Governments and international institutions regulate our lives, from what we wear in public to what we say about others. This raises profound questions about how we relate to each other and to our government.
By what right do some people rule over others? Do citizens have an obligation to obey the law? Ultimately, how can we live together peacefully in circumstances in which we disagree about how best to live?
This course, taught in conjunction with the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Politics, explores the core issues of political and legal theories and the relationship between them. By studying the works of theorists both past and present, you’ll delve into the fundamental questions of legal and political philosophy.
2:1 or equivalent in Law, Management or a related social science
Please see our website for fee information
Throughout your time at York, you will receive active support in careers and development planning from the York Law School employability tutor.
We encourage you to get involved with our Careers and Development Programme. The programme includes several employers, providing an insight into the legal profession and the relevant recruitment processes.
There is also help available for those of you who are thinking about non-legal employers or academic routes following your LLM.
Career opportunities
Core modules
Legal Systems: Sources and Operation (10 credits)
Foundational Issues in Legal Theory (20 credits)
Theories of Social Justice (20 credits)
Advanced Issues in Legal Theory (20 credits)
Research Skills for Dissertation Writing (10 credits)
Option modules
You’ll choose two 20-credit option modules in the Spring Term. Recent module options include:
Counter-Terrorism (20 credits)
Topics in Practical Philosophy (20 credits)
Critical Theories of International Political Economy (20 credits)
Critical Theory (20 credits)
New Security Challenges (20 credits)
Africa and International Politics (20 credits)
Law and Society (20 credits)
Constitutional Law and Theory (20 credits)
Issues in the Philosophy of Criminal Law (20 credits)
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
Postgraduate research at the University of York Looking to take the next step in your academic career? A research degree from the University of York...