The Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence offered by the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious undergraduate law programmes in the world. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, theories, and systems. Here are some of the key subjects and areas you can expect to learn about during your studies:
A Roman Introduction to Private Law: This module provides an introduction to the Roman legal system and its influence on contemporary private law. You will study the historical development of Roman law, its key concepts, and its impact on legal systems around the world.
Administrative Law: This module focuses on the principles and procedures that govern administrative bodies and public officials. You will study topics such as judicial review of administrative actions, the limits of administrative power, and the rights and remedies available to individuals affected by administrative decisions.
Constitutional Law: Constitutional Law examines the principles and structure of constitutional systems. You will study constitutional frameworks, including the distribution of powers between different branches of government, the protection of fundamental rights, and the relationship between the state and its citizens.
Contract: This module explores the principles of contract law, including the formation of contracts, the interpretation of contract terms, and the consequences of breach of contract. You will study the legal rules and doctrines that govern agreements between parties.
Criminal Law: Criminal Law focuses on the principles and elements of criminal offences, defences, and the criminal justice process. You will examine the theories of punishment, the different categories of crimes, and the principles of criminal liability.
European Union Law: This module covers the legal framework of the European Union (EU). You will study the institutions of the EU, the sources of EU law, the relationship between EU law and national law, and key areas of EU law such as free movement of goods, competition law, and human rights.
Legal Research and Mooting Skills Programme (Stage 1): This module is designed to develop your legal research skills and introduce you to the practice of mooting, which is a simulated court proceeding. You will learn how to conduct legal research, analyse legal materials, and present legal arguments effectively.
Jurisprudence: Jurisprudence explores the philosophy and theory of law. You will study different theories of law, such as natural law, legal positivism, and legal realism, and examine fundamental questions about the nature of law, justice, and legal reasoning.
Land Law: This module covers the principles of land law, including the acquisition, transfer, and protection of property rights in land. You will study topics such as ownership, leases, easements, mortgages, and land registration.
Legal Research and Mooting Skills Programme (Stage 2): Building on the skills developed in Stage 1, this module further enhances your legal research and mooting abilities. You will engage in more advanced legal research projects and participate in moot court competitions.
Tort: Tort law deals with civil wrongs and the legal remedies available for harm caused by one party to another. You will study the principles of negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability, as well as the legal requirements for establishing liability and the assessment of damages.
Trusts: This module explores the principles of trusts, which govern the creation, administration, and termination of trusts. You will study the legal rules and doctrines that govern fiduciary relationships and the transfer of property for the benefit of others.
As a qualifying law degree, the Oxford BA in Jurisprudence is known for its rigorous academic standards, critical thinking emphasis, and the development of strong analytical and research skills. The modules provide a comprehensive understanding of various legal areas and equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of law and legal practice.
You are warned that many of the modules are irrelevant to the SQE and your Qualifying Law Degree for admission to bar training. You are advised to refer to our LLB Module List to select your modules wisely.
