Legal Studies and Philosophy

Legal Studies and Philosophy is a combination that addresses two of the most fundamental questions any intellectual tradition has grappled with: how should we organise our collective life, and how should we think rigorously about the most important questions we face? Legal studies examines the rules, institutions and principles through which societies manage conflict, protect rights and regulate behaviour. Philosophy asks deeper questions about justice, truth, knowledge, ethics and the nature of human reasoning.

Studied together, they develop an exceptionally powerful set of analytical and argumentative skills, alongside a genuine understanding of the conceptual foundations on which legal systems rest.

At the University of Aberdeen this four-year full-time degree combines close examination of the world of law with a wide-ranging exploration of philosophy, including both the historical tradition and contemporary debates. You will develop your ability to analyse legal texts and problems with the rigour that legal study demands, while also building the philosophical frameworks to ask fundamental questions about justice, authority and rights. The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop your studies in an international context and engage with different legal and philosophical traditions.

Graduates from Legal Studies and Philosophy degrees are well positioned for careers in law, including the solicitor and barrister training routes, as well as in public policy, consultancy, education, the civil service and business. The combination of legal knowledge and philosophical rigour also prepares graduates well for careers in ethics consultancy, compliance and corporate governance. Postgraduate study in law, philosophy, ethics, legal theory or related fields is a natural continuation for those wishing to deepen their expertise, and the degree provides an excellent foundation for entry to both LPC and BTC routes to legal qualification.