LLB Law with Politics (Cornwall)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The LLB Law with Politics at the University of Exeter combines a qualifying law degree with the study of politics, helping students explore how legal systems, governments, and public policies shape society. Designed for students interested in careers in law, government, international organisations, or public affairs, the programme develops strong analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills while offering opportunities to gain practical experience through an optional Industrial Placement or Professional Placement year.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of law while building an understanding of political ideas and current affairs. You will study core legal modules such as Legal Foundations 1, Legal Foundations 2, and Criminal Law 1: Foundations, alongside politics modules that explore topics such as political behaviour, global challenges, and contemporary political debates.

Year 2
In the second year, students develop a deeper understanding of important legal areas while expanding their knowledge of political systems and theories. Modules such as The Law of Torts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and European Union Law strengthen legal knowledge, while optional politics modules allow students to explore areas of government, policy, and international affairs.

Placement Year (Optional)
Students can choose an optional Industrial Placement or Professional Placement year to gain experience in a professional environment, such as a law firm, business, public organisation, or legal department. This year allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world situations while developing workplace skills, professional confidence, and career awareness.

Final Year
The final year allows students to explore advanced legal and political topics while focusing on areas that match their interests and career ambitions. Students study advanced legal subjects and can choose specialist options such as Constitutional Law and Human Rights Law, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between law, government, and society.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Legal foundations, Constitutional law, Human rights law, Criminal law, Land law, Trusts, Political theory, Public policy, Government systems, European politics, Social justice, International perspectives.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Develop strong legal knowledge, understand political systems and theories, analyse the relationship between law and society, conduct legal and political research, apply critical thinking to complex issues, develop advocacy and communication skills, evaluate public policy decisions, solve practical problems, collaborate effectively, and prepare for careers in law, politics, and related sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The LLB Law with Politics covers the Foundations of Legal Knowledge required for progression towards professional legal careers. The degree provides a strong academic foundation for students who wish to continue towards qualification as a solicitor or barrister while also developing skills valuable in government, policy, public administration, and other professional sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for graduate employability and professional development. Exeter Law School supports students through practical activities such as mooting, negotiations, legal research, professional skills development, and placement opportunities, helping graduates build the experience and confidence needed for successful careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The LLB Law with Politics at the University of Exeter helps students develop practical skills by connecting legal knowledge with real-world political and professional challenges. Through activities such as mooting, mock trials, negotiations, policy analysis, and collaborative projects, students learn how to apply legal principles, communicate arguments effectively, and evaluate complex social and political issues. The programme also provides access to specialist law facilities, research resources, and placement opportunities that help students build confidence and prepare for careers in law, government, and related fields.

Students gain practical experience through:

Mooting and advocacy activities: Students develop courtroom and advocacy skills through mooting exercises, where they practise presenting legal arguments, analysing cases, and building persuasive written and verbal communication skills. The University’s Moot Court provides a professional environment with modern facilities, including video conferencing technology for simulated legal proceedings.
Mock trials, negotiations, and policy exercises: Students take part in practical activities such as mock trials, negotiation exercises, and policy brief writing, allowing them to apply their legal and political knowledge to realistic situations and develop problem-solving abilities.
Professional placement opportunities: Students can choose an optional Industrial Placement or Professional Placement year to gain experience in professional environments such as law firms, government organisations, businesses, or legal departments. This opportunity helps students develop workplace skills, professional networks, and a clearer understanding of potential career paths.
Legal research resources and digital tools: Students have access to specialist legal research resources, including online legal databases such as Lexis+ and Justis, which support case analysis, legal research, and preparation for assessments and practical activities.
Collaborative learning and group activities: Through seminars, discussions, presentations, and group-based activities, students work together to analyse legal and political issues, debate different perspectives, and develop teamwork and communication skills.
Professional engagement opportunities: Students benefit from opportunities to interact with legal professionals, academics, policymakers, and external organisations through guest lectures, networking events, and career-focused activities that provide insight into the legal and political professions.
Law library and academic facilities: Students have access to extensive library collections, digital resources, and academic support services that assist with legal research, independent study, and preparation for practical exercises such as mooting and policy analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the LLB Law with Politics at the University of Exeter gain a valuable combination of legal knowledge, political understanding, research skills, and professional abilities, preparing them for careers across law, government, public policy, international organisations, and related sectors. The programme develops critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers. Graduates can pursue careers such as Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Adviser, Policy Officer, Government Adviser, Public Affairs Consultant, or NGO Professional.

The programme supports students in building successful careers through practical experience, professional connections, and dedicated career support:

Career development and employability support: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s career services, including career guidance, skills workshops, employer events, mentoring opportunities, and support with applications and interview preparation. Exeter Law School also provides opportunities such as mooting, pro bono activities, networking events, and law-focused careers sessions to help students prepare for professional life.
Placement and professional experience opportunities: Students can choose an optional Industrial Placement or Professional Placement year, allowing them to gain experience in professional environments such as law firms, legal departments, businesses, or public organisations. This opportunity helps students apply their academic knowledge in practice, develop workplace confidence, and improve their employability.
Industry and professional connections: The programme benefits from Exeter Law School’s links with legal professionals, alumni, practitioners, judges, and external organisations. These connections provide students with valuable insights into different career paths through guest lectures, networking opportunities, and professional engagement activities.
Professional qualification pathway: The degree covers the Foundations of Legal Knowledge required for progression towards professional legal careers. It provides a strong academic foundation for students who wish to continue towards qualification as a solicitor or barrister through further professional training.
Graduate opportunities: The combination of law and politics prepares graduates for careers in legal practice, government, public administration, charities, NGOs, think tanks, and international organisations. The transferable skills developed through the programme also support opportunities in business, finance, consulting, and policy-related roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the LLB Law with Politics, students can continue their studies through postgraduate options such as an LLM Master of Laws or specialist master’s programmes in areas including human rights law, international law, public policy, political science, governance, or international relations. Further study allows graduates to specialise in their chosen field, strengthen their professional expertise, and progress towards advanced careers in law and related sectors.