(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Philosophy and Law (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Philosophy
Law
BA MVC6
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit
T-levels: Distinction
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Josiah Saunders
Associate Professor
Durham University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of some philosophical texts and some major issues in philosophy, and/or those at the interface between philosophy and law.
A2: Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental doctrines and principles of the law, and some substantive areas of the law in depth.
A3: Knowledge and understanding of the techniques of reasoning appropriate to the discipline in question.
A101: To provide the opportunity to apply academic learning outcomes in a work-related context.
A102: To develop essential work-based skills throughout the placement.
Learning methods
A1-3 are acquired through lectures, classes which involve discussion, and in law through tutorials which allow students to work in small groups.
Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, students should use, present and evaluate relevant numerical or statistical information as appropriate.
Additionally A1-3 are acquired by means of the directed reading that students are required to undertake, and by means of writing coursework and preparing for exams.
A4 and A5 are acquired during the placement.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-3 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework in philosophy consists of essays, essay plans, essay drafts, abstracts, peer reviews of draft student essays, reading summaries, reading analyses, in-class reading quizzes, logic exercises, take-home exams, as well as individual and group oral presentations. In law it consists of essays, problem analysis, oral presentations and group projects.
Coursework tests the ability to research a topic using, for example, library and internet resources, expound specified texts and enter into detailed argumentation with them.
Unseen exams test the ability to rehearse and assess arguments in relation to specific questions posed within a limited time frame.
Philosophy modules include examinations in the first year only.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Capacity to follow complex arguments, and to present one's own evaluation of them.
B2: Capacity to summarise complex and demanding texts, and to assess critically their strengths and weaknesses.
B3: Capacity to argue coherently and persuasively.
B4: Ability to gather and evaluate large amounts of information and data.
B5: Capacity to analyse legal problems.
Learning methods
Skills B1-5 are obtained and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above under A (Knowledge and Understanding).
Assessment methods
Outcomes B1-5 are assessed by the assessment methods described above under A (Knowledge and Understanding).
C: Practical skills
C1: Ability to abstract and synthesise relevant information, from a range of sources, using books, journal articles, cases and internet resources.
C2: Ability to use and apply legal terminology and legal concepts.
C3: Ability to plan and undertake tasks in areas of law already studied, and to undertake independent research in areas of law not previously studied, starting from standard legal information sources.
Learning methods
Skill C1 is acquired and developed primarily by the preparation for and the writing of coursework, and the feedback given on it.
Skills C2 and 3 are developed through tutorials by way of the medium of problem solving and group discussion.
Assessment methods
Outcomes C1 and 2 are assessed through coursework and unseen written examinations.
C3 is assessed through coursework.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to produce fluent and effective communication.
D2: Use of relevant information technology to research and present written work.
D3: Not applicable.
D4: Ability to identify the problem to be solved, to analyse it carefully, to distinguish relevant from irrelevant detail, to compare and assess different solutions to it, to provide argument and evidence for one's preferred solution.
D5: Not applicable.
D6: Ability to organize one's reading and thinking in relation to specific topics, to work to a deadline, and to learn from comments on coursework and oral communication from teachers.
D101: Ability to demonstrate an understanding of work roles through a placement.
Learning methods
Skills D1, 2, 4 and 6 are acquired and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above.
Assessment methods
Outcomes D1, 2, 4 and 6 are assessed through coursework and unseen written examinations.