Queen Mary, University of London School of Law Undergraduate Studies Entry 2013
www.law.qmul.ac.uk
The east London advantage Barts and The London serves a huge population of unrivalled diversity in the east of London, but is also next door to the City of London, one of the UK’s richest neighbourhoods. This means that our medical and dental students encounter a huge range of medical conditions while building the patient contact hours they need to become confident and competent professionals. “East London and the wider Thames Gateway offer our medical students the opportunity to observe a wide range of diseases – from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, obesity, TB and even malnutrition. This is a unique learning environment for their medical training.”
Cathy Baker, Head of Graduate Entry Programme in Medicine
2012 Olympics on our doorstep The 2012 Olympics are taking place very close to Queen Mary’s Mile and our Endbycampus, Produced the Publications and Web Office, Queen Mary, University of London Whitechapel and West Smithfield - Pub9783 www.corporateaffairs.qmul.ac.uk/pubweb campuses are also not far away. The information given in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. Barts Hospital, the The College reserves thenew rightRoyal to modify or cancel any statement in it and accepts London Hospital and our no responsibility for the consequences of any such changes. For the most up-toto the website www.qmul.ac.uk date information, please associated Trusts willrefer provide healthcare Olympic Any section offor thisthe publication is available in large print upon request. If you require athletes and in thea different generalaccessible public format we will endeavour to provide this this publication during the summer games. Thisand assistance, please contact: where possible. For further information hr-equality@qmul.ac.uk; +44to (0)20 will be an exciting time be 7882 in 5585. London. This prospectus has been printed on environmentally friendly material from well-managed sources.
Campus-based Barts and The London is part of Queen Mary, the only College of the University of London to offer extensive campus-based facilities. This promotes a sense of community and encourages an active student life. All our first year medical and dental students who live a certain distance from the School are allocated places in residences at the Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square and Mile End campuses. East London also offers affordable privately-owned accommodation at a walking distance from our campuses. See page XX for more details about accommodation.
State-of-the-art clinical facilities We have modern state-of-the art buildings alongside more traditional teaching facilities such as our fantastic library. The Dental School now contains a clinical skills laboratory which closely simulates the real clinical
Contents
Introduction
Our Legal Advice Centre
Degree programmes
Module descriptions
Career opportunities Student life, Students’ Union, student support and health services
Accommodation School of Law entry requirements
Living in London
Next steps
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Introduction
The Knowledge Statue, Library Square, Mile End campus
The School of Law
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The School of Law at Queen Mary, University of London
Welcome to the School of Law at Queen Mary, University of London With over 690 undergraduate students, from as many as 57 different countries, Queen Mary School of Law is one of the largest within the University of London. We have an established reputation for providing high-quality teaching by staff who have both practical and academic expertise in almost all areas of law. Queen Mary has recently joined the prestigious Russell Group, which represents the leading universities in the UK. The School of Law reflects this achievement in that we consistently perform well in the external university rankings for law, making us one of the UK’s leading law schools. In The Guardian University Guide 2013 we are ranked third in London and sixth in the UK. Similarly, The Times Good University Guide 2013 ranks the School third in London and eighth in the UK. The School has a long tradition of a supportive and nurturing teaching environment, reflected in our excellent results in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2011, in which we scored 96 per cent for student satisfaction.
This places us fourth for law out of 92 universities and first out of the University of London law schools. At Queen Mary, you will have the opportunity to visit courts, chambers and prisons and to take part in mooting – the oral presentation of a legal issue or problem, designed to replicate the experience of presenting a case in court. Many students take part in pro bono work (legal work without payment), including advising members of the public through our Legal Advice Centre, gaining practical experience which is highly sought after by employers. The Centre has received many accolades for its work in the community; it was the 2011 runner-up for the Attorney General's Best Law School and was shortlisted for The Lawyer Awards 2011 Pro Bono Team of the Year. The School also offers a fully funded scholarship to read for an LLM at the College of William and Mary, one of the leading and oldest law schools in the United States. Recent winners of the scholarship have successfully moved into the legal profession and hold positions in City law firms and chambers. Over the years, we have built up close ties with law firms, advisers to government, commerce and
industry, NGOs and charities. Many of our first generations of students are now judges, senior barristers, partners in law firms and members of the judiciary, as well as staff in senior nonlegal roles in industry and the public and private sectors. Whether or not you choose to pursue a legal career, the knowledge and analytical skills that our qualifying law degrees will provide you with, will prove to be a lifelong asset. You will gain a qualification from the University of London, which has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally with academics and employers in all sectors. All our undergraduate courses are highly regarded within the legal profession, which will prove invaluable when seeking training contracts with solicitors' firms or pupillages at the Bar. We look forward to meeting you and hope you enjoy your time with us at the School of Law. Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas Head of Department, School of Law
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The School of Law
The School of Law at Queen Mary, University of London
What is law?
Why study law?
Pick up any newspaper and it is almost certain that every page will have a story that is directly or indirectly related to the law. Contrary to the impression you might have, law is not just about people suing their local council. Nor is it all high-profile libel cases involving well-known politicians, wigs, judges and the drama of the courtroom. It is a subject that covers many aspects of human activity.
A law degree is very highly regarded by employers generally – not just by those in the legal profession – because it provides a very different approach to problem solving and analysis. Studying law also involves considering the social, political and economic significance of issues, which means you will develop the ability to see the ‘bigger picture’ and make connections between the seemingly unrelated.
At Queen Mary you will learn about the law of contract, criminal law, public law, tort, administrative law, property law, EU law and jurisprudence. Then there’s human rights law, international law, medical law and ethics, family law, commercial and consumer law and all sorts of other specialist areas. A law degree is about analysis, attention to detail, argument and communication. It’s also about learning the skills to read legal documents – Acts of Parliament, EU legislation, case reports etc. Law is fascinating, relevant and demanding, and gives you an excellent foundation for a legal career – amongst others.
Law is a rigorous academic subject that will help you develop a range of skills valued by employers, including: • communication skills – legal argument involves getting a point of view across fluently and persuasively both orally and in writing • good analytical and critical reasoning skills • the ability to place an argument in its context and explain complex information clearly • research skills using a range of sources • lateral thinking and problemsolving skills • attention to detail • independent thinking.
Why study law at Queen Mary? • Queen Mary is now part of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities. • In The Guardian University Guide 2013 we are ranked third in London and sixth in the UK. Similarly, The Times Good University Guide 2013 ranks the School third in London and eighth in the UK. • We are consistently ranked as one of the top UK Law Schools for research. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise placed the School of Law seventh in the UK, based on the percentage of our research activity rated 4* (world-leading) and 3* (internationally excellent). The results demonstrate that the School’s research profile and research environment is amongst the best in the country, and third best in London. • In the most recent National Student Survey (NSS 2011), the School of Law scored 96 per cent for student satisfaction, reaffirming its long tradition of providing a supportive and nurturing teaching environment.
The School of Law
• All our undergraduate programmes are qualifying law degrees and are recognised by the legal professional bodies in England and Wales. Students are awarded the highly regarded University of London LLB or BA, which is very attractive to employers. • Students can benefit from the extensive expertise of our staff, many of whom have advised high-profile organisations, such as the United Nations, European Commission, World Bank, International Court of Justice in The Hague, national and international governments and NGOs, as well as contributing to and editing leading law journals.
Continuous support throughout your studies Settling into College life while starting a demanding law degree, which for many undergraduates is their first experience of studying law, can be challenging. To help you, we have devised a series of activities and support networks to guide you through the process, while offering pastoral support throughout your studies. You will be appointed an academic adviser, who monitors your academic progress and is the first point of contact if you
have any academic or personal problems. In addition, you can also get help and advice from our Graduate Student Advisers who are current Queen Mary postgraduate law students. They can offer support and advice either on a one-to-one basis or in groups, on matters including: • Adapting to university studies (including study skills, time management, transition issues and building independence) • Essay writing skills (legal problems vs essays, how to prepare and structure an essay, how to reference, how to find articles and cases) • Revision technique (aimed at first years revising for midsessionals, including timetabling revision, making revision notes, memory techniques, advice on practising questions) • Exam technique (timing, comprehensive coverage of topics, importance of practice, structure and clarity, producing an impressive exam script). Find out more at: www.law.qmul.ac.uk/ undergraduate/studentlife
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Excellent location The undergraduate School of Law is conveniently located in a fully refurbished, light and spacious building on the main Mile End campus. See: www.law.qmul.ac.uk/contact The Mile End campus provides a completely integrated, residential campus environment. Situated next to Regent's Canal and the open green spaces of Mile End Park and Victoria Park, the campus offers a peaceful environment in which to live and study. As well as the library, lecture halls, cafes and village shop, there is a 2,000-bed award-winning Student Village. Find out more about accommodation on page 36. The Mile End campus is less then 10 minutes by tube to the commercial district of Liverpool Street and lively social areas of Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, which offer fantastic restaurants, bars, clubs, shops and diverse street markets. It is 20 minutes by bus to Canary Wharf, the impressive UK headquarters for many banks and businesses, as well and one tube stop away from the newly developed Stratford area which features the Olympic park and one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe. To find out more, see page 40.
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The School of Law
The School of Law at Queen Mary, University of London
Queen Mary Student Law Society The Student Law Society consists of a committee made up of law students from all years, which is elected annually. The Society helps students within the School with all aspects of their study – everything from helping firstyear students to feel comfortable and confident in their new environment to advising others on how to find a law firm placement. The Society organises both academic and social events, including an annual party and networking events with major law firms.
Queen Mary Law Journal The Queen Mary Law Journal is a student-run publication of essays and academic articles published annually by the Queen Mary Law Society.
Lord Hoffmann with the 2012 internal moot finalists
the George Hinde Mooting Competition, has been established for about forty years, with academic staff being involved in judging and coaching students. Last year, over 180 students entered this competition with later rounds being judged by prominent practitioners and judges. The final was judged by the former Law Lord, Lord Hoffmann. Queen Mary also has an impressive record in external mooting competitions. In 2011, it won the London University Mooting Shield (beating a team from UCL in the final). Further, a team of students from Queen Mary were runners up in the 2012 English Speaking UnionEssex Court Chambers National Mooting Competition. Teams from Queen Mary have won this
The Mooting Society Mooting is the oral presentation of a legal issue or problem. The Queen Mary Student Mooting Society plays an active role in undergraduate life at Queen Mary and has a strong and successful mooting body. Our internal mooting competition,
prestigious national competition four times. In March 2012, a team from Queen Mary were victorious in the Thomas A Finlay Moot Court Competition which took place in Dublin. In 2012, a team from Queen Mary also reached the quarter-finals of the Oxford University Press National Moot Competition.
Queen Mary Student Bar Society The Bar Society is a student-run group with over 150 members. Although primarily targeted at students who wish to become barristers, much of what the Society does is relevant to all Queen Mary law students. The Society seeks to inform students about the profession, and develop people's advocacy skills. Weekly events include: workshops, talks, court and Inns of Court visits, networking opportunities and social events. There is an active committee which students are encouraged to join from first year onwards. Forthcoming events in 2012/13 include: • A large panel and networking event with prestigious speakers and practitioners with whom students can discuss life at the Bar
Quinlan Windle and Matthew Hexter, winners of the 2012 Thomas A Finlay Moot Court competition
• An advocacy workshop • Tours of the Old Bailey and Supreme Court
The School of Law
• Legal CV workshop with the Director of the BPTC at Kaplan Law School
Placement programmes
• A new essay writing competition with the prize being a prestigious mini pupillage at Blackstone Chambers.
The Pro Bono Group has welldeveloped links with the London legal community. Students have the opportunity to volunteer at organisations providing pro bono legal advice and to ‘shadow’ solicitors. Placement programmes operate through partnerships with leading law firms such as Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, SNR Denton, Clifford Chance and Reed Smith LLP. Queen Mary runs a Streetlaw Programme, which is based on a US model to provide an outreach volunteer
Queen Mary Student Pro Bono Group Pro Bono Publico means for the ‘good of the public’. Legal pro bono work involves providing free legal assistance to members of the public who would otherwise be unable to afford it. Students in the School of Law are actively involved in serving the local community in this way – and developing their legal skills in the process. The Pro Bono Group publishes a monthly newspaper with articles from external lawyers and Queen Mary academics and students.
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programme to local schools and communities. Students visit primary and secondary schools to teach pupils relevant parts of law. The Group also offers exciting opportunities in international law. In the past students have worked with organisations such as A4ID and Lawyers Without Borders. For more information on the Pro Bono Group, visit: www.law.qmul.ac.uk/ undergraduate/probono
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The School of Law
The School of Law at Queen Mary, University of London
The Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre
• Company Law – covering all areas of company law
The School’s Legal Advice Centre (LAC) is an award-winning service in which Queen Mary law students and solicitors from City law firms combine their skills and knowledge to provide free legal advice to the local community.
• Law for the Arts – covering all intellectual property issues for the creative industries
What we do The LAC provides free legal advice to the public, students and staff. We act as a first-tier advice agency, providing preliminary advice on the strength of a client’s case, the processes that need to be followed and an explanation of the legal issues. Clients come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds and present a breadth of legal issues. This provides students with the opportunity to experience law in a practical context and to develop many of the skills required for successful entry into the profession. The LAC runs six primary advice projects throughout the academic year. These are: • General Advice – covering employment law, consumer issues, landlord and tenant disputes, private contracts, leasehold and freehold issues, business partnerships, immigration, personal injury, wills and probate, and torts • Pink Law – covering cohabitation, civil partnerships, immigration and employment discrimination
• LGBT Criminal Justice – covering homophobic attack, hate crime, discrimination, police complaints, cruising, CRB checks and offences • Supporting those who serve – providing specialist advice for those serving in the armed forces, those who have served, and their families.
What Student Advisers do Advice sessions run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Student Advisers interview clients under the supervision of a volunteer solicitor from one of our partner law firms. After the client interview, the Student Advisers research the client’s legal issues and draft a letter of advice. • We provide full written advice on clients’ legal issues within fourteen days of their appointment. • We have one of the largest referrals databases in the country, so that if we are unable to help a client we can provide a range of alternative options. Advisers are selected from second- and final-year students and undergo an extensive training programme provided by legal professionals, academics and staff from the Queen Mary Careers Team.
Our Student Advisers demonstrate that they can act professionally, abide by ethical codes of conduct and respect confidentiality.
Our Student Advisers’ development We work closely with our Student Advisers from the moment they join us to help them develop both professionally and personally. Everything we do, from the rules we put in place, to the procedures we follow, is geared to a student’s professional development. During a student’s time with the LAC, they are able to compete for one of the many work placements we offer in City firms or for one of the mentoring opportunities we offer with legal professionals.
The School of Law
Our network The LAC works with an extensive network of firms and organisations within the profession, who support our client work and our Student Advisers’ development. We work closely with City law firms Allen & Overy, Bross Bennet, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Mishcon de Reya, Nabas Legal, Reed Smith, Simmons & Simmons, Lloyds TSB Legal, David Josiah Lake Gardiner, Toynbee Hall, as well as criminal law specialists 15 New Bridge Street Chambers. We also have links with a wide range of organisations such as Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia (BABSEA), Lawyers without Borders, the Bar Lesbian and Gay Group (BLAGG), the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association (LAGLA), Stonewall, Age Concern, Thames Magistrates Court and Snaresbrook Court.
• Highly commended for the Best Team of Students Award at the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Awards
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“The students were very competent and reassuring. I had full confidence that they understood my issue.” Client 2011
2010 • Winner of the Best Team of Students Award at the Attorney General's Pro Bono Awards • Runner-up for Best New Project at the Attorney General's Pro Bono Awards
What people say about us “Before my meeting at QMLAC, I thought that the law was totally intimidating and probably designed to protect the wealthy (i.e. not me). The people I met with put me at ease and showed me that the law does have a heart after all. I was given thorough advice in which I have every confidence. Thank you.” Client 2012
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the kindness and courtesy which I was shown and, of course, for your advice.” Client 2011 “Society has a duty to look after the vulnerable and the disadvantaged. No society is immune from poverty, and I felt the least I could do was to offer legal advice to those in need.” Student Adviser 2011 “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the LAC – I really feel like I have learned a lot from the experience and am proud to have been a part of it!” Student Adviser 2011
Our recent awards 2011 • Finalist for the LawWorks Pro Bono Partnership of the Year with Reed Smith • Finalist for The Times Higher Education Award for Transference of Knowledge • Finalist for The Lawyer Awards 2011 Pro Bono Team of the Year • Runner-up for the Best Law School Award at the Attorney General's Pro Bono Awards
“These people really care; they listen, and treat people with respect.” Client 2012
“It has been a great experience and also a pleasure working with the students and the LAC staff.” Supervising solicitor 2011
Degree programmes
The Mile End campus, next to Regents Canal
The School of Law
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Degree programmes
Law M100 LLB/Law (three years) Programme description The traditional LLB is a threeyear programme. It includes compulsory subjects in the first and second year: public law, contract law, property law, criminal law, administrative law, tort, and law of the EU. These satisfy Bar Council and Law Society professional requirements relating to foundations of legal knowledge and skills. From these strong foundations, you are in a good position to choose from a wide range of modules for your second and third years. Programme outline Year 1 • Criminal Law • Elements of Contract Law • Law of Property I
Year 3 • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
Student profile
• Plus three modules or a combination of full/half modules totalling three.
Alexi Remoundos 3-year LLB “I chose Queen Mary because of its excellent reputation for law and because of the significant amount of extracurricular legal activities that are available to students.
• Module options include: • Commercial and Consumer Law (final year only) • Company Law (final year only) • Comparative European Law • Comparative Law: Asian and African Legal Systems • Criminology (also available as a half module) • Dissertation • Ethnic Minorities and the Law • Family Law • Intellectual Property Law • International Commercial Transactions • International Environmental Law • International Human Rights • Labour Law • Law of Evidence
• Public Law
• Law and Medical Ethics (final year only)
Year 2
• Law, Modernity and the Holocaust
• Administrative Law (half module) • Law of the European Union (half module)
• Media Law (final year only) • Modern Legal History • Public International Law
• Law of Property II
• Revenue Law
• Tort Law
• United Kingdom Human Rights Law
• Plus one full or two half modules from the list below.
“As a student, the more you put into your university experience the more you get out of it. The variety of activities available in the School of Law provides great opportunity for students to expand upon existing skills. Throughout my time in the School I have been a member of the Student Pro Bono Group, which has involved experiences as diverse as attending meetings held by leading law firms to helping cook breakfast for homeless people in Whitechapel.
•Use of Force in International Law
“I have participated in the Student Buddy Scheme where I was able to help new students settle in, discuss matters relating to law and help with study and revision skills. I have also assisted as a Student Ambassador for prospective students which is always a good opportunity to show off a university that I am proud to be a part of and encourage prospective students to attend! “The LLB programme is challenging academically and it’s a balancing act fitting in all the activities on offer with your studies, but it’s rewarding as well and I was honoured to be awarded two prizes for 'best first year' with three overall first class grades.”
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The School of Law
Degree programmes
• Half modules include: • Comparative Law: European Integration • Comparative Law: European Legal Systems • Democracy and Justice • Law, Justice and Ethics • Law and Literature: Justice in Crisis • Law and Literature: The Foundations of Law Please note: Availability of modules may be subject to change. Assessment The LLB is mainly assessed by unseen examination, but some optional modules have an element of coursework. Students in the final year of all law courses may choose to research and write a dissertation. Further information Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3936 email: law-admissions@qmul.ac.uk
Law M101 LLB/Law2 Senior Status (two years)
• Comparative Law: Asian and African Legal Systems
Programme description This is a two-year LLB programme for advanced students (those with a degree in another discipline). It is primarily designed for non-law graduates who wish to obtain a qualifying law degree and graduates who have an interest in reading law as a second academic degree.
• Ethnic Minorities and the Law
• Criminology (also available as a half module) • Dissertation • Family Law • Intellectual Property Law • International Commercial Transactions • International Environmental Law • International Human Rights • Labour Law • Law of Evidence
Programme outline Year 1
• Law and Medical Ethics (final year only)
• Criminal Law • Elements of Contract Law
• Law, Modernity and the Holocaust
• Law of the EU (half module)
• Media Law (final year only)
• Law of Property I • Public Law Year 2 • Administrative Law (half module)
• Modern Legal History • Public International Law • Revenue Law • United Kingdom Human Rights Law
• Law of Property III
• Use of Force in International Law
• Tort Law
• Half modules include:
• Plus two modules or a combination of full/half modules totalling two.
• Comparative Law: European Integration
• Module options include:
• Comparative Law: European Legal Systems
• Commercial and Consumer Law (final year only)
• Democracy and Justice
• Company Law (final year only)
• Law and Literature: Justice in Crisis
• Comparative European Law
• Law, Justice and Ethics
• Law and Literature: The Foundations of Law
The School of Law
Student profile
Monika Hargitai 2-year LLB Senior Status “I spent several years as a researcher in the media industry before realising that I wanted to pursue a career in law. So at a time when many of my peers were establishing themselves in their chosen profession, I chose to enroll on the Senior Status LLB programme in the School of Law at Queen Mary. “The School supported my goals by providing a top notch legal education with exposure to stimulating extracurricular opportunities, careerenhancing activities and a dedicated faculty of quality lecturers. With coursework in British, European and International law, the School prepares its students for an increasingly global field close to the centre of cosmopolitan London. “I am now pursuing an LLM at Harvard Law School in order to gain greater knowledge about America's influential legal system. Thanks to the School of Law at Queen Mary, I feel prepared for this challenge and for the competitive job market that awaits.”
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Please note: Availability of modules may be subject to change.
take language classes provided by the College during their first and second years.
Assessment The LLB is mainly assessed by unseen examination, but some optional modules have an element of coursework. Students in the final year of all law courses may choose to research and write a dissertation.
For 2012-2013, the School of Law has exchange programmes with the following institutions:
Further information Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3936 email: law-admissions@qmul.ac.uk
English and European Law M120 LLB/LawEU (four years) Programme description The course follows the same pattern as the traditional LLB (M100). However, the third year is spent studying at a European university. This will provide you with knowledge and understanding of civil law systems generally and the law of at least one EU country. We have long-standing links with universities in Paris, Berlin, Sienna, Copenhagen, Leuven, Utrecht, and Leiden. Students wishing to study at a university that does not teach in English need to be fluent in that language and be prepared to
• Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (tuition is in English) • University of Copenhagen, Denmark (tuition is in English) • Université Panthéon-Assas Paris II, France (tuition is in French) • Université of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, France (tuition in French) • Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Germany (tuition is in German) • Università degli Studi di Siena (UNISI), Italy (tuition is in Italian) • Universiteit Leiden, Netherlands (tuition is in English) • Universiteit Utrecht, Netherlands (tuition is in English) • Complutense University of Madrid, Spain (tuition is in Spanish) • Universita Di Bologna, Italy (tuition in English)
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The School of Law
Degree programmes
You will benefit considerably from your year overseas. Most students return with excellent assessment results, and the extra understanding and insight gained is of considerable benefit to your final year of study.
Student profile Minerva Vanni 4-year LLB English and European Law “I chose Queen Mary University because of the good reputation of the School of Law and because of its well organised and informative open day. I have always wanted to study law but the main attraction for me was that Queen Mary offered the opportunity to study for year at a European university, which would nurture my interest in and expand my knowledge of European Law.
Programme outline Year 1 • Criminal Law • Elements of Contract Law • Law of Property I • Public Law Year 2 • Administrative Law (half module) • Law of the European Union (half module)
“Students in the School are very open minded and come from a diverse range of backgrounds and countries. The professors are extremely competent in their field and teach with enthusiasm and commitment. “London is the best city to live in when you are young and want to have fun. There is such a wide choice of bars, clubs and restaurants, plus other events taking place that it is impossible not to find something exciting to do in your spare time!”
• Law of Property II • Tort Law • Plus one full or two half modules from the list below. Year 3 • Year spent overseas Year 4 • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory • Plus three modules or a combination of full/half modules totalling three from the Year 3 LLB list. Please note: Availability of modules may be subject to change.
Assessment The LLB in English and European Law is mainly assessed by unseen examination, but some optional modules have an element of coursework. Students in the final year of all law courses may choose to research and write a dissertation. You have to achieve a pass in your third year at a European university. Further information Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3936 email: law-admissions@qmul.ac.uk
Law and Politics ML12 BA/LawPol (three years) Programme description This joint honours degree, the first of its kind in the University of London, offers you the opportunity to study the closely related disciplines of law and politics sideby-side in a three-year programme. In the first year you study public law and contract law together with introduction to politics and a full module or two half modules within the School of Politics and International Relations. The programme is designed to permit a student, by choosing the appropriate law modules, to obtain
The School of Law
a qualifying law degree or, alternatively, to focus on subjects within the School of Politics and International Relations. The degree is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in which knowledge of both the legal and governmental systems is of major importance, and should appeal especially to those wishing to study public policy in its legal context. Programme outline Year 1 • Elements of Contract Law • Introduction to Politics • Public Law and either • Comparative Government and Politics or • International Relations since 1914 Year 2 (qualifying) • Administrative Law (half module) • Criminal Law for BA Law and Politics students • Law of Property I • Law of the European Union (half module) • Plus one module from Politics. Year 2 (non-qualifying) • Administrative Law (half module) • Law of the European Union (half module) • Plus three modules from Law or Politics of which one full module must be from Politics.
Year 3 (qualifying) • Law of Property III • Tort Law • Plus one module from Law and one module from Politics. Year 3 (non-qualifying) • Four option modules from either Law or Politics • Students must do at least one module from Law and one module from Politics. Please note: Availability of modules may be subject to change.
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Assessment Law modules are mainly assessed by unseen examination, but some optional modules have an element of coursework. Students in the final year of all law courses may choose to research and write a dissertation. Politics modules are predominantly assessed through a combination of exams and coursework. Further information Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3936 email: law-admissions@qmul.ac.uk For more information on the School of Politics and International Relations, see www.politics.qmul.ac.uk
Student profile Lucy Shaddock, 3-year BA Law and Politics “Once I knew I wanted to study law and politics, Queen Mary was the obvious choice. Both departments have an excellent academic reputation, with internationally recognised lecturers working at the forefront of their fields. Despite holding significant roles as barristers, government advisers and researchers, professors are always pleased to answer your questions and never make you feel anything less than their top priority. “I have been particularly impressed by the way the law department recognises students’ different career aspirations, accommodating those who aspire to be barristers, while offering an impressive range of opportunities for those who are still discovering their interests. You can volunteer, gain work experience and meet professionals, all thanks to the department’s invaluable industry links. “Most exciting for me is the way that Queen Mary’s reputation attracts visitors of the highest calibre. We’ve had speeches from leading Silk Rabinder Singh QC and Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti. Events like this are invaluable and never fail to inspire.”
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The School of Law
Degree programmes
Student profile Lisa-Jayne Jones 3-year LLB “One visit to Queen Mary University was all it took to decide that this was the place I wanted to study for my LLB. Queen Mary fulfills my undergraduate ambitions: to attend a top ranked law school with excellent graduate prospects, located in the dynamic legal, political and financial hub of London, whilst enjoying a wellrounded university life. Queen Mary quickly became my homefrom-home. “The quality of teaching is second to none, led by lecturers who are world-renowned in their fields. Tutorials are frequent and in small groups, which ensures an effective teaching and learning environment. “The School offers countless opportunities to join in with its activities, from the Pro Bono Group to the Bar Society, and to take part in networking events, career fairs, and social events where you can meet other likeminded students. “As the LLB course representative, I have found that the students really do have a voice; our opinion is valued and we are able to contribute to panel discussions regarding the continuous development of the already excellent programme at Queen Mary. “After having successfully completed my first year at Queen Mary, I feel that nothing is impossible and I have seen many positive changes in myself. Moving to London from rural South Wales and after completing only one year of study I had the confidence to gain a mini-pupillage with a top Chinese Law firm in Shanghai during my summer break. Undoubtedly, Queen Mary is giving me more than just an academic education I am gaining invaluable experience and developing skills that will last a lifetime.”
Module descriptions
The Royal Courts of Justice, Holborn – 30 minutes from Mile End
The School of Law
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Module descriptions
Alphabetical list of core modules Administrative Law (half module) This module in Administrative Law focuses on the principles of judicial review, the process by which the courts are asked to determine the validity or invalidity of the decisions, actions and inaction of government departments, local councils and other public bodies. It builds upon foundations established in the first year Public Law module and considers the constitutional justifications for empowering the courts to interfere with the decisions of other (often elected or democratically accountable) bodies. The subject matter is extremely wide. For example, in recent decisions the courts have considered the following: whether prison rules could require prisoners to vacate their cells while they were being searched by the authorities; whether a health authority could close a home in which a small number of severely disabled
patients had expected to be able to live indefinitely; whether the government could detain without trial suspected terrorists who could not be deported to other countries; whether funding could be refused for particular types of medical treatment. Criminal Law Criminal law is one of the more formal sources of social control and in its administration is probably how most people see and think of justice at work. In the study of the theoretical framework of the substantive law the objective is primarily to locate and account for the limits of the various kinds of conduct which society at any one time decides that it can or cannot tolerate. It is a constantly changing subject, reflecting developments in society and changing social attitudes. This module will, therefore, seek to reflect this aspect of the application of the law. The module aims to provide knowledge, understanding and the ability to evaluate the general principles governing
criminal liability. These include the act and fault requirement, causation and defences, and the rules governing individual offences, including those concerned with violence and offences against property; the principles governing liability for the inchoate offences of attempt, incitement and conspiracy; and the principles governing liability as an accomplice. Elements of Contract Law This module begins with a consideration of the elements necessary to form a binding contract, including offer and acceptance, intention, certainty of terms and consideration. The major elements capable of vitiating a contract are examined, namely duress, mistake and misrepresentation (in relation to the Misrepresentation Act 1967). The incorporation of contractual terms, and their general regulation through the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, is considered. The module
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Module descriptions
concludes with the consideration of the performance of contracts, the methods by which contracts can be discharged, the relief available for a contract discharged through frustration and the remedies available for a breach of contract. Jurisprudence and Legal Theory The political scientist Harold Laski wrote that jurisprudence “is the eye of the law. It gives the law its insight into the environment of which it is the expression. It relates the law to the spirit of the time.� Jurisprudence explores the origins, nature and functions of law through the perspectives of philosophy and the social sciences. It ranges widely for its subject-matter and offers students the opportunity to think through their fundamental assumptions about legal phenomena and about the place of law in modern society. The module aims to introduce students to the most important current and recent approaches in legal theory. On completion students should be able to describe a range of major, contrasting approaches to contemporary legal theory. They should be able to evaluate these approaches and relate them to each other and to practical issues of legal regulation.
Law of EU (half module) The study of the institutions and law-making processes of the European Union is introduced in the first year in Public Law. This module builds on that, exploring the enforcement of EU law with a particular emphasis on the use of EU law in the national courts of the Member States. This module introduces one of the central preoccupations of EU economic law, namely the removal of barriers to trade within the EU. It also examines the extent to which the Union can claim to be based on the rule of law and to protect fundamental rights. Law of Property I This module offers an assessment of what it means in law to own land, contrasting freehold and leasehold ownership, and considering co-ownership and the creation and operation of mortgages. In addition, it looks at some of the most important rights and
obligations associated with land (such as easements and restrictive covenants). In examining all these matters the module is concerned with the manner in which these legal principles affect people in their everyday lives, how they are to be reconciled with the need for ease of conveyance of land, and how property law adapts to social conditions. Law of Property II Property Law II concerns the law dealing with equity and the law of trusts. You will focus on the principles of equity and trusts law, specifically: the nature of equity; the three certainties in the creation of express trusts; the beneficiary principle; the constitution of express trusts; the duties of trustees; breach of trust; resulting trusts; constructive trusts; trusts of the home; liability for dishonest assistance and knowing receipt; tracing actions and proprietary remedies.
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Students are required to understand, and critically assess the application of these principles to factual circumstances. This includes the manner in which these principles affect people in their everyday lives, how they can be reconciled with the principles governing the creation of express trusts, the imposition of trusts by law, and how equity and trusts law adapts to changing social conditions. Public Law This module introduces students to the core features of the UK constitution. It explores the role of the main institutional actors (the legislature, executive and judiciary) within the UK constitution and the processes of constitutional change. The impact of both EU membership and Council of Europe membership for the UK constitution, along with the impact of the Human Rights Act, are central themes of the module. Tort Law A considerable part of this module is devoted to the mostcommonly pleaded cause of action in the common law world, the tort of negligence. The module deals with the key principles underpinning negligence actions, and also examines particular manifestations of negligence,
such as negligence giving rise to pure economic loss, pure psychiatric injury and arising out of a public authority's acts or omissions. The module also covers other principal torts such as those of private and public nuisance, defamation and Rylands v Fletcher. In addition, students are challenged throughout the course to consider whether the aims and purposes of a compensationredress system are adequately met by a fault-based regime, the extent (if any) to which behaviour modification should be a legitimate aim of tort law, and the extent (if any) to which some torts may tend toward strict liability.
Alphabetical list of optional modules Commercial and Consumer Law The objectives of the module are firstly, to give students a good grounding in the main principles of two of the key components of commercial law, the law of sale and the law of agency; and secondly, to introduce students to a topic of growing importance, the law of consumer credit. The module aims to build on skills which will already have been acquired during the study of other subjects, in particular, contract and property law. It aims to refine and develop
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students’ analytical skills, including the techniques of statutory interpretation and construction. In many ways commercial and consumer law is an adaptation and application of the traditional core subjects. Company Law The company (identifiable in England by the lettering ‘Ltd.’ or ‘PLC’ after its name) is the principal actor in commerce and industry. It is the subject of national and international business law. The law relating to the company and its various forms is the primary focus of this module. The company is an artificial person whose creation, control, management and, ultimately, death are governed by law. The challenge to the law is to ensure that it reflects commercial demands and realities at all these stages, e.g. by allowing initiative (via investment), protecting investment, allowing management its proper role, and securing the legitimate expectations of creditors and others dealing with the company. The interest for the student is to see whether and how the law responds, and whether it can strike an appropriate balance between so many different and often conflicting interests – shareholders, managers, creditors, trading partners, employees. It is with these
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Module descriptions
questions in mind that the module examines the nature and formation of companies; their dealings with third parties; the rights and duties of the shareholders; the obligations of management; the importance attached to the capital represented by the company's shares; the alternative form of capital raised by borrowings and special issues raised by secured borrowings, and some of the main aspects of corporate insolvency. Comparative European Law This module will describe the key features of modern European legal systems and demonstrate the similarities and differences between the European legal systems. You will be encouraged to critically assess where harmonisation needs to be stimulated, and where differences can or should remain. The module will also demonstrate the relationship between the European legal systems and their general principles with the development of the law of the European Union. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own solutions and the manner in which they are reached.
Comparative Law: Asian and African Legal Systems This module provides an introduction to the basic nature of African and Asian legal systems in their pre-modern, modern and post-modern settings, and places the subject within the wider debate about the future of non-Western laws in light of globalisation. The focus is on the larger groupings of legal systems under the rubric of African, Hindu, Chinese, and Islamic laws. The systems are studied in relation to concepts internal to them and in relation to concepts of Western jurisprudence. There is also a focus on selected statebased or jurisdictional legal systems in Africa and Asia, coverage of which varies from year to year. Comparative Law: European Integration (half module) This module focuses on the relation between comparative law and European Union law. It covers comparative law before the national courts; use of comparative law by the European Court of Justice and the European legislator; common European principles in constitutional and civil law; impact of the implementation of EU law on national legal systems; civil process and the role of comparative law in EU protection of fundamental rights.
Comparative Law: European Legal Systems (half module) The first part of this module (European legal systems) provides an introduction to the French, German, and common law legal families. It will deal with aspects of constitutional law, private law, legal process, and human rights. The second part of the module (Comparative Law and European Integration) focuses on the relation between comparative law and European Union law. This covers: comparative law before the national courts; use of comparative law by the European Court of Justice and the European legislator; common European principles in constitutional and civil law; impact of the implementation of EU law on national legal systems; civil process and role of comparative law in EU protection of fundamental rights. Criminology Criminology is an interdisciplinary study which draws on law, the social sciences and history in an exploration of crime and related public policy. Some British institutions prefer to call these studies ‘criminal justice’ to indicate their comprehensiveness, and to distinguish them from a largely social science-based criminology; this is also a
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common practice in the United States. But as a matter of custom and convenience we use the term criminology in its broad and inclusive sense. In introducing the subject we deal with a range of sample topics, designed to provide an overview of the subject, and to help those who wish to choose issues for more detailed individual study later on. In the first half of the module, you will examine various elements of criminal justice, from the definition of crime, the problem of anti-social behaviour and the collection of criminal statistics, through policing, prosecution and punishment. In the second half, you will build on this knowledge and consider various theoretical approaches to crime and punishment. Topics include the nature of theories; the ‘underclass’; young offenders; and female offenders. We also consider the role of the victim in the criminal justice system.
arts or the media? Do they always promote the kind of open, free society in which law and justice thrive? These questions receive sharp scrutiny in the writings of Plato. In this module, we examine how classical ideas about justice and democracy, have shaped law and society for centuries.
Democracy and Justice (half module) Democratic government is commonly assumed to be essential to a just legal system. But is that assumption always correct? Do our traditions of active and vigorous legislation, zealous litigation, and professional lawyering guarantee justice? Are there ways in which they wholly undermine justice? What about public discourse,
Ethnic Minorities and the Law This module, on one hand, examines the response of the legal system to the ethnic minority presence in the UK and, on the other hand, explores how ethnic minorities have adapted their legal systems in the Diaspora, thereby developing hybrid rule systems. Coverage includes immigration, anti-discrimination law, family law, crime and
criminalisation, racial harassment, mental health, and education. The study of each of these areas is placed within the wider conceptual debates about assimilation and pluralism, as well as notions of ethnicity and religion. Family Law Family law is constantly changing as different demands are made of it, both by individual members of families and by society as a whole. The law sometimes reflects and sometimes lags behind changing social conditions and scientific developments. This module traces these changes and deals with the problems that they pose for the law. Following the incorporation of the European Convention on
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Module descriptions
Human Rights into English law in 2000, family law cannot look at English law in isolation and a full consideration of these developments will be included. Intellectual Property Law This module is concerned with the legal protection offered to inventions and creative works – from new forms of medicine and computer software to films and sculptures. Recently, intellectual property law has developed rapidly and has assumed increased cultural and commercial significance. As new forms of creativity arise, intellectual property law must adjust to accommodate them. Among other things, for example, we examine controversies concerning the scope of protection available for biotechnological inventions and internet works.
The law in this field is based on statutes and the module is intended to give students confidence in interpreting legislation. There is also a large body of fascinating case law. Its fascination resides not only in our familiarity with the people and subject matter involved, but also in the tensions revealed between creators, competitors and the general public. Intellectual property law touches upon a number of other areas of law – personal property law, equity, contract law, European law, criminal law, torts and human rights, for example. This module is therefore recommended for third-year students, who will be able to apply their existing knowledge of these subjects. Students will need to be able to work independently and to consult specialist journals and reports during their studies.
International Commercial Transactions This will be a core module for all students with an interest in international commercial law and international legal practice. The objective of the module is to make participants familiar with the key contracts in international commerce. To achieve this, the module covers the fundamental characteristics of international contracts for the sale of goods and to a lesser extent the key ancillary contracts for the financing of trading activities, transportation of goods to their destination and insurance of the cargo. When traders sell or buy goods or commodities on the international markets, that transaction is composed of several contracts: the goods are sold under a contract of sale, transported under a contract of
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carriage, insured under a policy of insurance and frequently financed through a letter of credit. The purpose of this module is to examine the regulation of each of these contracts under international law and standards. The module places an emphasis on the practical problems which arise in the international commercial arena. International Environmental Law This module is aimed at understanding and critical analysis of general principles and treaty regimes regarding contemporary protection of the environment. The module deals with such topics as common heritage of mankind, human right to a clean environment, enforcement of international environmental law and international environmental disputes. The Court is based on a case law of international courts and tribunals. In particular, climate change, biodiversity, whaling, hazardous waste and marine pollution are analysed. Students acquire an extensive knowledge of the most important issues on environmental protection. International Human Rights The demand for international human rights law is growing and demand far exceeds supply. This module aims to provide students with a unique and thorough practical and theoretical understanding of the subject. The module will also examine the effectiveness of the United Nations system
of human rights protection as well as the European, African, and Inter-American systems. International human rights law is challenging and will provide students with practical knowledge of how to use international human rights law and plead human rights cases. The module will also contribute to the development of a comparative and cross-cultural perspective on basic rights and freedoms. The module will focus on civil and political rights and on economic, social and cultural rights. The protection will be analysed from the perspective of industrialised and developing states. Law, Justice and Ethics (half module) What makes a just act? What makes a just person? What makes a just law? What makes a just society? These questions are as old as humanity itself. Many more could be added: Is law just a bundle of institutions, rules and procedures? Is law just something that happens in legislatures, courtrooms or prisons? How should law balance individual and collective interests? Should all individuals be equal under law? Is there a ‘higher’ law, ‘above’ human law? If so, what is it? How can we know it? Should any laws be disobeyed? What relationships exist between law and politics, morals, religion or culture? Christianity and Islam, secularism and democracy, liberalism and collectivism some of the most diverse traditions have posed those questions, and trace them back
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to ancient Greek thought. In this module, you consider some of the classical ideas about justice as developed by Aristotle, which have continued to shape law and society for over two thousand years. Labour Law This module addresses one of the most important legal relationships: the relationship between the employer and employee. Topics covered include the contract of employment and the employment relationship, including terms and conditions; discrimination and equality – philosophically and legally; human rights, particularly since the Human Rights Act 1998; work-life balance and the nature and importance of work in people’s lives; termination and unfair dismissal; freedom of association and union representation. The legal material will be studied in its social and political context. The module involves analysis of case law, national legislation, EU developments and theoretical work on equality and discrimination. Law and Literature: Justice in Crisis (half module) Few artists match William Shakespeare in exhibiting the transition of European civilisation from pre-modern to modern forms of law, politics, economics and social relations. Fundamental questions about how law and justice are promoted, or destroyed,
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Module descriptions
emerge through seemingly irreconcilable conflicts that have scarcely been resolved in our own day. In this 15-credit module, we spend one term examining plays pervasively structured by legal arrangements – master-servant, husband-wife, native-alien, parent-child, monarch-parliament, buyerseller. All confront fraught transitions from pre-modern to early modern forms. Tho se fundamentally legal relationships fuel character and action, even where no conventionally legal norm or procedure is at issue. Law and Literature: The Foundations of Law (half module) One hallmark of Western modernity is perpetual crises about the legitimacy with which power is exerted over law. With William Shakespeare, a literary tradition emerges not to systematise, but to problematise the discourses used to assert the legitimacy with which control over law and government is exercised. Basic notions of ‘right’, ‘duty’, ‘justice’ and ‘power’ combine in discrete, but always encumbered ways, to generate a variety of legitimating discourses. While legal scholars’ interest in Shakespeare has often focused on conventional legal rules and procedures, Shakespeare also explores the conditions for the very possibility of a legal system. What is the ‘rule of law’? What is required
for law or justice to prevail? What undermines them? This module examines, through literature, the claims by which law is declared to be legitimately or illegitimately founded.
apply ethical reasoning to legal and medical dilemmas; and to enable you to make practical proposals for legal reform of the field of medicine and medical technology.
Law of Evidence This module examines the rules that govern the proof of facts in courts of criminal law. The Anglo-American mode of trial is adversarial and the English law of evidence reflects this. You will not simply be looking at English law in isolation. Article 6 of the Convention provides the right to a fair trial and Article 6.3 states minimum procedural requirements in a criminal trial. The module must therefore question whether the current rules of evidence are ‘convention compliant’ and highlight possible challenges under the Human Rights Act 1998. This is a consistent theme throughout the module.
Law Modernity and the Holocaust This module explores the Holocaust and the related Nazi racial-biological world view with particular reference to the role of law. Students will examine issues such as the occurrence of genocide in modernity; the role law played in reinforcing European anti-Semitism; the lessons for law and legal philosophy arising from Hitler’s rise to power and the use of constitutional means to rule using emergency powers; the divergent views in legal theory linking law with democracy or dictatorship; the legalisation of the Nazi racial-biological worldview through eugenics and anti-Jewish legislation; the coordination of legal and administrative officials throughout occupied Europe; and the difficulties posed to notions of legal and moral accountability by ‘state crime’ and ‘state-sanctioned massacre’. The ambivalent role of law post-WWII in responding to the holocaust will be examined along with the rise of ‘genocide’ as a concept of international criminal law and a subject of research.
Law and Medical Ethics This module introduces you to the ethical and legal principles of the regulation of healthcare, the doctor-patient relationship, and the control of new medical technologies. Issues discussed include consent to medical treatment, confidentiality and the doctor-patient relationship, the regulation of assisted conception services, abortion, euthanasia and healthcare rationing. The module aims to deepen your ability to analyse medical law; to enable you to
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Media law This module examines the regulation of the media in traditional print form, broadcast media and in the online arena. Increasingly, media regulations must be adapted to take account of new technological developments as the dividing line between online media and traditional forms becomes less pronounced. Although the module uses English law as our starting point (with crossjurisdictional comparisons being discussed where appropriate) the module is essentially thematic in nature. We will use English law as a source of case studies to explore how certain themes may arise and be dealt with in practice. We will examine how and why the media may be restricted in the information it can distribute under legislation including the Data Protection Act 1998 or the Contempt of Court Act 1981. We will also consider
information privacy and the media’s right to withhold the identity of sources, as well as laws regulating media output on the basis of content, including issues surrounding defamation, blasphemy, hate speech and obscenity. In addition to considering how the general law applies to the media, we will also consider sector-specific regulation (televisual broadcasting, advertising), as well as extra-legal measures such as the voluntary codes of conduct for print content administered by the Press Complaints Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority. Modern Legal History This module will examine developments in British legal history between 1750–1914. Drawing on printed and electronic primary sources, as well as secondary literature, it will give you an overview of the nature of the legal system in 1750, and will show how that
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system was reformed to create the modern structure of law courts. You will then focus on a number of topics which illustrate both the nature of legal change, and the interaction of legal change with wider social developments. These include the transformation of criminal law from the system of the 'Bloody Code' to one based on apprehending and imprisoning offenders; the changing nature of family law, with reforms in the law of divorce, child custody and domestic violence; and the role of law in the growth of an industrial and commercial society. Public International Law The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of Public International Law as well as its core structures. The module considers a number of key interrelated questions, in particular: What is international law and why does it matter? To who are international obligations addressed? What are the sources, techniques, and methods of law creation and enforcement in the international legal order? The module is designed to help you think critically about the structure of the international legal order and its relevance to contemporary problems, such as protection of the environment, responsibility for war crimes, the legal framework regulating the
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Module descriptions
United Kingdom Human Rights Law In the first half of this module, the emphasis will be on procedural aspects of protection including a detailed study of the implementation and operation of the Human Rights Act 1998. In the second half, the focus will shift to substantive human rights law. We will explore in detail the protection of fundamental human rights such as the right to life, the right to freedom of expression and the right to respect for private life.
exploitation of sea resources, state succession and related issues. The module emphasises the inter-play between law and politics, and is designed to appeal to law students as well as those taking modules in politics and international relations. Revenue Law In general terms, it is hoped that by studying this module you will feel more confident about handling complex legal material and will be able to write more clearly and persuasively. More specifically, the module should give you an improved ability to read and interpret statutory material. You
should become unafraid of detail and better equipped to understand and interpret the structure of language and perceive varieties of meaning and nuance. This is a vital skill for any lawyer – regardless of your area of intended practice. You will develop your ability to apply the law as you glean it from the cases, statutes and other sources to a set of given facts, which are similar but not identical to those encountered in the cases. The module should also improve your ability to read and distinguish between cases.
Use of Force in International Law The first part of this module will focus on the many issues surrounding the legality of the use of force in international law (jus ad bellum). This includes the scope of the prohibition in the Charter of the United Nations, the nature and scope of self-defence, humanitarian intervention, and collective security including peacekeeping. The second part of the module will consider the rules governing the actual conduct of hostilities (jus in bello) and military occupation. Topics covered include the regulation of weapons including nuclear arsenals, protection of civilians and civilian objects, prisoners of war and belligerent reprisals. The mechanisms for enforcing the law of war including the emerging regimes of international criminal responsibility will also be considered.
Career opportunities
The Lloyd’s Building, City of London – 20 minutes from Mile End
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Career opportunities
The School of Law’s success is founded on attracting the best students and nurturing their talent. We aim to enable you to become the best you can be, both professionally and personally. We are committed to delivering the highest quality academic experience and to facilitating a breadth of extracurricular activity that supports your professional and personal needs. We offer career development opportunities to students via our student societies and Legal Advice Centre in partnership with law firms such as Reed Smith, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Mishcon de Reya, and Nabas Legal. Shortly after you start with us, you will meet the School’s dedicated careers consultant, part of the Queen Mary Careers Team, who is regularly available for one-to-one support. The careers consultant also manages Careers Brief, the School’s careers website (www.law.qmul.ac.uk/careers), and arranges employer workshops in areas such as commercial awareness, applications, interview skills and choosing the right LPC and BPTC provider.
Student profile Adam Brown, 3-year LLB “When it was time to choose a university, Queen Mary was the obvious choice for me. Not only is the School of Law well regarded by future employers but its location in London is ideal for finding potential internships. Students are consistently kept informed of such opportunities by the careers department as and when they arise, ensuring that the application of the law is seen and not simply studied. Combined with the extensive range of extracurricular activities available (such as the awardwinning Legal Advice Centre and legal-based societies), few universities can compete with Queen Mary. “As a School of Law bursary winner, I was without the constant financial worry I had initially expected and consequently, I was able to fully commit to my studies. For example, I competed in the George Hinde Moot Competition which enabled me to showcase my advocacy skills to a practicing judge at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Experiences like this are invaluable. “Attending lectures led by academics at the forefront of their respective areas of expertise is not to be underestimated. Learning from the best speaks volumes and allows progress from structured A-levels (or equivalent) to the notorious difficulty that comes with studying for a law degree. Granted, law demands individual hard work but it is certainly reassuring to know that the teaching staff will be on hand to help answer questions one may have, whether that be via email or through their weekly office hours. The contact time Queen Mary professors offer to students is undoubtedly one of the School’s strengths and enhances your learning experience. “It is a goal of the School of Law to make every student proficient in each module they study, to give them a firm grounding in the principles of the law and ready them for working in the most respected law firms or chambers. With this in mind, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the second year of the LLB course and build on the foundations of my first year.”
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Career opportunities
Law Careers Events: programme highlights for 2012/13 include: • Applying for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes – a panel discussion with representatives from Eversheds, Linklaters and Reed Smith • Assessment Centre Training (lead to be confirmed) • Interview Skills with Berwin Leighton Paisner • Commercial Awareness Explained: panel discussion • Barristers Networking Evening – various chambers represented • Alternative Legal Careers Speed Meet. Every autumn, students from the School of Law have the chance to meet staff from leading law firms and law colleges at the Queen Mary Law Fair. Details of the October 2012 Fair, including exhibitors, can be found at: www.law.qmul.ac.uk/careers Of course, not all law graduates decide to pursue a legal career. Some students pursue postgraduate study, or take up successful, non-legal careers in academia, accountancy, banking and finance, management consultancy, public administration and the civil service. As well as its
Graduate profile Neil Jones, 3-year LLB – graduated 2010 Current job title and company: Trainee Solicitor, Maclay Murray & Spens LLP Why did you choose Queen Mary? I chose Queen Mary over other universities as it has a particularly strong reputation for law. After visiting the School of Law at an open day I knew it was the place I wanted to study. I was impressed with the staff and the ambitions they had for the School over the coming years. The University’s campus environment and its proximity to Central London made it an easy decision to make. How did you find out about your current job? When searching for training contracts you have to do a lot of research and decide which law firms you want to apply to. MMS appealed to me for many reasons and they also contacted the School’s Legal Advice Centre to seek potential trainees, which I was impressed with. How did your time at Queen Mary prepare you for work? The legal training contract application process is one of the toughest job markets to crack as it is highly competitive. Due to the recession, there is now even more competition. The quality of the teaching in the School of Law helped prepare me for the academic challenges I encountered during the application process and throughout my training contract. The opportunities I had in the School, such as working in the Legal Advice Centre, helped me prepare for dealing with clients, working as part of a team, and meeting important deadlines. What does the LPC involve day-to-day? As a trainee lawyer you have to work well as part of your team and ensure you stay on top of deadlines. You have a variety of work to do day-to-day such as drafting correspondence, speaking to clients, researching cases, business development work, as well as general administrative tasks. What are your most and least favourite aspects of your job? Being a lawyer in London is great. You have a challenging career in which you constantly learn and it’s satisfying see yourself progressing over time. I enjoy the office environment and working as part of a team. There are times when the workload seems unrealistic but you learn to adapt and work more efficiently. After all, the start of your career is the next challenge you have worked so hard for at university! What can current students do to prepare for getting a job in your area? Current students should do the best they can to try and achieve a first or a 2:1 in their degree classification. It’s important to take part in other activities on offer within the School that are linked with law in order to boost your CV and make yourself stand out from the crowd. In such a competitive job market you have to prepare yourself and do all the groundwork you can to secure a position for your future.
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specialist law events, Queen Mary Careers runs over 60 events throughout the year, to give you an insight into other career options. You can book an appointment with a professionally trained careers consultant for advice on finding internships, applications and interviews – in any field. Explore your options in the Careers Information Room and on the QMJobOnline vacancy site which lists 700+ vacancies. All careers services are free of charge while you are a student at Queen Mary.
Canary Wharf – 20 minutes from Mile End
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Student life – Students’ Union, student support and health services
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Student life – Students’ Union, student support and health services
Students’ Union All Queen Mary students automatically become members of QMSU, an active and flourishing Students’ Union run by students for students. Best known for its clubs and societies, there are literally hundreds to choose from, whether your interests lie in football or philately. And if you have a passion that isn’t represented, you can always start your own club. Clubs and societies provide a great opportunity for meeting people, especially those who are studying a different subject to you. One of the aims of QMSU is to ensure that your time at university is not just about work, but also includes socialising and personal development.
Qmotion Qmotion is Queen Mary’s recently refurbished health and fitness centre. Equipped with a wide range of exercise machines and weights, there’s also a women-only area and loads of classes including yoga, spinning and Pilates. There’s a squash court and sports hall on campus, and a swimming pool a short distance away.
Sports Playing sports is a good way to relax after a day spent studying. Queen Mary teams regularly compete against other college teams, and there’s a great social scene with after-match drinks and a regular social night, Hail Mary, hosted by one of the sports teams. There’s even a team of cheerleaders, the Queen Mary Angels!
QM Provide: volunteering Volunteering with charities and non-profit organisations is a brilliant way to explore what London has to offer, make a difference and really get involved in your local area. You can volunteer on a regular basis in a placement with a local charity or organisation, doing anything from mentoring local school kids, to volunteering in local hospitals, to becoming a helpline volunteer and managing a local sports team. See: www.providevolunteering.org
Student support You will be assigned an academic adviser when you start at Queen Mary, and the same adviser will stay with you throughout your studies. Your adviser will help you choose which modules to take (some programmes offer greater flexibility when it comes to module choices), sign any forms you need and help you with any academic or personal problems that you have.
Many students find it extremely helpful to have one adviser on hand throughout their time at Queen Mary.
Health services Health services are provided for all students and staff living in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. In order to access these services and others available under the NHS, you need to register with the Globe Town surgery at the Student Health Centre at the beginning of term. Students living outside Tower Hamlets can be treated on campus in the event of an urgent medical situation. For more information, see: www.globetown.org
Advice and counselling Our advice service offers in-depth and specialist advice on a range of financial, practical and legal issues, such as student finance, housing rights, immigration law and international student issues. Counselling is also available – from cognitive behavioural therapy, ongoing weekly therapy groups and support groups on specific issues such as anxiety and academic performance. Our advice and counselling service is a completely free and confidential service. For more information, see: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk
Accommodation
Students relaxing outside France House halls on the Mile End campus
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Accommodation
If you live close enough to the College to commute, you will normally be expected to live at home until rooms become available after term begins, once all those students who cannot commute are housed. Once you have firmly accepted your offer to study at Queen Mary, full details on how to apply for College housing will be sent to you by the Admissions Office. Queen Mary students also have access to places in the fullycatered Intercollegiate Halls in central London, which are owned by the University of London.
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You feel like you belong a bit more, living on campus. The place is packed with people all doing the same thing, unloading their cars at the beginning of term. It’s really sociable. Jen Holton
Another option is a house share. There are a number of privately let houses in the area suitable for groups of students to share. The residences office can put you in touch with local landlords, as well as groups of students who are looking for extra people to make up numbers. For more information, see: www.residences.qmul.ac.uk
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If you are a single full-time firstyear undergraduate, apply during the normal admissions cycle, and have not lived in Queen Mary’s housing before, you may be eligible for accommodation on campus. Priority is given to those applying by the deadline of 30 June of the year of entry, and those who live furthest away. This offer does not extend to students who join through the Clearing process or those holding insurance offers with Queen Mary, although every attempt is made to accommodate them, subject to availability.
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Queen Mary’s Student Village incorporates 2,000 rooms on campus, all provided in selfcatered houses, flats and maisonettes. All rooms in the Village have a bathroom en-suite and a shared kitchen.
I had a beautiful canal view from my room. I just can’t believe this is student accommodation – it’s very airy, bright, fresh and clean. Fariah Khan
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School of Law Entry requirements
The Octagon, Queens’ Building, Mile End campus
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School of Law Entry requirements Each year we receive many more applications than the number of available places. This means that we cannot guarantee to make you an offer even if you have, or are predicted to achieve, the specified grades. We treat every application on a case-by-case basis and do appreciate that students may have a combination of qualifications or experience. Please contact us if you have any queries.
A/AS-levels
Tariff/Grades Requirement: LLB, LLB English and European Law: A*AA (GCE A-Level) BA Law and Politics: AAA (GCE-A-Level). Additional information: GCE AS-Level acceptable only when combined with other qualifications. Excluded subjects: General Studies, Critical Thinking.
Vocational or applied A-levels
Acceptability: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.
Key Skills
Acceptability: The School of Law does not accept Key Skills.
BTEC National Certificate (12 units)
BTEC National Diploma (18 units)
International Baccalaureate
Acceptability: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications. Subjects and grades required: Overall Double Award DD. This may change for 2013 entry. Please check directly with the School. Acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications. Subjects and grades required: Overall DDD. This may change for 2013 entry. Please check directly with the School. Acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications. Subjects and grades required: Minimum of 36 points overall and at least 6,6,6 at Higher Level.
European Baccalaureate
Acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
Access to HE Diploma
We will hold all UCAS applications until January before drawing up a shortlist based on the information in the UCAS form about your pre-Access experience, academic record, personal statement and academic reference. In February/March we shortlist candidates and may request an updated academic reference. A shortlisted candidate may be invited for interview and/or further assessment. Offers are made on the basis of the information supplied at the time of interview and are conditional on achieving a minimum of 60 credits with at least 45 level 3 credits at Distinction (the School may also specify level 3 subjects in which we require a Distinction).
Other qualifications
The School of Law welcomes applications from those holding qualifications not listed above. Staff in the School of Law will be happy to advise you as to the acceptability of your qualification. Email: law-admissions@qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3936
European and international qualifications
The University accepts a wide range of EU and International qualifications. For information please contact the Admissions Office, or visit: www.law.qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/admissions/requirements www.law.qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/international
LLB Senior Status – 2-year
Grade requirement: Minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent.
LLB for graduates
Subjects and grades required: Minimum of 80-85 per cent.
Living in London
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Living in London
Shakespeare’s Globe theatre
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With eight million residents, A world-famous London is up there with Tokyo and NYC in terms of sheer size. city and the Yet rather than a single city, nation’s capital, London is actually a patchwork of different areas – many of them London is former villages in their own right. an exciting place to These neighbourhoods often retain live. If you’re new their own centres, with a parade of shops, bars and restaurants that to the city, you’re reflect the area’s particular and in for a treat; and historic character. This diversity means whatever the occasion, if you’ve lived here there isthat always somewhere to suit before, then you’ll your mood and budget. know there’s Queen Mary’s main campus is at Mile End, well connected to the always more to rest of the city by tube. Mile End explore. Either way, (Central line) and Stepney Green (Hammersmith and City, and student life in District lines) are both a short walk away. London promises to be an adventure. 1 Old Street, and surrounding
Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. Samuel Johnson
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Living in London
1 Old Street, and surrounding EAT… Yelo, on Hoxton Square (Thai food) Shish, an upmarket kebab restaurant. VISIT… White Cube2 Gallery. This area is the epicentre of the East End’s artistic community. SHOP… The Hoxton Boutique. The Sunday Flower Market at Columbia Road is legendary amongst Londoners.
2 Shoreditch, and Brick Lane EAT… Brick Lane is London’s ‘Curry Capital’– an entire street lined with Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants. Brick Lane Beigel Bake, open 24-hours (great for bagel emergencies). VISIT… The Old Truman Brewery, a converted brewery and home to numerous fashion designers, artists and DJs.
3 Bow Wharf The complex includes: The Fat Cat Café Bar; The Thai Room; and Jongleurs Comedy Club, which, as well as the comedy, has a bar and restaurant plus post-comedy disco on Friday and Saturday nights.
4 Docklands, and Canary Wharf EAT… Ubon by Nobu (the sister restaurant to the West End favourite of the stars), or Carluccio’s, an Italian chain serving exceptional food. Wagamama in the Jubilee Place Mall. Bene Bene, which offers a huge selection of seriously cheap sandwiches, salads, bagels and desserts. VISIT… The Museum of London Docklands, which explores the story of the docks from Roman settlement through to recent regeneration.
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Kings Cross British Library
Victoria Park
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EAST LONDON
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To Olympic Stadium
Bethnal Green
Euston
TOWER HAMLETS
Islington Bloomsbury
Stepney Green
Clerkenwell
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Mile End
ULU: Students’ Union
1 Leicester Square
Chancery Lane Barbican
Liverpool Street
Shoreditch Mile End Park
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Holborn
CITY OF LONDON
HOLBORN St Paul’s
Temple
Blackfriars
Bank
Whitechapel Aldgate
Limehouse
Tower Hill Tower of London
4 Canary Wharf
Mansion House Monument
Charing Cross
To O2 Arena
St James’ Park
SOUTHWARK
London Bridge
Wapping
Waterloo
5 Bethnal Green, and Victoria Park
6 Mile End, and surrounding area
EAT… E Pellici, on Bethnal Green
EAT… with Mile End’s big range of eating places, our students never go hungry, whatever their culinary skills. Wetherspoon's pub, offering the ‘cheap and cheerful’ deals. The Morgan Arms, a bit more of an up-market pub. The Golden Bird (Chinese), The Pride of Asia (Indian), Matsu (Japanese) restaurants, if you like to eat your way around the world. Roastars coffee shop, for a small caffeine buzz at the start of the day.
Road, an Italian greasy spoon café which has been around since 1900. Nando’s, Hackney Village for a range of other restaurants and cafes, including Frocks, Mojo’s and Déjà Vu. VISIT… Modern Art and Vilma Gold galleries on Vyner Street, just north of Bethnal Green.
VISIT… Mile End Park, 90 acres of greenery in the heart of the East End where you’ll find an ecology park; an arts park; and a terraced garden and a sports park. The Mile End Stadium, includes an eight lane athletics track, artificial hockey/football pitches and grass football pitches. The Genesis Cinema, go on Wednesday night for a student discount. The Whitechapel Gallery: famous for exhibitions by big name artists.
Next steps
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Next steps
There are three types of applicant:
The best way to find out about Queen Mary is to visit us. You can talk to academic staff who teach on the course you are interested in, see the halls of residence, and sample a sandwich from one of our cafés.
1 Students at a school or college registered with UCAS
The College runs two annual Open Days as well as bookable Campus Tours throughout the year. You’ll be shown around by one of our students in a small group – so you’ll have the chance to ask as many questions as you like. Find out more about visiting us at: www.qmul.ac.uk/visitus
Applying to Queen Mary For all full-time higher education programmes at universities and colleges in the UK, students must apply online at: www.ucas.com You’ll find full instructions to help you fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate. UCAS also has a comprehensive guide called Applying Online, which can be downloaded from the website (www.ucas.com).
All UK schools and colleges (and many establishments overseas) are registered with UCAS to manage their students’ applications. Advice is available from your teacher or a careers adviser at your school or college. You fill in an online application and submit it to a member of staff. After checking your details, and having added the academic reference, your school or college submits the completed application online to UCAS. You pay online using a credit card or debit card. You may also be able to pay through your school or college.
2 Independent applicants in the UK Other UK applicants, who are not at school or college, apply online independently. It is likely that you are a mature applicant, who, unlike school and college students, cannot readily seek advice from your teacher, but can instead consult with various careers organisations (such as Connexions). You are responsible for paying the correct application fee, for obtaining and attaching the academic reference and for submitting the completed application online to UCAS.
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Visit us
I can’t stress enough how important it is to go to the University and have a look around, and talk to a student who can tell you about what it’s like to be there.” Helen Pritchard-Smith, student
3 International applicants outside the UK (EU and worldwide) Except for those whose school or college is registered with UCAS, individuals from the EU (excluding the UK), and worldwide, apply online independently. Advice is available from British Council offices and other centres overseas, such as your school or college or one of our overseas representatives. You will find a step-by-step guide to applying at: www.qmul.ac.uk/international/ howtoapply/index.htm
Contact us School of Law (Mile End Campus) Queen Mary, University of London Mile End Road London E1 4NS Tel: +44 (0)207 882 3936 Fax: +44 (0)207 882 7042 email: law-reception@qmul.ac.uk For more information, see: www.law.qmul.ac.uk
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School of Law (Mile End campus) Queen Mary, University of London Mile End Road London E1 4NS Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3936 Fax: +44 (0)20 7882 7042 email: law-reception@qmul.ac.uk For more information, see: www.law.qmul.ac.uk
This publications was produced by Marketing and Communications for School of Law - Pub9783 Any section of this publication is available upon request in accessible formats (large print, audio, etc.). For further information and assistance, please contact: Diversity Specialist, hr-equality@qmul.ac.uk, 020 7882 5585