The Senior Status BA in Law at Cambridge University is a Second Undergraduate Degree programme allowing students who already hold an undergraduate degree from another university to study law and obtain a law degree in two years instead of the usual three. Students in this programme are known as affiliated students and can achieve what is commonly referred to as a senior status degree. Here are the modules they will typically study:
First Year
Tort Law: This module covers the principles and rules related to civil wrongs, where one party's actions or omissions cause harm or injury to another party. It involves studying negligence, trespass, nuisance, and other tortious actions.
Constitutional Law: Constitutional law deals with the structure of government, the distribution of powers, and the relationship between the government and its citizens. It examines the legal framework that establishes the powers and functions of different branches of government.
Contract Law: Contract law focuses on agreements between individuals or entities and the legal enforcement of these agreements. Students study contract formation, interpretation, breach, and remedies available for breached contracts.
Land Law: Land law is concerned with the legal principles governing land and property rights. Topics covered include land ownership, leases, easements, and the transfer of property.
Option 1: In the first year, students can choose an optional module from a wide range of subjects, depending on their academic interests.
Second Year
Criminal Law: Criminal law explores offences against society and the principles of criminal liability. Students study the elements of different crimes, defences, and the procedures involved in the criminal justice system.
Equity: Equity is a body of law that supplements and complements the common law. It involves principles of fairness and justice that were historically administered separately from the common law courts. It is an important part of Trusts Law.
EU Law: This module focuses on the legal framework governing the European Union and its member states. It covers topics such as the principles of free movement and EU institutions.
Option 2: In the second year, students can choose another optional module according to their interests.
Option 3 or Dissertation Seminar: Students have the choice of either taking a third optional module or participating in a dissertation seminar, where they can conduct independent research on a legal topic of their choice.
It is important to note that students with the intention of becoming a barrister are advised to take the seven foundation subjects, including Tort Law, Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Land Law, Criminal Law, Equity, and EU Law, to fulfil the academic requirements for entry into a Bar Training Course.
As an affiliated student, you have more flexibility to tailor your law degree based on your career aspirations and academic interests, making it a valuable option for those seeking to delve into the field of law. However, if you intend to become a solicitor, you should select your optional modules wisely because some of them are irrelevant to the SQE, which you will have to pass for admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales.
Although you will need to spend two years to complete the Senior Status BA in Law rather than one year if you opt for a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), the reputation of Cambridge University and its BA in Law programme, as well as the job prospect of its graduates makes it a worthwhile investment.
