Law with Politics LLB

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

If you enjoy debating real-world issues — like how laws are made, why governments act the way they do, or how justice works in society — then Law with Politics at Royal Holloway is a perfect match. This course lets you train as a lawyer while also understanding the political forces that shape legal systems, public decisions and human rights across the world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Foundations

Your first year introduces you to the language of law and politics. You’ll study Contract Law, Public Law (Constitutional, Administrative & Human Rights Law), and the English Legal System — learning how laws are created, interpreted and applied. In politics, you’ll take Introduction to Politics & Government, where you'll explore how power, democracy, and ideologies shape countries and institutions.

Year 2 – Law in Action & Political Systems

This year goes deeper into legal responsibilities and how society is protected by law. Modules like Criminal Law, Law of Tort (negligence, liability, defamation) and Land Law teach you how legal cases are argued and decided. On the politics side, you’ll explore modules such as Democracy in Britain, Contemporary Political Theory, or Understanding the European Union, helping you connect legal decisions with political structures.

Year 3 – Specialisation and Real-World Application

In your final year, you choose what you want to specialise in. Core law modules include Equity & Trusts and EU Law, and you can pick options like Medical Law, International Human Rights Law, or Advocacy & Court Practice. In politics, you could study Radical Political Theory, Public Policy in the EU or Youth and Politics, focusing on the topics you care most about.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes (What you’ll gain)

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

Understand and apply key principles of English law and political theory
Analyse real legal and political cases with strong critical and ethical reasoning
Research like a legal professional using authentic case law, legislation and political data
Present arguments confidently — in writing, debates or mock trials

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is recognised as a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) — meaning it covers all the core subjects needed to train as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Reputation & Employability

Royal Holloway’s Department of Law and Criminology is ranked Top 20 in the UK for graduate prospects.
Politics at Royal Holloway ranks 11th in the UK.
Graduates have gone on to careers in law firms, government, the Crown Prosecution Service, NGOs, policy research, and even companies like Panasonic and John Lewis.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, studying Law with Politics isn’t just about lectures and textbooks. You’ll actually step into the shoes of a lawyer and a policymaker. From arguing in a mock courtroom to giving real legal advice under supervision, the course is designed to make you confident, work-ready, and connected to the real world of law, government, and public service.

You’ll practise legal skills—interviewing clients, drafting arguments, debating cases—while also exploring how Parliament, courts, and political institutions really work. And the best part? You get to test your skills in real settings before you graduate.

Now, here’s how you get hands-on experience:

Real-World Learning Opportunities (Specific to This Programme):

Mock Courtroom & Advocacy Training – You’ll take part in mooting sessions (mock trials), present legal arguments, and learn client interviewing and negotiation through the Professional & Legal Skills module.
Legal Advice Centre (Pro Bono Clinic) – Work with real clients as a Student Legal Adviser, giving supervised legal guidance in areas like housing and employment law — just like a trainee solicitor.
Court, Parliament & Prison Visits – The department arranges visits to the Houses of Parliament, local courts, and even prisons/probation services, so you get to see how law and politics operate in real life.
Politics in Practice – Through modules like British Democracy and European Union Politics, students often analyse live political events, elections, and public policy decisions using data from Parliament and political think tanks.
Law & Politics Societies – Join the Mooting Society, Debating Society, or Politics and International Relations Society, where students compete in national competitions and organise guest talks with lawyers, MPs, and policy experts.
Optional Placement Year (Industry/Parliament/Law Firms) – If you choose the ‘Year in Industry’ route, the university helps you secure a placement in a law firm, government office, NGO, or public affairs organisation.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – You’ll study in the modern Davison Library (with a dedicated law collection, legal databases like Westlaw & LexisNexis), plus a fully equipped mock courtroom for training.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you’re choosing Law with Politics at Royal Holloway, you’re not just studying two subjects — you’re preparing yourself for roles where law, government, and society overlap. This degree can lead you into the world of law, policymaking, diplomacy, media, human rights, or even corporate leadership. Employers really value graduates who understand both legal frameworks and how political decisions are made.
Students from this course usually go into roles like:
Solicitor or Barrister (after SQE or Bar training)
Political or Parliamentary Assistant (working with MPs or campaigns)
Public Policy Officer or Civil Service Fast Stream trainee
Legal & Compliance Analyst in companies, banks, NGOs, or government departments
How Royal Holloway actually helps you get there
This isn’t just lectures and exams — the university actively prepares you for real careers:
Personal careers support: You get 1:1 sessions to help with CVs, interview practice, pupillage, or training contract applications.
Placements & internships: Through the Professional Experience Programme, students have worked in places like local councils, Citizens Advice, law firms, and even the House of Commons.
Mentoring from professionals: Alumni working at the Crown Prosecution Service, Clifford Chance, Ministry of Justice, BBC Legal Team help guide students through mentoring events.
Law & Politics Careers Fairs: Big names like Linklaters, Government Legal Department, Deloitte Legal, Pinsent Masons visit campus to recruit students.
Skills that stand out: You take part in mock trials, public speaking workshops, legal interviewing training, and political debating — the kind of skills law firms and government departments love.