Law with International Relations with a Year in Industry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The Law with International Relations with a Year in Industry program at Royal Holloway, University of London, gives you the best of both worlds — a strong legal foundation combined with a global outlook. You’ll explore how laws are made, interpreted, and applied within both domestic and international contexts, while also understanding how governments, organizations, and societies interact on the world stage. This program is perfect for students who want a legal career that goes beyond borders — from working in global law firms to policy-making or diplomacy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Legal and Global Foundations
You’ll start with the essentials of law and politics. Core modules like Public Law (Constitutional, Administrative, and Human Rights Law) and Law of Contract teach you how legal systems function and protect individual rights. Alongside, Introduction to International Relations helps you explore how political power, conflict, and cooperation shape today’s world.

Year 2 – Deepening Knowledge and Perspective
Your second year introduces more specialized areas such as Law of Tort and Land Law, where you’ll understand property rights, negligence, and liability. In International Relations, you can choose modules like International Relations Theory or International Political Economy to explore how global power and finance influence nations and lawmaking.

Year 3 – Year in Industry
This is where classroom learning meets the real world. You’ll spend the year gaining professional experience through an approved work placement — applying your legal knowledge and analytical skills in a real professional environment, building valuable experience and contacts before graduation.

Year 4 – Integration and Advanced Study
In your final year, you’ll study advanced subjects such as European Union Law and Equity and the Law of Trusts, along with political modules like US Foreign Policy or Refugees and Migration in World Politics. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of how legal and political systems intersect — and how to make an impact within them.

Focus Areas:

English legal system, human rights law, European Union law, international relations theory, global governance, political economy

Learning Outcomes:

Gain in-depth legal knowledge, develop critical thinking and advocacy skills, understand global political systems, and learn to apply law within international contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This degree meets the academic stage required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) — meaning it’s a strong route toward becoming a solicitor, barrister, or international legal advisor.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Royal Holloway’s School of Law and Criminology is ranked among the UK’s Top 20 for graduate prospects (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and is widely respected for its industry-integrated programs and professional readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, studying Law with International Relations with a Year in Industry means learning the law through experience, not just textbooks. You’ll sharpen your legal reasoning and political insight in real-world environments — from simulated courtroom sessions to professional work placements. The program is designed to prepare you for the realities of global law, policy, and advocacy, giving you the confidence and skills employers look for.

Here’s how that hands-on learning experience comes to life:

Year in Industry (3rd Year) – Spend an entire year working in a professional setting — whether at a law firm, government department, NGO, or international organization. You’ll apply your academic learning to real legal and political challenges while earning credit toward your degree.
Professional & Legal Skills Training – Develop essential lawyer attributes through modules like Professional and Legal Skills, where you’ll practice client interviewing, negotiation, legal writing, and mooting in realistic scenarios.
Law & IR Networking Opportunities – Join the Student Law Society, take part in law fairs, guest lectures, and employer networking events, and connect directly with practitioners and policymakers who can open doors for your future career.
Specialist Research Tools – Use professional-grade legal databases and case law libraries to develop your research and analytical abilities — the same tools used by law firms and public policy teams.
Collaborative Projects & Seminars – Work in small groups on global case studies exploring EU law, human rights, and international governance, strengthening your teamwork and presentation skills.

This is a degree built around real preparation for the real world — combining rigorous legal training with practical exposure so you graduate not only qualified, but experienced and employable.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Law with International Relations with a Year in Industry degree from Royal Holloway, University of London means you’ll leave with more than just a qualification — you’ll have a strong academic foundation, professional experience, and the confidence to make an impact in the world of law, policy, and global affairs. Graduates have gone on to exciting careers as Solicitors, Policy Advisors, International Organisation Officers, and Legal Analysts, equipped with both legal expertise and a global perspective.

Here’s how Royal Holloway helps you turn your degree into a meaningful career:

Personalised Career Support – The Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one career guidance, mock interviews, CV reviews, and exclusive law-firm networking events — all tailored to help you enter competitive legal and policy fields.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Within 15 months of graduation, over 80% of students are employed or in further study, earning an average salary of around £24,000–£28,000 in the early stages of their careers.
Industry Connections – The Department of Law & Criminology maintains close ties with law firms, the Crown Prosecution Service, and international organisations — giving you access to employer talks, internships, and alumni mentors.
Professional Accreditation – This degree meets the academic requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) — ensuring your qualification is recognised if you plan to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister.
Diverse Career Pathways – Graduates are now working across law, government, NGOs, and policy research, reflecting the program’s ability to prepare you for both legal practice and international roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue their studies with a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law or Human Rights, an MA in Global Policy, or a Master’s in Public Administration or Diplomacy. These advanced degrees build on your Royal Holloway foundation, positioning you for leadership roles in international law, governance, or public service.