Law with American Studies

Law with American studies is a combination that connects the rigour of legal education with a rich interdisciplinary exploration of the United States: its history, politics, culture, society and literature. The connection between American and British legal systems is deep and longstanding, sharing common law foundations while diverging in significant ways through constitutional development, federalism, and the distinctive role of the US Supreme Court. Understanding both systems and their relationship gives you a broader and more nuanced legal education than a purely domestic focus provides.

At the University of Sussex, this four-year full-time programme, which includes both a foundation year and a study abroad year, is designed for students who want to pursue legal education alongside a serious engagement with American history, politics and culture. The foundation year is available for students who will benefit from additional academic preparation before entering the LLB. The study abroad year gives you the opportunity to experience American higher education directly, which is an invaluable complement to the intellectual study of America from Britain.

You will study the core areas of English law alongside the American legal tradition, and you will explore the history, politics, culture and literature of the Americas in ways that deepen your understanding of how law is shaped by and shapes society.

The degree develops rigorous analytical and argumentative skills alongside the comparative legal knowledge that the combination of British and American law provides. Written precision, research capability and the ability to reason under uncertainty are all central.

Graduates typically pursue legal qualification through the standard routes in England and Wales or in the United States, or move into roles in international law, business, government, academia, journalism, diplomacy and organisations with significant American dimensions. Postgraduate study in law, American studies or international relations is also a well-supported pathway.