Law with Politics LLB (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

This degree gives you the best of both worlds — a full qualifying law program, combined with a deep understanding of how political decisions are made and how they shape society. It’s perfect if you’re curious about how laws work in real life and want to explore the political forces behind them.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll get to grips with how the legal system works through modules like Contract Law and English Legal System. At the same time, you’ll explore politics through topics such as British Political History or the workings of the European Union, giving you a clear sense of how law and politics connect.

Year 2

In second year, things become more in-depth and analytical. You’ll study core areas like Criminal Law, Land Law, and Constitutional & Administrative Law, which help you understand how laws are applied, enforced, and interpreted. You’ll also dive into political themes such as social change, European politics, or contemporary political issues — letting you start shaping your academic focus.

Year 3

Your final year lets you specialise and bring everything together. You’ll complete advanced law modules like Equity and Trusts, and you can choose political options that match your interests — whether you’re passionate about international relations, regulation, or public affairs. This year also gives you opportunities to gain real experience through Sussex’s law clinics and practical projects.

Focus Areas : Law, Politics, Governance, Public Policy, Constitutional Systems, Legal Practice

Learning Outcomes : You’ll graduate with strong legal reasoning, a deep understanding of how political power works, practical skills gained through real cases, and the ability to think critically about law, policy, and justice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation) : This course meets the academic requirements for both solicitor and barrister training. After graduating, you can progress to the SQE route or train toward the Bar.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings) : Sussex has a strong reputation in social sciences and politics, and its law clinics give students hands-on experience that employers value. The combination of legal training and political insight also opens doors to a wide range of careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Law with Politics at Sussex isn’t just about reading cases or learning political theory — you actually get to step into real situations and see how the legal and political worlds operate. From working directly with clients to shadowing legal professionals, you’ll build practical skills that help you grow in confidence and feel prepared for life after university. Sussex gives you plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn, guided by supportive staff and real practitioners who help you develop as both a thinker and a future professional.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:

Clinical Legal Education: In your final year, you can work in a real law clinic, handling live client issues under supervision. It’s a mix of classroom learning and actual casework, giving you a real sense of what legal practice feels like.
Sussex Law Clinics: These clinics cover areas like family law, employment, migration, and environmental justice. You’ll help real people, carry out legal research, and practise writing advice that others depend on.
Work with Citizens Advice: Students can support Citizens Advice in West Sussex, dealing with client enquiries, researching issues, and offering guidance through email, phone, and webchat.
Court Visits & Shadowing: You’ll have the chance to observe real courtrooms — from magistrates’ hearings to crown court trials — giving you a front-row view of how legal decisions are made.
Environmental Justice Clinic: If you’re passionate about environmental issues, you can take part in community-focused work, supporting people affected by environmental challenges.
StreetLaw Projects: You can design and deliver workshops for schools and community groups, helping people understand their legal rights in a clear, accessible way.
Research Opportunities: Sussex’s Legal Education Research Group allows you to contribute to real academic projects, exploring themes like teaching fairness and student experience.
Specialist Facilities & Digital Tools: You’ll study in a dedicated law school environment with a mooting room, modern study spaces, and access to essential legal databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Lawtel.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Legal Career Pathways:

Solicitor: Graduates can pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as solicitors. Sussex's offers SQE-aligned support and practical legal training.
Barrister: Those aiming for the Bar can undertake a Bar Training Course (BTC) and apply for pupillage.
Other roles include paralegal, legal executive, advocate, or tribunal officer.

Further Study & Specialisation:

LLM (Master of Laws) in areas like Criminal Justice, Human Rights, or International Law
Postgraduate diplomas in legal practice, dispute resolution, or compliance
PhD or MPhil for research or academic careers

Careers Outside the Traditional Legal Route:

Public sector and civil service roles, including local government and policy-making
Regulatory and compliance roles in finance, healthcare, and corporations
Charity, advocacy, and NGO work, especially in legal aid, immigration, or social justice
Careers in education, human resources, and corporate governance

Transferable Skills Developed: