Law with Politics: The University of Manchester

Course description

This is a joint Honours degree course which builds on the many links between the two sister disciplines of Politics and Law. This Universities expertise makes it an especially good place to study in this increasingly important field.

The law part of the degree course aims to provide you with a solid and comprehensive grounding in key legal principles, as well as enabling you to specialise in particular areas of interest in later years. In Politics, the aim is to introduce you to leading approaches in areas such as international relations and European politics, as well as core theoretical concepts. Building on this foundation, you are free to follow your particular interests within the field of Politics in your second and third years.

You have a choice as to whether you wish to obtain a qualifying law degree (QLD) as part of this degree course. This choice will need to be made at the start of your second year. To qualify for exemption from the Part I examinations for the legal profession, your degree course must include seven foundation subjects which must occupy at least two-thirds of such course.

Career opportunities

If you want to practise as a solicitor or barrister the course covers all the core subjects required to qualify for exemptions at the next stage in your training. However it will be necessary to do some further vocational training. You will need to do the Legal Practice Course and obtain a training contract to become a solicitor. You will need to do the Bar Vocational Course and obtain a pupillage to become a barrister.

The University of Manchester's School of Law has strong links with the legal professions and public services. Their graduates have a good record of securing employment both in the legal profession and other professional environments. Careers advice is available from a dedicated careers advisor. For those who wish to qualify as a solicitor, every graduate with a 2:2 degree or better is guaranteed a place at one of the branches of the College of Law or BPP to study on the Legal Practice Course.

Entry requirements

• English language: Candidates must show a high standard of written and spoken English. They require GCSE English Language or equivalent such as IELTS 7 or TOEFL 625.
• A level: Grades AAB. Two AS levels are not accepted in place of one A Level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: A minimum of five GCSE A grades which must include English Language and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level.