Swansea University

What you'll study

This programme delivers the academic foundations required of a qualifying law degree while embedding international relations theory and practice. In the early years you will take core legal modules such as Contract Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, Public/Constitutional Law, Property and Equity, and Legal Research & Skills alongside introductory international relations modules covering theories of global politics, international organisations and diplomacy.

As you progress, optional modules allow you to specialise. Typical law options include Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Family Law and Employment Law. International relations options commonly include Global Governance, International Security, Foreign Policy Analysis and International Human Rights. Practical learning is emphasised through mooting, client interviewing, negotiation exercises and opportunities to participate in the University's legal clinic or pro bono projects.

The programme structure normally includes a major independent research project or dissertation in the final year, options to take a year-long professional placement or study abroad at a partner institution, and short modules focused on employability skills, legal drafting and advocacy. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and assessed coursework, with summative exams in many core subjects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record from secondary education or an appropriate access course. Typical successful applicants present A-levels (or equivalent) at grades in the B–A range, or a competitive International Baccalaureate score. GCSE English and Mathematics (or recognised equivalents) are normally required.

Swansea also welcomes mature students and those with vocational or relevant life experience; access routes and foundation programmes are considered. International qualifications are accepted in line with UK higher education equivalence and applicants whose first language is not English will need an approved English language qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with the legal knowledge required for further vocational training and a strong grounding in international affairs. Career paths taken by alumni include roles as solicitors, barristers, paralegals and legal executives, subject to completing the appropriate vocational stage or professional qualifications. The international relations element opens up opportunities in diplomacy, foreign service, international NGOs, human rights organisations, policy and intelligence analysis, and international business or consultancy.

Other destinations include graduate schemes in the public sector and private industry, compliance and regulatory roles, and postgraduate study such as LLMs or specialist masters in international law, human rights or security studies. The degree develops transferable skills valued by employers: legal reasoning, research, written and oral communication, negotiation and cross-cultural analysis.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University’s School of Law combines a long-established qualifying law curriculum with active research and practical learning opportunities. Students benefit from mooting competitions, a pro bono legal clinic, and dedicated employability support including placement advice and careers workshops tailored to law and international careers.

The programme’s interdisciplinary nature is supported by close links between the Law School and social science departments that teach international relations, enabling a broad range of optional modules and opportunities for collaborative projects. Swansea’s campus environment, smaller class sizes in seminars and a strong emphasis on student support make it a good choice for those seeking personalised teaching alongside professional preparation.

Opportunities to study abroad, take placements and engage with external partners — from law firms to international organisations — help students build practical experience and professional networks before graduation.