Entry requirements
Selected entry requirements English language: Candidates must show a high standard of written and spoken English. We require GCSE English Language or equivalent such as IELTS 7 or TOEFL 625. A level: Grades AAB. Two AS levels are not accepted in place of one A Level. We receive a large number of applications from very well qualified students and seek to ensure that places are offered to those who are best prepared to contribute to and benefit from the programme. As law is a theoretical subject, we will only consider qualifications where theory comprises at least 70% of the curriculum . We prefer to see traditional subjects in your A-Level choices. Furthermore, experience indicates that some subjects are more suited than others for preparing students to undertake the study of law at Manchester. In light of this, and given both the high volume of applications received and our endeavour to assist applicants in their efforts not to opt for courses for which they will not be considered, the School wishes to point out that there are subjects it will not normally include as part of the academic conditions of any offer made. We do not accept the following subjects and they will only be considered as a fourth A-Level and will not therefore be accepted as part of a conditional offer. Critical thinking, General studies, Media Studies, Art & Design (Photography, Textiles, CDT & Design Tech), ICT, IT, Dance, Music Technology, Film Studies, Travel & Tourism, Health & Social Care and Home Economics. The following subjects are less preferred but must still be a minimum of 70% theoretical to be accepted and will only be considered in combination with two traditional academic subjects: Law, Communication Studies, Drama (Theatre Studies & Performing Arts), Business Studies, Sociology, PE and Sports Studies. These lists are not exclusive and if you are unsure whether your AS/A Level (or equivalent) subjects will be considered please contact us. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: A minimum of three GCSE A grades plus a minimum of grade B in English Language and Mathematics. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level. Please see A-Level section for information on the subjects we prefer / do not consider at Higher Level. Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Course description
Course description
This is a joint Honours degree programme which builds on the many links between the two sister disciplines of Politics and Law. This Universities expertise makes it an especially good place to study in this increasingly important field.
The law part of the degree programme aims to provide you with a solid and comprehensive grounding in key legal principles, as well as enabling you to specialise in particular areas of interest in later years. In Politics, the aim is to introduce you to leading approaches in areas such as international relations and European politics, as well as core theoretical concepts. Building on this foundation, you are free to follow your particular interests within the field of Politics in your second and third years.
You have a choice as to whether you wish to obtain a qualifying law degree (QLD) as part of this degree programme. This choice will need to be made at the start of the second year. To qualify for exemption from the Part I examinations for the legal profession, your degree programme must include seven foundation subjects which must occupy at least two-thirds of such programme.
Option 1: QLD Track
In the first year, you study six course units, four in Law and two in Politics. In Law, you take Legal Method, Contract Law, Criminal Law, and the Law of Tort. In Politics, you take Introduction to International Politics and Introduction to Political Thought.
In the second year, you are required to take Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, and Land Law, in addition to taking two course units from a range of options offered by Politics.
In the third year, you are required to take European Community Law, as well as the Law and Politics course unit. In this unit, you will complete a dissertation which draws on the differing perspectives of the two disciplines. In addition, you take four other course units, two of which are chosen from third year course units offered by Politics.
Option 2: non-QLD Track
The first year subjects are the same as for the QLD track.
In the second year, you are only required to take Constitutional Law and Administrative Law, which have been chosen because of their close association with, and relevance to, Politics. In addition, you take four other course units, two from Politics, and two from Law.
In the third year, you are required to take the Law and Politics course unit, the details of which are set out above. This is in addition to taking five other course units, at least two of which are chosen from third year course units offered by Politics.
Special features
Legal Advice Centre
The School runs a free Legal Advice Centre to the public, university staff and students. The Centre is managed by The Director of External Relations and Clinical Education and is sponsored by 2 major city firms and supported by the College of Law solicitors and barristers. It is quality marked by the Legal Services Commission.
The aims of the Centre are to provide practical experience for the Law School's students. Who are supervised by legal practitioners, and to offer a reliable service to its clients, who seek help with their legal problems and in many circumstances have nowhere else to obtain legal advice. This year we are also setting up an outreach centre with the Chinese community, police complaints and domestic violence unit.
Career opportunities
If you want to practise as a solicitor or barrister the course covers all the core subjects required to qualify for exemptions at the next stage in your training. However it will be necessary to do some further vocational training. You will need to do the Legal Practice Course and obtain a training contract to become a solicitor. You will need to do the Bar Vocational Course and obtain a pupillage to become a barrister.
The University of Manchester's School of Law has strong links with the legal professions and public services. Our graduates have a good record of securing employment both in the legal profession and other professional environments. Careers advice is available from a dedicated careers advisor. For those who wish to qualify as a solicitor, every graduate with a 2:2 degree or better is guaranteed a place at one of the branches of the College of Law or BPP to study on the Legal Practice Course.
