting and recognition of the rights, mechanisms for enforcement, as well as defences against the enforcement.

International Business Law examines some of the legal aspects governing the organisation and regulation of private international business, especially multi-national corporations.

International Criminal Law analyses the key principles of international criminal law. It examines legislation and prosecution of international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.

International Sports Law examines the complex pattern of international regulatory frameworks affecting sport. It explores the role of sport in society and assesses the claims that sport should be self-regulating.

Jurisprudence introduces you to various theoretical perspectives on the creation and application of law and seeks to enable you to develop an appreciation of the major theories of law, justice and rights. It will explore the principles underpinning legal doctrine, and the way those principles can conflict.

Law Clinic Experience Module provides you with the opportunity to further develop and apply a number of the practical aspects of being employed in the legal professions.

Law of Evidence examines the procedural framework which regulates the conduct of the adversarial trial. The main focus are the main rules of evidence which govern the conduct of a criminal trial and the extent to which the rules are an expression of the relationship between the interests of the state and the rights of the individual within the criminal justice system.

Media Law examines current laws governing libel, social media, privacy, malicious communications and contempt of court. It explores these rules within the context of areas such as press regulation, the regulation of the internet and the regulation of media broadcasting.

Public International Law examines the law governing relations between states. It is concerned with questions such as the settlement of disputes, title to territory, diplomatic relations, human rights, the law of the sea, legal restraints on the use of force, and the law governing international commercial/trade agreements.

Refugee Law analyses the legal obligations nation states owe to refugees and migrants. It examines the pertinent International and European Union legislation with attention to both the legal norms and the actual practice.

Sports Law examines the claims that the volume of sports related case law and statute combined with the development of discrete legal doctrines unique to sport has contributed to the emergence of a new legal area – sports law.

Tax Law provides you with a solid grounding in the law and principles relating to taxation, including the taxation of business. It provides you with a general understanding of the operation of the tax system, to enable you to analyse accurately the tax consequences of a given set of facts, and to make critical assessments of the law covered in the module.

Alternative Dispute Resolution recognises the importance of an understanding of the legal principles, processes and procedures of alternative dispute resolution. This module will consider arbitration, mediation and negotiation as alternative methods of dispute resolution. It will provide an understanding of the law and practice of arbitration in England and Wales generally. It will also explain the fundamental principles of arbitration, mediation and negotiation, consider the Arbitration Act 1996 and contemplate the role of the courts in the arbitral process  A case study of an arbitration process will be included.

Black Life and Black Protest in the United States Since 1945 analyses the reasons for the emergence of the post-war civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The contribution of leading individuals within the movement, like Martin Luther King, is also examined together with the life and career of Malcolm X and the Black Power movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The module concludes by assessing the legacy of the civil rights era for present day race relations and the extent to which the election of Barack Obama in 2008 means that the United States can now be described as a post-racial society.

The Special Relationship: Britain and the USA concentrates on the major diplomatic, economic and cultural meeting points of arguably the two most influential nations of the 20th century. You will study how their relationship – at times good and at times bad – influenced the course of international history. It is a relationship of unparalleled closeness and complexity which persists into the present day. By analysing the principle issues that arose between these two competitive yet cooperative states, we may be in a position to judge to what extent the relationship actually deserves the epithet ‘special’.

Working in Politics focuses on preparing you for careers in politics or a politically related area. The module will also, however, encourage you to think about the world of work more generally. Politics (or those jobs linked to it) is a very competitive career environment. To succeed, you need to fully understand what is required and be aware of how to develop those skills and attitudes. This module will enable you to demonstrate that you have an understanding of operational politics and campaigning, while also equipping you with the tools to recognise opportunities in the career market.

Advanced Parliamentary Studies equips you with a thorough and deep understanding of the workings of the UK Parliament and Parliamentary systems. The module explores the history, culture and potential future of Parliament, examines aspects of Parliamentary process in-depth, and considers related issues such as regulation and ethics. You will have the opportunity to interact with practitioners from the workforce in the Houses of Parliament.

The Think Tank looks at the role that think tanks play in politics and influencing policy-making and change. The tasks carried out by think tanks are relevant across a wide range of political, media and other practice. This module provides you with an in-depth understanding of the work of think tanks, as well as practical experience in carrying out that work and producing a product. You will take a policy area, research it in depth, produce policy ideas, identify outlets for pursing those ideas, and produce a product online.

Critical Terrorism Studies recognises that in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and those in London, Madrid, Paris and beyond, terrorism and political violence have become ever more pressing contemporary issues. But, what is ‘terrorism’; what does the term itself actually mean? What causes political violence, how is it represented in modern multi-mediated societies and how does the issue of ‘counter terrorism’ impact on the lives of people today? How has the ‘fear’ of terrorism come to affect our society? These are the sort of questions this module is designed to address. You will be invited to employ and develop your understanding of critical sociological theories, concepts and approaches in order to investigate these matters of great contemporary social importance.

Social, Cultural and Political Ideas enables you to undertake focused work on trans-disciplinary theoretical studies that combine social, political and cultural dimensions in order to understand issues and problems in the contemporary world. The module provides a discursive base on the relationship of theory to practice and the critical study of ideas before focusing on three particular issues and/or theoretical positions and perspectives. Topics might include democracy and democratisation, neo-liberalism, models of justice, consumerism, governance and globalism, cultural Marxism, Orientalism, post-colonialism, or post-Marxism. The balance of generality with specific focus allows for a detailed and critical approach to social, political and cultural ideas.

POL2002 Policy Making and Researching Politics (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 2.

POL3010 The Think Tank (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 3.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.