LLB Law with Politics

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Duration
3 years
Typical A-level offer

A*AA

Typical contextual A-level offer
AAA
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

7,6,6 at Higher level, 37 points overall. 

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS

Course overview

  • Study a degree which combines research-informed study of law and politics with practice-led approaches to law and its relationship with politics.  
  • Gain hands-on experience by volunteering alongside professionals in our Justice Hub, Legal Advice Centre, and by taking our applied law options.
  • Our degree supports you in entering the legal profession as a barrister through an award recognised by the Bar Standards Board, or in taking your first steps towards qualification as a solicitor through our collaboration with BARBRI to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam after you graduate.

Open days

We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.

Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.

If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester. 

Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events. 

You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £26,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Scholarships and bursaries, including the Manchester Bursary , are available to eligible home/EU students.

Some undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year, in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.

You can get information and advice on student finance to help you manage your money.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Social Sciences
Contact name
Undergraduate Admissions
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 543 4029
Email
Website
https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty overview

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

  • A*AA
  • We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.
  • We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept the combination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
  • We accept the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

International Baccalaureate

7,6,6 at Higher level, 37 points overall. 

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For detailed information please refer to our  country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years .

For general requirements not listed above see  Accepted entry qualifications from your country .

Still need help? Email us at ug-law@manchester.ac.uk .

Scottish requirements

We typically ask for grades of AAAAB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAA.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus two additional Highers at grades AB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact   socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk  for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade B in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. We consider the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as equivalent to an A-level on a grade-for-grade basis.

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require 90% overall including a minimum of 8 in English.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Humanities or Business are required to achieve grades A*AA and an EAP score of A.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Humanities or Business are required to achieve grades A*AA and an EAP score of A.

For all other foundation programmes please see our full  list of approved UK foundation programmes .

Pearson BTEC qualifications

The School accepts Pearson BTEC Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma  - accepted with grades  DDM  in combination with an  A-level at grade A*  in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma  - accepted with grades  D*D  in combination with an  A-level at grade A*  in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma  - accepted with grade  M  in combination with  two A-levels at grades A*A  in different subject areas to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate  - accepted with grade  in combination with  two A-levels at grades A*A  in different subject areas to the diploma.

We do not accept the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

The School accepts OCR Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma  - accepted with grades  DDM  in combination with an  A-level at grade A*  in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Diploma -  accepted with grades  D*D  in combination with an  A-level at grade A*  in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma  - accepted with grades  MM  in combination with  two A-levels at grades A*A  in different subject areas to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate  - accepted with grade  D  in combination with  two A-levels at grades A*A  in different subject areas to the diploma.

We do not accept the Cambridge Technical Certificate.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

  • Typical applicant - A mature student returning to education after a number of years.
  • Typical offer - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (45 Distinctions).
  • Minimum Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics.

Cambridge Pre-U

Applicants are expected to achieve D3, D3, D3 in the Cambridge Pre-U. Applicants can either take three Pre-U qualifications or study them in conjunction with A Level subjects.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • IELTS 7 with a minimum 6.5 in each subtest or equivalent 
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Advice to applicants

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Dr Rose Broad offers advice on preparing and submitting your application.

Any exceptional circumstances (eg illness prior, ongoing or at the time of your exams) surrounding your application should be included in your personal statement and backed up in your academic reference or the Law School should be informed in writing prior to your examination results.

How your application is considered

Your UCAS application is always considered as a whole; taking into account your qualifications, personal statement and reference. 

We consider the Widening Participation status of applicants while assessing applications; borderline candidates holding a WP or WP Plus flag are given further consideration.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are normally considered. The admissions tutor will be looking for valid reasons for deferral (eg financial, relevant work experience, charity work).

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We do not consider applications for the second or third year of the course.  

No credit will be given for prior learning.

Course details

Course description

LLB Law with Politics combines a distinctive approach to legal education from a globally recognised institution, bringing together academic study and practice-led approaches to law, with complementary units taught by colleagues in one of the largest politics departments in the country.

You will study the foundations of law in England and Wales as well as leading approaches to politics and international relations, enabling you to understand the relationship between law and politics through comprehensive study.

You will be able to tailor your degree to your specific interests by choosing from a range of optional units offered by our diverse team of experienced academics and practitioners.

The course will help you develop the skills and attributes attractive to employers whether in the field of law, politics or international relations. As well as building your legal skills, you will develop the intellectual ability and flexibility to evaluate new ideas and materials from a variety of legal and political sources.

Our Justice Hub is a centre for excellence in clinical legal education and offers free legal advice to members of the public. Volunteering here gives you the opportunity to contribute to our partnerships with the public, charitable and private sectors and play your part in our commitment to social responsibility.

Learning through reflection and collaboration, and applying your studies in practice, you can help contribute towards access to justice for some of the most vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged in society.

Studying at one of the UK's most globally connected universities means you gain a global perspective on law, reflected in our teaching and your experience as a member of our academic community.

Special features

Launch yourself into law and politics

Study our Introduction to Law and Legal Skills and Contemporary Issues in Politics and Law courses, designed to inspire your learning.

Volunteer at our Justice Hub

Get involved with our Justice Hub , comprising of the Legal Advice Centre, Manchester Free Legal Help, the Manchester Innocence Project and the Dementia Law Clinic.

It is a centre for excellence in clinical legal education and offers free legal advice to the public. You raise awareness of issues of access to justice, while empowering individuals to take control of their legal problems.

Shape the future through LegalTech

Engage with LegalTech throughout your studies, exploring cutting-edge digital futures to gain a greater understanding of this new area of legal practice.

Gain a global perspective

Experience and understand different legal cultures and perspectives, broaden your studies, and discover different disciplines and styles of education through our Study Abroad programme.  

Community beyond the classroom

Make the most of your time at Manchester with our student-led societies

Getting involved in a society is a great way to meet other students, connect with prospective employers and enhance your CV through organised events.

Teaching and learning

Our teaching is driven by active and innovative approaches to learning, aimed at inspiring and supporting you as you develop throughout your degree.

You will be challenged to reflect on what you are taught to develop intellectual independence and graduate skills.  

Contact time of lectures, seminars, and workshops amount to a minimum of 10 hours per week.

In total, you will spend about 40 hours per week studying, comprised of taught sessions and guided independent learning.  

Lectures are delivered to a large cohort of students, covering an overview of a particular subject.  

Workshops and seminars are integral to our active learning and research-oriented approach.

In small groups, you discuss, present, and apply the law based on what you have learnt.  

Our teaching is enhanced by our virtual learning environment which enables you to engage with peers, academics and interactive content to further your studies.  

You will develop independent and teamworking skills, furthering your knowledge through research and learning to communicate complex concepts to a range of audiences.  

You will be encouraged to respond to feedback from peers and staff to apply your understanding of the law in your academic work.  

Your experience and wellbeing are an integral aspect of our teaching and learning.

To ensure that you feel supported, we provide you with an Academic Advisor, a Peer Mentor, and a student representative to present student views and experiences in regular staff and student committee meetings.  

Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning

Coursework and assessment

Through your assessments, you will demonstrate graduate skills that prepare you for a range of careers. Methods of assessments include:

  • exams;
  • coursework;
  • short exercises or written pieces such as case reports and reflective diaries;
  • problem-based multiple choice questions;
  • oral presentations;
  • portfolios and project work.

We will support you through detailed feedback to help you improve and progress in your studies.

Course content for year 1

Year 1 provides you with the foundation to your studies of law and politics.

You will study three 30-credit full-year law courses on:

  • Introduction to Law and Legal Skills;
  • Law of Obligations;
  • Public Law.

You will also study Contemporary Issues in Politics and Law (10 credits) plus, either:

  • Introduction to Comparative Politics (20 credits);
  • Introduction to Political Theory (20 credits).

Course content for year 2

In Year 2, you will study two full-year foundational subjects:

  • and Law (30 credits); 
  • Criminal Law (30 credits).

You will also select a 20-credit full-year subject from a range of specially designed units. You will continue to develop legal and academic skills that will enable you to reach your full potential in your final year studies. The current units offered are:

  • Human Rights
  • Law in a Global Context
  • Principles and Practice of Commercial Law
  • Law in Practice (simulated)

You also select two 20-credit Politics subjects which focus in more depth on issues introduced in Year 1, and new concepts such as the politics of globalisation and development and social justice.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Property Law I LAWS20110 30 Mandatory
Criminal Law LAWS20300 30 Mandatory
Principles of Commercial Law LAWS20052 20 Optional
Human Rights LAWS20092 20 Optional
Public International Law LAWS20372 20 Optional
Principles of Law, Medicine and Ethics LAWS20732 20 Optional
Miscarriages of Justice LAWS21062 20 Optional

Course content for year 3

In your final year, you will select four 20-credit Law and two 20-credit Politics subjects which consider specialised and in-depth areas of law and politics.

Our optional subjects give you the opportunity to engage with our world-leading research specialisms, including:

  • Equity and Trusts*;
  • European Union Law*;
  • Law in Action;
  • Principles of Law, Medicine and Ethics;
  • Criminal Evidence;
  • Environmental Law;
  • Company Law;
  • Employment Law;
  • Intellectual Property Law;
  • Family Law;
  • Jurisprudence;
  • Competition Law;
  • Mental Health Law;
  • Miscarriages of Justice;
  • Constitutional Reform;
  • Law, Money and Technology;
  • Advocacy and the Law.

The areas we offer in Politics include:

  • The Politics of the European Union;
  • Russian Politics;
  • The Politics and Philosophy of Nationalism;
  • Elections and Voters in Britain;
  • Political Morality and Dirty Hands;
  • Gender, War and Militarism;
  • Africa and Global Politics;
  • American Politics: Why Do They Do That?;
  • Postcolonial Politics;
  • Race, Ethnicity, Migration;
  • Identity, Power and Modernity;
  • Power and Protest.

You also have a choice to write a dissertation in place of one of these courses.

Please note that course units are subject to change annually.

*Students wishing to satisfy the professional requirements for the academic stage of training for the Bar Standards Board must take these course units.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Property Law II LAWS30330 20 Mandatory
Law of Torts / Obligations II LAWS30400 30 Mandatory
European Union Law LAWS30990 30 Mandatory

What our students say

Read profiles of our students to find out about their experiences of studying at Manchester.

Facilities

You will have access to first-class facilities to learn and practice your skills, both independently and with other students.

Moot court

Our moot court allows you to enhance your practical application of the law in a simulated court environment alongside your peers and legal experts.

Library

You can access our specialist law library, in addition to one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK

Justice Hub

Get the best possible start to your legal career with our Justice Hub network. Develop your values, ethics and civic engagement in:

  • the Legal Advice Centre ;
  • the Dementia Law Clinic;
  • the Manchester Innocence Project;
  • Manchester Free Legal Help.

You can also choose to study Law in Practice and Law in Action, and apply take part in the Justice Hub Vacation Scheme.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Manchester has offered numerous employability sessions that have also helped with thinking about what career path I may take.

As I studied two disciplines, I feel I have more options when it comes to securing a job, as I do not feel as restricted to doing a traditional legal job.

Mathura Yogeswaran / LLB Law with Politics

The University of Manchester also has an excellent reputation for employability, and we are one of the most targeted universities by the nation's top employers (The Graduate Market in 2021, High Fliers Research).

The Law School and Department of Politics have excellent links with legal professions, business, and the public sector. Our graduates have an impressive record of securing employment.

The award-winning Justice Hub provides opportunities for you to volunteer, putting your legal knowledge into practice by undertaking legal advice work.

Our students have achieved success in national and international mooting and client interviewing competitions and are encouraged and supported by staff and peers.

We run employability sessions giving you the opportunity to meet employers and offer workshops delivered by in-house specialists. You will benefit from unique training, networking and skills development opportunities.

Careers Service

The University has its own dedicated and award-winning Careers Service that works closely with Law and Politics to provide specialist advice tailored to you, offering insights into careers in the legal and public sector as well as other top employers.

You will have full access to the Careers Service as a student and for two years after you graduate, providing opportunities to help boost your employability

Solicitors Qualifying Exam preparation

The Law School has collaborated with a global legal education provider BARBRI to offer our students and alumni a comprehensive preparation programme for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This collaboration creates a pathway to qualify as a solicitor, learning from BARBRI's industry-leading legal education to prepare for the SQE.

BARBRI offer the prep courses at The University of Manchester at least twice per year on a full-time and part-time basis to support those working alongside their studies.

Recognition by the Bar Standards Board

You will have the opportunity to study courses that cover the foundations of legal knowledge, which are necessary to satisfy the academic component of training to become a barrister in England and Wales.