Undergraduate Degrees

BSc Politics and Law (Cornwall)

UCAS code LL41
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2027
Campus Penryn Campus
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB-ABB
IB: 34/665-32/655
BTEC: DDD-DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBB-BBC
IB: 30/555-28/554
BTEC: DDM

Why study BSc Politics and Law (Cornwall) at Exeter?

  • Explore politics and law together, gaining a deep understanding of how political systems and legal frameworks interact and shape the real world.
  • Take part in debates, case studies, and interactive learning that will develop your presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Prepare for your future career with placements in law firms, government, and NGOs.
  • Work on immersive projects that develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
  • Thrive in our close-knit community on the Penryn campus, with expert teaching, strong research links and close collaboration with staff.

Please note that this programme does not cover all of the Foundations of Legal Knowledge.

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Top 25 in the UK for Law

 22nd in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

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Top 10 for Law Graduate Prospects

Complete University Guide 2026

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Excellent national and international reputation for mooting

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Employer-led presentations from law firms to develop skills and improve opportunities

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB-ABB n/a
IB 34/665-32/655 n/a
BTEC DDD-DDM n/a
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade N/A
T-Level Distinction N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBB-BBC
IB: 30/555-28/554
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content

BSc Politics and Law allows you to study both disciplines in equal measure, exploring how political processes and legal systems interact. Core modules cover constitutional and human rights law, criminal law, political theory, public policy, and comparative politics, while optional modules allow you to tailor your learning to specific interests.

From the first week, you'll engage in experiential learning, tackling real-world problems through case studies, debates, immersive events, and group projects. 

The programme also offers the opportunity to take a professional placement with law firms, government, NGOs, or non-profit organisations in the UK or abroad, developing transferable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and commercial awareness.

Students work collaboratively, producing policy briefs, drafting legal documents, and advising organisations - gaining practical experience alongside academic study.

Supported by a close-knit community and expert teaching, the course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to pursue careers in law, politics, public policy, or further study. 

You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:

  • Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
  • Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
  • Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.

The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits optional modules of which at least 15 must be taken from stage 1 Politics (POC1*) options and 30 must be taken from stage 1 Law (LAW1*) options

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
Compulsory 1
Legal Foundations 15
Legal Foundations 2 15
British Government and Politics 15

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
Optional 1
Constitutional Law 15
Human Rights Law 15
Criminal Law 1 Foundations 15
Criminal Law 2 Companies and Organisations 15
British Government and Politics 15
Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations 15
Violence in World Politics 15
Power, Inequality and Global Justice 15
Modern Political Theory 15

Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules of which at least 30 must be taken from Stage 2 Law (LAW2*) options and 30 credits from Stage 2 Politics (POC2*) options

From Optional Choice - you must take at least ONE of LAW2015C or LAW2004C. They are not required to take both (but may if they want to).

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
Compulsory 1
Political Analysis 15

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
Optional 1
Environmental Regulation and Redress 15
Employment Law 15
National and Community Identity 15
Imagining the Good Life: From Agora to the American Dream 15
Security Studies 15
Comparative Politics 15
Introduction to Postcolonialism 15
Political Geographies: Local to Global 15
Politics of the Middle East 15
Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course 15
Politics of Gender, Sex and Sexuality 15
Optional Choice
Contract Law 30
The Law of Torts 30

Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.

Find out more about the placement year options below.

Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.

30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules of which at least 45 credits must be selected from final stage Politics (POC3*) optional modules and 45 credits from final stage Law (LAW3*) optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
Compulsory 1
Dissertation 30

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
Optional 1
Land Law 30
Trusts 30
Constitutional Law 15
Human Rights Law 15
Business and Human Rights 15
Legal Research Paper 1 15
Law and Technology 15
The Law of Corporate Finance 15
Corporate Law, Theory and Governance 15
Law and Policy for Sustainable Organisations 15
Environmental Knowledge Controversies 15
The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? 15
Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India 15
Controversies in American Politics 15
The Politics of Knowledge and Ignorance 15
Displacement and Migration in the Middle East 15
Social and Islamist Armed Movements 15
Gender and Politics in Africa 15
Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain 15
Parliamentary Studies 15
Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity 15
Environment and Conflict in the Middle East 15

Course variants

With Industrial Placement

UCAS code: LL42

Why choose a year on an Industrial Placement?

Spending up to a year carrying out a graduate-level work placement as part of your degree programme is an invaluable opportunity. It unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and transferable skills for your future career.

You will take full responsibility for finding and organising your placement in a business setting of your choosing (either in the UK or abroad), with preparation, support and approval from the University. This is a great way to demonstrate to employers your adaptability, commercial awareness, independence and resourcefulness.

Does it count towards my degree?

The placement year is credit-bearing and contributes towards the final degree classification. Information about assessments can be found on the module descriptor.

Is the placement paid?

Students taking a placement year can normally expect to receive the equivalent of an annual wage of £16,000 to £18,000 for the time they are working.

How does it affect my tuition fees?

During your placement year you will pay a reduced tuition fee of approximately 20% of the maximum fee for that year. Find out more on our tuition fee webpages.

How do I apply?

You will take full responsibility for finding and organising your placement (either in the UK or abroad), with preparation, support and approval from the University. This is a great way to demonstrate to employers your adaptability, commercial awareness, independence and resourcefulness.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2026 entry

UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will I learn? 

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, and small-group workshops to bring law and politics to life. You’ll take part in debates, case studies, and immersive activities that build practical skills in research, negotiation, and communication.

The course also integrates experiential learning, including professional placements with law firms, government, NGOs, or non-profit organisations, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment is varied and designed to reflect both academic and professional skills. You’ll complete essays, exams, presentations, policy briefs, and group projects, as well as practical activities such as debates and simulations.

Your placement year contributes formally to your degree, ensuring that professional experience is recognised in your final outcomes. Across all stages, assessments are intended to develop transferable skills and prepare you for careers in law, politics, and public policy.

Where will I study? 

At the University of Exeter, Cornwall, you’ll benefit from modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and collaborative study spaces. You’ll also have access to dedicated law and politics libraries, IT suites, and online learning resources to support both independent and group study.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Minors: Future Skills Pathways

You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.

Find out more about minor options

Law in Cornwall

Law students in gowns in Penryn

Law degrees in Cornwall form part of a portfolio of programmes available at our world-class Exeter Law School. Our modules in Environmental Law and Policy, Human Rights and Company Law are available to undergraduate students across Campus, creating a learning environment which respects and benefits from such a diverse cohort of learners.

We are committed to creating a diverse and thriving student community. We believe this is achieved by providing a supportive learning environment, which nurtures talent throughout your time with us. In addition, in Cornwall, you will benefit from a bespoke learning experience with intentionally low student-staff ratios and an unrivalled commitment to excellence in teaching.

Find out more on our dedicated Cornwall pages.

Your future

The BSc Politics and Law equips students with skills highly valued by employers, including research, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in law, politics, public policy, advocacy, NGOs, and international organisations.

The programme’s focus on experiential learning and professional placements ensures you develop practical, transferable skills that enhance employability across a wide range of sectors.

Graduate destinations 

You will leave with a strong foundation in both politics and law, along with practical experience through placements and immersive learning. This combination prepares you for professional legal training, careers in government, public policy, or NGOs, or further study in law, political science, or related postgraduate programmes - in the UK or internationally. 

Careers support 

When it comes to securing a graduate-level position, we enjoy extremely good relations with members of the legal profession regionally, nationally and internationally.

You will be supported by an Employability Officer and the wide range of services offered by the Career Zone, and have the opportunity to meet potential employers face-to-face through our annual Law Fair, workshops and careers sessions. 

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