Law in Practice with International Relations with a Foundation Year

Law in practice with international relations is a programme designed for those who want to understand how law and global politics intersect, preparing for careers at the boundary between legal systems, international organisations and the conduct of relations between states. Law provides the formal framework of obligations, rights and procedures that regulates behaviour within and between societies; international relations examines the political, economic and historical forces that shape those frameworks and the world in which they operate. The two disciplines together produce an understanding of how legal norms emerge from political processes and how political actors use and contest legal mechanisms.

At Swansea University, this five-year LLB programme includes a foundation year, providing a supported entry into higher education before you progress to degree-level legal and international relations study. The foundation year extends the overall programme but ensures that students who need additional preparation have the time to build strong academic foundations. The description emphasises that the degree prepares you for careers at the intersection of law and international relations while providing valuable workplace exposure.

Swansea's location in Wales and its connections with both the legal profession and international organisations give the programme a distinctive practical orientation.

You will study core legal subjects alongside the theory and practice of international relations, including international law, human rights, conflict and security, global governance and the politics of international institutions. This dual grounding allows you to analyse international situations through both legal and political lenses simultaneously.

Graduates go on to careers in international law, diplomatic and foreign service, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, human rights work, trade and investment law, the civil service and legal practice. Further study in law, international law or international relations is also a common route, particularly for those interested in academic or specialist professional careers.