Law with Constitutional Politics, Law and Theory

Program Overview

The LLM Law with Constitutional Politics, Law and Theory program at Birkbeck Law School offers a research-led exploration of constitutional law, emphasizing interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives. It equips students with a critical understanding of constitutional law's social relevance and practical knowledge in this field. The program balances theoretical frameworks with case studies from around the world, appealing to students with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. Graduates can pursue careers in law, government, research, and other fields.

Program Outline

Outline:

The LLM Law with Constitutional Politics, Law and Theory is a research-led program focusing on the history, theory, and politics of constitutional law, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity and comparative perspectives. The program equips students with a critical understanding of the social relevance of constitutional law and practical knowledge in this crucial legal field. It balances theoretical frameworks with comparative case studies from around the world, appealing to students with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences.

Course Structure:

The program requires completion of modules worth a total of 180 credits:

• Compulsory Modules (60 credits):
• Constitutional Law in Practice: Regional Perspectives
• Introduction to the History, Theory, and Politics of Constitutional Law
• Option Modules (90 credits):
• Students select three from a range of options, including:
• Advanced Contemporary Issues in Islamic Law: Theory and Practice
• Critical Migration Law
• Cultures of Human Rights
• Environmental Problems and the Law
• Equality and the Law
• Race, Law, and Literature
• Research Methods and Project (30 credits):
• Students complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Indicative Module Descriptions:

• Constitutional Law in Practice: Regional Perspectives: This module examines the practical application of constitutional principles in different regions of the world, exploring the challenges and opportunities of constitutionalism in diverse contexts.
• Introduction to the History, Theory, and Politics of Constitutional Law: This module provides a foundation in the history, theoretical frameworks, and political dimensions of constitutional law, laying the groundwork for further study and analysis.
• Advanced Contemporary Issues in Islamic Law: Theory and Practice: This module delves into advanced issues within Islamic law, focusing on contemporary debates and their practical implications.
• Critical Migration Law: This module critically examines the legal frameworks governing migration, analyzing the power dynamics and social justice implications of migration policies.
• Cultures of Human Rights: This module explores the cultural dimensions of human rights, investigating how human rights norms interact with diverse cultural contexts and values.
• Environmental Problems and the Law: This module examines the legal responses to environmental challenges, analyzing the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks and exploring potential solutions.
• Equality and the Law: This module investigates the legal principles and frameworks promoting equality and tackling discrimination, focusing on various grounds of discrimination and their legal implications.
• Race, Law, and Literature: This module explores the intersections of race, law, and literature, analyzing how legal concepts and narratives shape racial identities and experiences.
• LLM Law with Constitutional Politics, Law and Theory project: This research project allows students to delve into a specific area of interest within constitutional law, conducting independent research under faculty supervision and developing advanced research and writing skills.
• Research Methods and Project: This module equips students with the necessary research skills and methodologies for conducting independent research, culminating in the completion of a research project.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen modules but may include short written exercises, essays, quizzes, multiple-choice questionnaires, practical assessments, and case studies.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include lectures and seminars, led by faculty members with expertise in constitutional law and related fields. The program fosters an interactive and engaging learning environment, encouraging active participation and critical thinking.

Careers:

Graduates can pursue careers as barristers/solicitors, especially in public law, and progress in various fields, including:

• Legal profession
• Political risk assessment
• Government
• Relevant non-governmental and international organizations
• Research
• Journalism
• Private sector
The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to succeed in diverse legal and non-legal careers.

Other:

• The program is offered full-time (on-campus, starting in October) or part-time (on-campus, starting in October or January).
• The program welcomes students with backgrounds in law, politics, and other disciplines who are interested in understanding constitutions from various perspectives.
• The program provides a stimulating learning environment, fostering interaction with fellow students and faculty.
• The program is offered through the Birkbeck Law School, renowned for its critical scholarship in law and commitment to social justice.
• The Law School hosts the Birkbeck Law Press, which publishes the Law and Critique: The International Journal of Critical Legal Thought.
• Students have access to rich research collections nearby, including the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library), and the British Library.

Academic year 2024–25, starting January 2025 Part-time home students: £7,080 per year Full-time home students: £14,160 per year Part-time international students: £10,935 per year Full-time international students: £21,870 per year Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024 Part-time home students: £7,080 per year Full-time home students: £14,160 per year Part-time international students: £10,935 per year Full-time international students: £21,870 per year