What Will You Study in BA Law at Cambridge University?

The Bachelor of Arts in Law at the University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious undergraduate law programmes in the world. It provides a comprehensive study of law, covering various legal subjects and developing critical thinking and analytical skills. The programme is structured into three years, referred to as Part IA, Part IB, and Part II.

Year 1 (Part IA)
You take four foundation papers, including:

Civil Law I: This module focuses on the fundamental principles of civil law, including topics such as contract law, property law, and the legal system.

Constitutional Law: This module explores the principles and structures of constitutional law, including the organization and powers of government, constitutional rights, and the relationship between the state and individuals.

Criminal Law: This module covers the basic principles of criminal law, including the elements of different offences, defences, and the general principles of liability.

Law of Tort: This module examines the law of tort, which deals with civil wrongs, such as negligence, defamation, and trespass, and the remedies available to the injured party.

Year 2 (Part IB)
You choose five papers from a wide range of options, including:

Law of Contract: This module delves into the principles and rules governing contractual agreements and the rights and obligations of parties involved.

Land Law: This module focuses on the legal principles and rules related to land ownership, transfers, and interests in land.

Administrative Law: This module explores the principles that govern the actions and decision-making processes of administrative bodies, such as government agencies.

Civil Law II: Building on the previous civil law module, this module covers more advanced topics in civil law, such as property law and specific contractual relationships.

Comparative Law: This module involves comparing legal systems from different jurisdictions, examining their similarities and differences.

Year 3 (Part II)
You choose five papers, which may include two half-papers as one of your options, for example:

Aspects of Obligations: This module delves deeper into the law of obligations, including contract law, tort law, and unjust enrichment.

Commercial Law: This module focuses on the legal principles and regulations governing commercial transactions and business relationships.

Company Law: This module explores the legal framework and principles that govern the formation, management, and dissolution of companies.

Conflict of Laws: This module examines the rules that determine which legal system applies when there is a conflict between laws from different jurisdictions.

Intellectual Property Law: This module covers the legal protection and regulation of intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks, and patents.

Here are some examples of half-papers:

Historical Foundations of the British Constitution: This module explores the historical development and evolution of the British constitution.

Landlord and Tenant Law: This module focuses on the legal rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in property rental relationships.

Law of Succession: This module examines the legal principles and rules related to the transfer of property and assets upon a person's death.

Personal Information Law: This module explores the legal aspects of privacy, data protection, and the regulation of personal information.

Topics in Legal and Political Philosophy: This module involves studying philosophical theories and debates related to law and politics.

Topics in European Legal History: This module delves into the historical development and evolution of European legal systems.

Animal Rights Law: This module explores the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the rights and welfare of animals, addressing topics such as animal cruelty laws, animal testing, animal rights advocacy, and the legal status of animals.

The mode of assessment for each paper is a written examination at the end of each academic year. In addition to the regular papers, students have the option to apply for a seminar course which is assessed by a dissertation.

You are warned that many of the optional modules in Year 3 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.