BA (Hons) History and Law

This degree blends the fascinating study of history with the practical and analytical world of law, perfect for students who love exploring how the past shapes legal systems and society today. Over three years, you’ll develop a strong understanding of historical events, legal principles, and critical thinking, preparing you for diverse career paths in law, heritage, policy, or research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll lay the foundations for both disciplines. Law modules such as Introduction to Law and Contract Law help you grasp legal systems, court processes, and key principles, while history modules like The Making of Modern Britain and Historical Research Skills introduce you to analysing sources, understanding historical contexts, and developing strong research skills. This combination ensures you gain a solid grounding in both fields while honing critical and analytical thinking.

Year 2

The second year deepens your knowledge and begins to integrate historical and legal perspectives. You might study modules like Criminal Law and Public Law, alongside history modules such as The British Empire and its Legacies or Social and Cultural History. These courses help you explore the interaction between historical events and legal developments, and enhance your abilities in argumentation, analysis, and written communication.

Year 3

In your final year, you focus on advanced topics and independent study. Law modules such as Property Law or Employment Law prepare you for professional legal reasoning, while history modules like History Dissertation allow you to research and present a topic of your choice. You may also take interdisciplinary modules combining law and history, giving you a well-rounded perspective and a strong portfolio of knowledge and skills for your career or further study.

Focus areas: “Legal principles, contract law, criminal law, property law, public law, historical research, social and cultural history, British history, empire and legacy, legal and historical analysis.”

Learning outcomes: “Ability to understand and apply core legal principles; critical historical analysis and research skills; strong written and oral communication; capacity to link historical context with contemporary legal issues; preparedness for careers in law, heritage, public service, or research.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Law modules cover fundamental legal knowledge, giving graduates a solid foundation for further legal training or related professional pathways.

Reputation (employability potential): Combining law and history makes graduates attractive for careers in legal services, policy, heritage, research, public administration, and consultancy, offering flexibility and strong career prospects.