BA (Hons) Politics and Law (with a Year in Industry)

The BA (Hons) Politics and Law (with a Year in Industry) program at Royal Holloway University of London, UK, provides students with an immersive learning experience that combines academic study with practical work experience in the legal and political sectors. This program offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a year-long industry placement, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to professional settings, develop valuable skills, and build professional networks. By integrating theory with practice, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for successful careers in law, politics, public administration, and related fields.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Politics and Law (with a Year in Industry) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines, along with practical skills relevant to their industry placement. Students study core modules covering topics such as political theory, comparative politics, constitutional law, criminal law, and international law. In addition to their academic studies, students undertake a year-long industry placement where they work in legal firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or other relevant settings. During their placement, students apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, gain practical experience, and develop professional skills under the supervision of industry professionals.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Politics and Law (with a Year in Industry) program emphasizes research-led teaching, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge research in politics, law, and related fields. Throughout their studies, students have the opportunity to participate in research seminars, workshops, and projects led by faculty members who are actively involved in research. Students also conduct independent research projects, exploring topics of interest within politics and law and applying research methods to analyze complex issues. The year-long industry placement further enhances students' research skills by providing opportunities to conduct applied research and contribute to projects that address real-world challenges.

Industry Engagement: The inclusion of a year-long industry placement in the BA (Hons) Politics and Law program allows students to engage directly with the legal and political sectors and gain practical experience in professional settings. The university collaborates with a range of industry partners, including law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international institutions, to provide students with diverse placement opportunities. During their placement, students work on tasks and projects relevant to their field of study, gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of legal and political organizations, developing professional skills, and building networks within their chosen industry.

Global Perspective: Royal Holloway University of London offers students in the BA (Hons) Politics and Law (with a Year in Industry) program a global perspective on politics and law. The program encourages students to explore political and legal issues from diverse cultural, geographical, and historical perspectives. Students have the opportunity to study international law, global governance, comparative politics, and transnational legal issues, gaining insights into the complexities of contemporary global challenges. The year-long industry placement may also offer opportunities for international experiences, allowing students to work with organizations operating in different countries and regions, further enhancing their global perspective.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80%  or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 51.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 115 is required.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Royal Holloway, University of London offers a range of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence and provide financial assistance to eligible students. 

Founder's Scholarship: This is the most prestigious scholarship at Royal Holloway, awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential. It covers full tuition fees and provides a generous annual stipend.

Royal Holloway Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students based on their academic achievement and potential. It offers a £2,500 tuition fee waiver for each year of study.

International Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for international undergraduate students. It provides a tuition fee reduction of £4,000 per year for the duration of the program.

Sports Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students who excel in sports and have the potential to represent the university at a high level. They provide support in the form of financial assistance and access to training facilities.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary. 

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Politics and Law (with a Year in Industry) program from Royal Holloway University of London, UK, are well-equipped for a wide range of career opportunities in the legal, political, and public sectors. 

Legal Practitioner: Graduates can pursue careers as solicitors or barristers after completing additional legal training such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Their industry placement experience provides valuable practical insights into legal practice, enhancing their employability in law firms and legal departments.

Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts for government agencies, think tanks, research institutes, or advocacy groups. Their understanding of both politics and law, coupled with their industry experience, enables them to analyze complex policy issues, conduct research, and develop policy recommendations.

Government Advisor: Graduates can work as advisors for government departments, providing expertise on legal and political matters. Their industry placement may provide them with firsthand experience in government settings, facilitating their transition into advisory roles within ministries, agencies, or parliamentary offices.

Corporate Counsel: Graduates can pursue careers as in-house legal counsel for corporations, advising on legal compliance, corporate governance, and risk management. Their industry placement experience may include working in corporate legal departments, giving them practical insights into the legal needs of businesses.

Public Sector Manager: Graduates can work as managers or administrators in the public sector, overseeing policy implementation, regulatory compliance, or public service delivery. Their combination of legal and political knowledge, along with their industry placement experience, equips them for leadership roles in government agencies or public sector organizations.

Political Consultant: Graduates can work as political consultants or strategists, providing advice to political parties, candidates, or advocacy groups. Their understanding of politics and law, combined with their industry experience, enables them to develop effective communication strategies, analyze political trends, and navigate electoral campaigns.

Non-Profit Manager: Graduates can pursue management roles in non-profit organizations, charities, or NGOs, focusing on areas such as human rights, social justice, or public policy advocacy. Their industry placement experience may involve working with advocacy organizations, providing them with practical insights into non-profit management.

Legal Researcher: Graduates can work as legal researchers for law firms, research institutes, or academic institutions, conducting research on legal issues, drafting legal briefs, or analyzing case law. Their industry placement may involve conducting legal research projects, enhancing their research skills and expertise.

International Development Officer: Graduates with an interest in international affairs can work as development officers or project managers for international organizations, NGOs, or development agencies. Their understanding of international law and politics, coupled with their industry placement experience, prepares them for roles in global development.

Further Education or Postgraduate Study: Some graduates may choose to pursue further education or postgraduate study in law, politics, public administration, or related fields. Their industry placement experience may inform their choice of specialization and provide them with a competitive edge in postgraduate studies.