Law and Politics LLB (Hons)

Studying Law and Politics at Edinburgh isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about learning in real-world settings and building the skills you’ll actually use in your future career. From day one, you’ll explore how laws are made, interpreted and challenged, and how political decisions shape society — all while working hands-on with the same tools, resources and environments that professionals use.

Much of your learning happens in small seminars and interactive workshops, where you’ll debate legal cases, analyse political events, and collaborate on projects with classmates. You’ll have access to one of the UK’s leading law libraries inside the historic Old College, as well as the University’s extensive network of digital and physical collections — over 1.8 million volumes and countless online databases to support your research.

And because Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament, courts, government offices, and legal firms, you’re never far from the action. Field visits, guest lectures, and real-world case studies bring the subject to life and connect what you learn in class with the world beyond it.

Here’s how your experience will go beyond theory and into practice:

•  Specialist facilities: Learn inside the beautifully refurbished Old College, home to modern lecture theatres, interactive teaching spaces, and a world-class Law Library with one of the largest collections of European legal documents.

•  Research and expertise: Get involved with leading research centres in public law, human rights, and political theory — and even contribute to ongoing research projects as part of your studies.

•  Real-world exposure: Attend court visits, engage with guest speakers from government and legal practice, and experience how law and politics operate just minutes from your classroom.

•  Practical skills training: Take part in mooting competitions, mock trials, policy debates, and negotiation exercises to sharpen your argumentation and advocacy skills.

•  Independent research: Undertake a substantial Politics dissertation in your final year, where you’ll research and write on a topic you’re passionate about.

• Global perspectives: Choose to study abroad and experience different legal and political systems first-hand, broadening your global understanding.

•  Collaborative learning: Work on group projects, policy simulations, and case analyses that mirror the teamwork and problem-solving required in legal and political careers.

A joint degree in Law and Politics from Edinburgh opens doors to a world of exciting and influential careers. You’ll graduate with a powerful mix of legal expertise and political insight — a combination that’s highly valued in law firms, government departments, NGOs, think tanks, and international organisations. Many graduates go on to become solicitors, policy advisors, public affairs specialists, or legislative analysts, shaping decisions and driving change at local, national, and global levels.

Here’s how Edinburgh sets you up for success:

• Career support that makes a difference: The Law School’s dedicated Career Opportunities Programme connects you with top law firms and employers through networking events, career fairs, and recruitment workshops. You’ll also benefit from the university’s Careers Service, which offers one-to-one coaching, CV and interview support, and access to thousands of internships and graduate jobs via the MyCareerHub portal — even for two years after you graduate.

• Strong employment outcomes: An impressive 96% of Edinburgh Law School graduates are in work or further study shortly after finishing their degree, with 81% moving into highly skilled roles.

• Powerful professional connections: Edinburgh works closely with major firms such as Addleshaw Goddard, Brodies, DLA Piper, and Eversheds Sutherland, creating opportunities for placements, training contracts, and mentoring that can launch your legal career.

• Professional recognition: By selecting the right law modules during your degree, you can cover the key subjects needed for the qualifying law degree pathway — keeping you on track to become a solicitor or advocate.

• Impressive graduate destinations: Alumni from this programme have gone on to work in law firms, government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and policy organisations — in the UK and around the world.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying after your undergraduate degree, you’ll have plenty of options. You could specialise with a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas like human rights, international law, or commercial law. You might explore a Master’s in Political Science or Public Policy to deepen your understanding of governance and decision-making. If research is your passion, a PhD in law, politics, or interdisciplinary studies is a natural next step. And if your goal is to practise law, you can progress to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland or equivalent professional qualifications elsewhere.