Through carefully selected modules, you will evaluate and analyse information, construct balanced arguments, and apply theories and concepts to current political, legal and economic issues.
Legal Systems & Processes
You will gain an understanding of the English legal system and processes, and develop skills in applying legal rules and principles to specific cases. The first term gives you a firm foundation in law making and interpretation, court systems, negligence, and contract law. In the second term, you'll develop a more detailed understanding of criminal law and explore issues of morality, justice, and judicial creativity. There is a strong emphasis on evaluating information and knowledge, as well as developing the ability to construct logical, coherent and balanced arguments.
Government & Politics
These specialist modules introduce you to political systems and processes in the UK. You'll look at the relationship between the legislature and executive models, and evaluate where power lies within the UK system. Classes will also show you how to examine representative processes and institutions, and question the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in the UK. There is a strong emphasis on applying knowledge to contemporary politics such as the General Election in 2015.
The foundation programme in Social Sciences also focuses on political institutions and processes in the USA, and again challenges you to evaluate and analyse how successfully power is dispersed within the political system. You will develop skills in comparing the systems in the UK and USA, and reaching judgments on the similarities and differences between them.
Economics
The Economics module combines a study of micro and macro content in exploring a range of economic issues drawn from national and international contexts. This Social Sciences course promotes an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems, and institutions that affect everyday life.