Subject

Law

Impatient to learn the law that matters?

Law

How is society regulated? How can you change it?

We care about justice and tackle it head-on. You learn to analyse the law and apply it in context. Our mooting, client interviewing and negotiating competitions put your knowledge into practice and prepare you for the real thing. You also have the chance to gain work experience in a legal setting advising real clients on real cases in our Law Clinic.

We’re ranked 17th for promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (THE Impact Rankings 2023).

Placements

You can also gain a head-start in the industry and choose our work-based learning module at a law firm or a local council in your third year. Places are in high demand so you'll need to demonstrate your aptitude to firms, but that's what working in the legal world is all about, right? 

Why study here?
  • Our lecturers work with the UN, the UK government, and with EU and foreign governments.
  • You can gain work experience advising real clients through opportunities such as our Essex Law Clinic.
  • We are ranked 47th for Law in THE World University Rankings by subject 2023, which is 9th in the UK.
Jessica smiling at camera
"My favourite thing about studying law at the University of Essex was that I gained a lot more confidence in myself. I had excellent support from my lecturers and tutors that helped me grow into who I am today, and asides from learning, I built so many relationships and made so many memories that will last a lifetime at the University."
Jessica Udumebraye LLB Law

Looking to start in 2024?

Law courses in Clearing for 2023

1 - 6 of 30 results

Courses (30)

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Attend an Open Day

Essex Open Days are a chance for you to see where you might be calling home. Chat with students and staff, tour our campuses and accommodation, listen to talks from academics and join a taster lecture.

Book your place

Specifically tailored LLM and MA degrees

We specialise in commercial law and human rights law. We have extensive experience of research and practice in the field and many of our academics also work in advisory roles with the UK government, foreign governments and the UN. We bring our expertise to our teaching to give you a truly industry-informed student experience.

Our expertise covers everything from trade and maritime law, to business law and human rights law. Meet our academics by reading their biographies. 

Why study here?
  • Our staff work with business, organisations and governments, enabling you to learn from experienced lawyers.
  • You can volunteer and advise real clients in our Law Clinic and our Human Rights Clinic.
  • Our alumni span the globe and are at the heart of the theory and practice of law and human rights.
Student looking at their laptop screen at a desk
Essex Law Clinic Live Webinars

Watch our webinars and learn about the student experience in the Clinic and the key areas of work in employment law, consumer law, family law, and more.

Find out more
Chad Blackman
UN post for Essex Law School graduate

Law graduate Chad Blackman has been made Barbados' Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva. Ambassador Blackman graduated with an LLB in Law in 2014 and an LLM in International Trade Law in 2016 and has since forged an impressive career.

Read more about Chad's career

A progressive environment

Essex Law School is home to over 100 academic staff who are open to supervise a range of research areas. Our research examines the meaning of justice in the UK and beyond. Our staff work with governments, human rights organisations and businesses across the world. Your supervisors support you with a perspective that is global, comparative and grounded in practical experience.

Expertise and supervision

We specialise in commercial and human rights law. To find out more about us read our biographies and then use our research finder to find a supervisor.

Why study here?
  • You are part of our active and diverse research community and have frequent opportunities to engage with the latest research among colleagues and staff.
  • Our alumni network spans the globe and is at the heart of the theory and practice of law and human rights.
  • Our PhD students organise their own annual conference. Getting involved gives you the opportunity to present and discuss your research among peers and academic staff.
Professor Sheldon Leader
Leading legal scholar celebrated

Professor Sheldon Leader is the director of Essex Business and Human Rights Project (EBHR) and a longstanding member of the School of Law and Human Rights Centre. He is a leading voice in corporate social responsibility, business and human rights, and labour law. His work was celebrated at a conference dedicated to his work: Balancing Competing Rights: a conference in honour of Professor Sheldon Leader.

Read about Professor Leader's work

Research clusters

We have extensive expertise across the following research clusters, amongst others. These clusters provide a focus for critical debate, research collaboration and teaching innovation. Postgraduate research students can get involved in the Law and Technology and Human Rights clusters.

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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.