Law with Politics

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Professional Development in Practice

  The world's most pressing challenges don't fit neatly into one subject or discipline. This module puts you at the heart of tackling them.

  Working alongside academics, fellow students and external partners, you'll engage in projects that develop critical, creative and transferable skills needed to address real-world issues. You'll learn to analyse problems, consider multiple perspectives and apply your knowledge beyond your subject area.

  Through collaboration and reflection, you'll deepen your understanding of yourself, your subject and the wider contexts in which you will live and work.

  The second of three Supportive Challenge modules running throughout the programme, Professional Development in Practice builds on your first year and prepares you for life beyond graduation.

• Land Law

  You'll build a strong understanding of the principles of English Land Law and explore how the law regulates the ownership, use and transfer of land and property.

  You'll develop your legal research, case reading and problem-solving skills as you explore topics including the nature of property, legal and equitable interests in land, freehold and leasehold ownership, land registration, co-ownership, trusts of land, easements, mortgages and freehold covenants.

  Through real legal cases and practical scenarios, you'll examine how land law affects individuals, businesses and communities, building the analytical skills and legal understanding that underpin many areas of legal practice.

• Tort Law

  You'll explore how the law responds when people, organisations or public bodies cause harm to others. You'll examine the principles of civil liability and the legal remedies available when rights are infringed.

  You'll develop your legal research, case reading and problem-solving skills as you explore topics including negligence, employers' and occupiers' liability, trespass to land and the person, public and private nuisance, defamation, privacy and vicarious liability. Throughout the module, you'll consider how human rights continue to influence this evolving area of law.

  Using real cases and practical legal scenarios, you'll strengthen your ability to analyse complex legal problems and apply legal principles to situations that affect individuals, businesses and wider society.

• International Law

  You'll explore the legal principles that govern relationships between states, international organisations and the wider global community.

  You'll develop your legal research, critical analysis and problem-solving skills as you examine the foundations of international law, including its sources, key institutions and the rights and responsibilities of states. You'll explore how international law shapes issues such as human rights, the peaceful settlement of disputes, international trade, environmental protection and the use of force.

  Using contemporary case studies and global legal challenges, you'll strengthen your understanding of how international law responds to an increasingly interconnected world and develop the analytical skills to evaluate complex issues that cross national borders.

Optional modules

• Theorising Power and Society

  In this module, you’ll dive into key ideas within social and political theory. You’ll explore the key debates on themes such as: 

  • the State
  • gender
  • freedom
  • equality
  • power.

  By exploring texts, including Hobbes’ Leviathan and Rousseau's The Social Contract, as well as evaluating topics such as capitalism, progress and “the end of history”, you will develop your interpretation and analysis skills.

• US Politics

  In this module you will analyse the governmental and political institutions in the United States, alongside studying policymaking, the participatory process, and arising contemporary issues in American Politics.

• European Union Law

  You'll explore the constitutional and institutional foundations of the European Union and its influence on legal systems across Europe and beyond.

  You'll examine the history and development of EU law alongside the role of key institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. You'll also explore the relationship between Union law and national law, the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the legal principles that shape how EU law is created, interpreted and applied.

  By studying EU law within its wider political and social context, you'll develop a deeper understanding of international legal systems and strengthen the analytical skills needed to navigate complex legal questions in an interconnected world.

• European Politics

  Explore the institutions, political systems and contemporary challenges shaping Europe. You’ll examine how governments and political institutions operate, how citizens participate in political life, and how policy is developed and contested across different European contexts.

  You’ll explore the evolution of democracy and citizenship, political parties, elections and the European welfare state. You’ll also consider the European Union and theories of European integration, alongside regional nationalism, sub-state governance and the distinctive political challenges facing post-communist Europe.

  The module examines major contemporary issues including the rise of populist nationalism, the politics of migration and the impact of global challenges on European politics. By comparing different European political systems and experiences, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the forces shaping politics and governance across the region.

• UK Politics

  Examine the complex institutions that make up the British political system and how these have changed over time, including the evolution of political parties and how policy is made by the executive and implemented by the civil service.

  You’ll look at political and economic factors side-by-side in how the British state is constituted and how decisions are made. You’ll also cover topics like;

  • the changing nature of the British political system
  • conceptual approaches to British politics
  • the post-war consensus and its end electoral politics declinism
  • Britain’s foreign relations and its relationship with Europe
  • Equip yourself with the knowledge and critical analytical skills to understand contemporary British politics.

• Russia and Eastern Europe after Lenin

  In this module, you will compare and analyse the politics of Russia and Eastern Europe during the 20th Century. You will consider the key features of communist states in the region, with revolution being a major theme. You will understand the cause of revolution in these states, the nature of the Soviet system and it's satellites, and why communism failed here.

Law ID - employability programme

Optional modules

• Law ID - employability programme

  Through our LawID programme, you'll develop the real-world skills to thrive in legal and professional environments through a variety of experiential learning opportunities. You'll put your learning into practice through clinical legal experience, pro-bono opportunities, and our internationally renowned mooting and client interviewing opportunities. You'll benefit from in-house and external mentoring schemes, work experience opportunities and a range of guest speakers, as well as supporting our local community through initatives with Flag DV, Citizens Advice and Asylum Welcome.

  Whether you want to become a barrister, qualify as a solicitor, progress as a legal executive or apply your skills in a successful career outside of legal practice - you'll gain the knowledge and skills to reach your goals.

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• Becoming an Oxford Brookes Law Graduate

  The third in a series of three modules running throughout the programme, this final-year module brings together everything you've learned throughout your degree, helping you reflect on your experiences, recognise your strengths and prepare for your next steps beyond university.

  Through practical activities and guided reflection, you'll explore what it means to be an Oxford Brookes Law graduate and how your knowledge, values and skills can make a difference in the world. You'll consider the opportunities available within legal practice and across a wide range of professions, developing the confidence to articulate your ambitions and professional identity.

  Building on the experiences gained through your studies, LawID and wider university life, you'll create a personal action plan for the future. Whether your next step is legal qualification, postgraduate study or another career path, this module helps you graduate with a clear sense of direction and the confidence to pursue it.

• Equity and Trusts

  Equity and Trusts explores the legal principles that ensure fairness where the strict application of the law alone may not provide an appropriate outcome. You'll examine how equitable principles have developed alongside the common law and continue to shape modern legal practice.

  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and problem-solving skills as you explore the creation and operation of trusts, including express, resulting and constructive trusts, charitable trusts, proprietary estoppel, trustees' powers and duties, breach of trust and equitable remedies.

  As the compulsory Honours-level project module, you'll also complete an independent research project and research trail, strengthening your research skills while developing the confidence to investigate complex legal questions and communicate well-reasoned legal arguments.

Optional modules

• State and Society in Contemporary Russia

  In this module, you’ll develop key critical skills as you explore the democratic challenges facing Russia. Contemporary Russia has undergone enormous social, political and economic transformation since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.You’ll gain a strong grounding in the key issues of this diverse, multi-ethnic state. You’ll look at core themes, such as:

  • regime dynamics and trajectory
  • the role of informal relations
  • corruption and governance problems
  • war and militarism
  • and identity politics.

• Conflict and Peacebuilding

  In this module you’ll explore practices of conflict management and peacebuilding in societies which experience violent conflict. You’ll cover three key areas;

  • conceptualise peace and the causes and dynamics of contemporary conflict
  • investigate models of peacemaking
  • understand how building a sustainable peace can be achieved by societies emerging from war.

  You’ll compare a variety of case studies to draw conclusions about these challenges and processes, alongside analysing current cases of violent conflict, critically evaluating peacebuilding processes and asking questions about the quality of peace that often emerges.

• Law, Empires and Revolutions

  In this module, you’ll get to grips with capitalism today. You’ll explore what colonialism and the modern world can teach us about its laws and events. You’ll gain a fascinating, alternative history of international relations, as you explore the modern sovereign states system. You’ll also gain the key skills you need to study the relationship between history, international relations and law. 

  Each week, you’ll take a crucial world event and analyse it. You’ll look at:

  • Arab spring
  • struggles for human rights
  • extraterritorial obligations
  • cross-border protests
  • migrants and refugees.

  You’ll contrast these events with the following historical events which also involved high tension and legal debate:

  • colonial trading companies
  • slave revolutions
  • capitulations
  • the Treaties of Westphalia
  • the Ottoman empire. 

• Nationality, Immigration and Asylum

  Nationality, Immigration and Asylum explores the legal frameworks that govern citizenship, migration and international protection, examining how law responds to some of today's most significant social, political and humanitarian challenges.

  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine nationality law, immigration and asylum systems, refugee protection and the legal responses to issues such as detention, deportation, human trafficking and family life. You'll consider how UK, European and international law shape migration policy, while critically evaluating the legal and ethical debates surrounding borders, identity and human rights.

  Through contemporary case studies and legal analysis, you'll deepen your understanding of this complex and evolving area of law while strengthening your ability to assess competing perspectives and develop well-reasoned legal arguments.

• Independent Study

  The Independent Study Module gives you the opportunity to explore a legal topic in greater depth, working closely with an academic whose research interests align with your chosen area. It allows you to investigate issues that go beyond the taught curriculum and develop expertise in a subject that reflects your interests and future ambitions.

  Supported by seminars and individual supervision, you'll build advanced research, analysis and academic writing skills as you engage with legal scholarship, case law and contemporary debates. Students on our named pathways complete their project within their area of specialism, providing an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and showcase their expertise.

  Whether you're considering postgraduate study, legal practice or another professional path, the module enables you to pursue an area you're passionate about while developing the independent learning skills valued by employers and researchers alike.

• South African Politics: From Apartheid to Democracy

  You'll start by analysing the legacy of South Africa’s history. Then you'll look at some of the key issues in the political economy of post-apartheid South Africa. And with the knowledge you've built. You'll assess the links between the legacies of apartheid and the nature of some of the problems encountered in South Africa today.

• Freedom, Justice and Liberation

  In this module, you’ll explore understandings of freedom, justice and liberation in contemporary social and political thought. We’ll focus on a range of theoretical approaches, including:

  • decolonial theory 
  • feminist and queer theory 
  • post-structuralism 
  • crip theory
  • the black radical tradition.

  These will be put in dialogue with classical theoretical discussions on freedom, justice and liberation. We will discuss questions like: 

  • Is it possible, and desirable, to make claims for justice and liberation based on group identity? 
  • Can past wrongs be addressed through reparations? 
  • Can justice be delivered via the criminal justice system? 

  As such, the module provides students with the theoretical tools to understand and navigate discussions on the meanings of justice, freedom and liberation in contemporary society, and to develop their own positions in relation to them.

• Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

  In this module, you’ll explore how different states respond to terrorism and examine the political choices and debates that shape counter-terrorism policies. You’ll consider what we mean by terrorism, counter-terrorism and security, and explore their relationship with political violence.
  
  You’ll examine examples from different countries and contexts, including Northern Ireland, Spain, Colombia and Sri Lanka, as well as responses to international terrorism and the War on Terror. By comparing these cases, you’ll consider why states adopt different approaches and how these have changed over time.
  
  You’ll also explore the wider consequences of counter-terrorism, including its impact on human rights and citizenship. Through discussion, research and written work, you’ll develop your ability to evaluate different perspectives, critically assess sources and build evidence-based arguments.

• Human Rights and Global Politics

  What should world leaders do? How much power should countries give each other? And how should states and individuals behave towards each other? In this module, you’ll get to understand the key questions in world politics. You’ll explore:

  • how we determine rights and duties
  • how we both enable and restrict dominance
  • how issues of race, gender and class interact
  • in relation to world politics. You’ll choose one of three topics that on international ethics and power - human rights, migration and immigration, or racism and colonialism.

• Law in Action

  Law in Action gives you the opportunity to apply your legal knowledge in a professional setting, developing the practical skills, confidence and experience valued by employers.

  Through a placement in a legal or law-related organisation, you'll put your learning into practice while developing your communication, problem-solving and professional skills. Alongside your placement, you'll critically reflect on your experiences, exploring how legal knowledge is applied in real-world contexts and how it shapes your professional identity.

  By bridging the gap between academic study and professional practice, this module will help you develop the confidence, adaptability and reflective skills needed for a career in law and a wide range of other graduate professions.

• Equality Law

  In this module, you'll explore how the law seeks to promote fairness and protect people from discrimination in everyday life, while examining the challenges of creating a more equal society.

  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine the Equality Act 2010 and other anti-discrimination legislation covering protected characteristics including sex, race, disability, religion and sexual orientation. You'll explore how the courts interpret equality law, its impact in areas such as employment, education and services, and the role of positive action in addressing inequality.

  Through contemporary case studies and legal debate, you'll evaluate the effectiveness of equality law, consider whose interests it protects, and explore how legal reform could strengthen equality and inclusion in the future.

• International Human Rights Law

  International Human Rights Law explores the history, philosophy and contemporary protection of human rights, asking whether today's international legal systems are fit for purpose.

  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine how human rights are protected through international and regional legal frameworks. You'll explore contemporary debates alongside topics such as refugee law, international criminal law and landmark cases under the European Convention on Human Rights, including freedom of expression and the prohibition of torture.

  By engaging with global legal challenges and competing perspectives, you'll deepen your understanding of one of the most significant and rapidly evolving areas of international law while strengthening your ability to analyse complex legal and ethical issues.