The study of law demands a methodical, inquisitive and enthusiastic approach. It is undoubtedly among the more demanding degree programmes for a number of reasons. You will be required to analyse a large volume of diverse legal materials ranging from House of Lords judgements to European Community Directives. Through the teaching provided, the academic staff will challenge and inspire you. It is nevertheless very much the case that lectures are intended to enable students to undertake further study. Much independent follow up work is expected, and rigorous preparation is required for the regular seminars and tutorials.

While the demands are high, so too are the rewards.  From the basic foundation of learning what the law is, you will develop the vital intellectual skills which will enable you to ‘think like a lawyer’. These include identifying legal issues from facts involving disagreement between a number of parties. You will be required to apply and manipulate abstract legal concepts. A conclusion is also required, even though there will frequently be no absolutely correct or decisive answer to the facts before you. In this process, bare assertion counts for very little. Legal arguments need to be informed by the rules and concepts established by the legislature and the judiciary. The skill of the lawyer is in identifying and manipulating these sources of law, and of persuading us that their view is more correct than any opposing view.

Scholarship in law also involves placing legal rules in the context of their social, political economic and philosophical dimensions. Legal developments frequently have pronounced ramifications for one of more of these perspectives, and these impacts have to be carefully weighed and expressed in policy arguments. Should a victim of negligence by a railway company be able to recover substantial compensation when scarce resources are required to improve the condition and safety of the rail network? To what extent, if at all, should the criminal justice procedure be different for those suspected of terrorist activities? We immediately recognise here that laws cannot provide a complete answer, and that the content of legal rules must be informed by broad considerations which reflect the nature and values of our society.

Choosing law will enable you to expand your intellectual skills in the context of a discipline which touches upon every aspect of human endeavour. As the degree progresses you will notice a marked improvement in your ability to manage large amounts of materials, to express yourself in an organised and convincing manner both in writing and orally, and to evaluate the strength of arguments you encounter. Not only will this give you a sense of personal satisfaction, but you will also have acquired skills which are highly relevant to a range of career options attracting competitive salaries.

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