Philosophy and Law

Moral, political and legal philosophy have implications for law. Our course offers opportunity to study, not only what the law is, but what the law ought to be. Our BA Philosophy and Law combines the study of legal systems with the exploration of the philosophical ideas that shape them.

You will examine not only what the law is, but also what the law ought to be, investigating questions about justice, rights, responsibility, freedom, and the relationship between law, politics, and society. By studying philosophy alongside law, you will develop a deeper understanding of how legal systems are created, interpreted, and challenged. You will explore how ethical, political, and philosophical debates influence legal decision-making and public policy, while gaining a strong grounding in key areas of law.

Taught by internationally recognised academics within the School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies and Essex Law School, you will benefit from research-led teaching that combines legal knowledge with critical analysis. Through philosophical enquiry, legal reasoning, and independent research, you will develop the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills valued across a wide range of professions. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to reflect new developments in both legal scholarship and philosophical enquiry.

The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to curriculum developments and innovation.