Constitutional Law, Theory and Politics (LLM) - 2012/2013 entry

This is a unique programme in London, a situation that reflects the traditional neglect of constitutionalist approaches to politics in Britain – something which is now changing fast. As the utopia of the ‘end of history’ falters, the rhetoric of security and risk, of crisis in the relation between financial markets and sovereign states, of perpetual war, and of corruption in politics brings about a relentless desire for law and constitutional reform. These expectations, however, are often at odds with the way contemporary social and political theories, and a growing number of constitutional law specialists, conceptualise the sphere of the political. The focus is on two related but distinct processes: the crisis of law and the shift towards exceptional modes of state power; and the demand that law mitigates manifold crises. Questions are raised about law as solution, about its role in the violent imposition of liberal social and market relations, and whether or not we may be able to imagine a different sort of crisis, a different relation between law and the future.

This programme is distinctive in three respects: it adopts a critical, interdisciplinary approach; it gives equal weight to theory and comparative case studies from across the world with the possibility for you to write a specialist dissertation; and it is available either part- or full-time and delivered through face-to-face evening classes.

Find out more about studying law at Birkbeck.

• Studying the interrelation of law and politics requires, by definition, an interdisciplinary and critical approach – the Birkbeck School of Law specialises in this kind of approach.
• Our academic staff have valuable experience of constitutionalist politics in regions across the globe.
• Watch our video: studying law at Birkbeck

There are two compulsory modules:

• Introduction to the History, Theory and Politics of Constitutional Law
• Constitutional Law and Practice – Regional Perspectives.  

You also choose four option modules, one of which may be a specialist dissertation. Other options may include:

• Futures: the Globalisation of Human Rights
• International Rights of Minorities
• Social Justice
• Human Rights in Britain
• Crime and Control
• Post-Apartheid Jurisprudence.

Please note: not all options will be available every year.

The Birkbeck School of Law is an internationally recognised centre for critical and interdisciplinary legal research. It provides an exciting and innovative environment for a wide range of research with a strong theoretical and policy focus. The School is the home of Birkbeck Law Press and publishes Law and Critique: The International Journal of Critical Legal Thought.

We use technology, such as electronic learning environments, to enhance teaching and learning. Birkbeck Library has an extensive collection of books, journals and electronic resources in law and related disciplines such as economics, politics and sociology. Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.

If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Law.

Graduates can use the degree to get a job or enhance their career in local or national governments, in an international organisation or in a research institute, to conduct public interest advocacy, or simply to enhance their political activism.

Find out more about the career advice and information we offer.

• You should apply as early as possible.
• Applications open in October.