Legal Studies and Politics, MA

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how laws shape societies and how political decisions influence the world around us, this degree is a perfect match. The MA Legal Studies and Politics at the University of Aberdeen explores both fields side by side, giving you a deep understanding of legal systems, rights, and institutions while also examining power, policy, and governance on a national and global scale.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building your foundations
Your first year introduces you to the fundamentals of both legal studies and politics. You’ll explore legal theory and legal systems, learning how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced. On the politics side, modules like Democracy and Governance and Politics and International Relations 1 introduce you to political institutions, ideologies, and decision-making processes. By the end of the year, you’ll have a strong base in how law and politics work and interact.

Year 2 – Deepening your understanding
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into specialised areas of both subjects. Legal modules such as Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, and Environmental Law explore how law operates in business, rights protection, and sustainability. At the same time, politics modules on voting behaviour, policy-making, nationalism, and democratic systems give you insight into the forces shaping modern governance. This year helps you connect how laws and political decisions influence each other in real-world contexts.

Year 3 – Specialising and exploring complex issues
Year three is where your learning becomes more advanced and analytical. Modules like Civil Liberties, Political Rights and Human Rights Law (LS4591) challenge you to examine how constitutional principles protect — or sometimes fail to protect — fundamental freedoms. You’ll also have the chance to explore European and international law, criminology, or Scottish legal history while tackling major political themes such as global security or constitutional change. This is the stage where you start shaping your degree around your interests.

Year 4 – Honours year and independent research
Your final year is all about depth and independence. You’ll undertake a Dissertation in either legal studies or politics, giving you the chance to research a topic you’re passionate about in detail. Alongside this, you’ll choose from a wide range of advanced modules — from EU law and constitutional reform to comparative governance and legal theory — allowing you to graduate with expertise tailored to your future ambitions.

Focus areas: Legal systems and rights, political theory and governance, public policy, comparative and international law, research methods

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate ready to critically analyse legal and political systems, combine legal reasoning with political analysis, conduct independent research, and apply interdisciplinary thinking to real-world challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While this programme does not qualify you directly to practise law in the UK, it equips you with highly valued skills in analysis, research, argumentation, and policy thinking — skills that are in demand across government, NGOs, think tanks, corporate sectors, and international organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Aberdeen’s Law School is ranked 12th in the UK and has a 95% student satisfaction rate, reflecting the quality of teaching and support you’ll receive. The interdisciplinary nature of this degree makes graduates highly competitive in a range of careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Legal Studies and Politics at Aberdeen is far more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about learning through real experiences that prepare you for the world beyond university. From your very first year, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn in class to real-life situations, work with professionals, and develop the skills that employers truly value. Whether it’s through internships, research projects, or practical legal activities, you’ll be constantly building confidence and hands-on experience throughout your degree.

Here’s how this programme helps you learn by doing:

ABDN Internships – real work experience while you study: The university’s paid ABDN Internships scheme gives you the chance to work with employers on real projects, often part-time during term or full-time over the summer, helping you apply your legal and political knowledge in a professional environment.
Hundreds of opportunities on MyCareerHub: Aberdeen’s career platform posts nearly 800 internships and work placements every year, including virtual internships, summer placements, and insight programmes — all designed to help you build your CV while you study.
Practical and project-based assessments: Many modules focus on coursework, legal analysis, and policy research projects rather than just exams. This means you’ll be practising the same types of skills you’ll use in future jobs, like writing legal arguments, analysing legislation, or evaluating government policy.
Student Law Clinic and Law Review: You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with student-led initiatives such as the Aberdeen Law Project, where students provide legal support to the community, or contribute to the Student Law Review, sharpening your research and writing skills.
Opportunities in Law support scheme: Through the School of Law’s dedicated initiative, you can access mentoring, workshops, and support in finding relevant work experience, giving you a head start on exploring legal and policy-related careers.
🏛️ Exceptional facilities and research resources: You’ll have access to the university’s world-class Sir Duncan Rice Library, cutting-edge digital research tools, and advanced IT services, all designed to support your studies and research projects in both law and politics.

These experiences ensure that by the time you graduate, you’ll have more than just a degree — you’ll have the skills, confidence, and real-world experience that employers and postgraduate programmes look for.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Legal Studies and Politics from Aberdeen opens doors to a wide variety of exciting and meaningful careers. Because you’ll graduate with strong skills in critical thinking, legal reasoning, research, and policy analysis, you’ll be prepared to work in roles that shape society, influence decisions, and support justice. Many graduates go on to careers as Policy Analysts, Legal Researchers or Paralegals, Government or NGO Advisors, or Corporate Affairs Specialists, contributing to organisations that make real change.

Here’s how the University of Aberdeen helps you succeed and what you can expect after graduation:

Outstanding career support from day one: The dedicated Careers and Employability Service offers personalised one-to-one advice, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and even law-specific drop-in sessions at the Taylor Library — all designed to help you plan your path and stand out in a competitive job market.
Excellent graduate outcomes: Around 94.8% of Aberdeen law graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, highlighting the strong career prospects this degree offers.
Strong links with industry and government: The university’s strong connections with major employers — from global companies like Shell and BP to public sector organisations and government agencies — give students access to internships, placements, and networking opportunities that can lead directly to job offers.
Competitive earning potential: Aberdeen law graduates earn on average £5,923 more than the sector average within a year of graduating, reflecting the strength and reputation of the degree.
Valued skills across sectors: While this MA isn’t a direct route to becoming a solicitor or advocate, the skills you develop — from legal research and policy evaluation to persuasive communication and strategic thinking — are highly sought after across government, NGOs, think tanks, corporate affairs, and international organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re interested in continuing your studies, this degree offers an excellent foundation for postgraduate options. Many students progress to a Master’s in Public Policy, International Relations, Human Rights Law, or Governance, or pursue an LLM (Master of Laws) to deepen their legal expertise. You could also follow a research path with an MRes or PhD, leading to careers in academia, policy research, or high-level advisory roles.