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Legal Studies

If you're considering a career in law or social justice, delving deeper into Legal Studies could be a promising next step. This valuable field of study uncovers the intricacies of law, legislation, and justice systems, serving as a firm foundation for various careers in legal services, politics, or public service. Whether your ambition leads you to a courtroom or a legislative office, the rich knowledge gained from Legal Studies can equip you with the critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical insights needed to succeed. At your chosen pace, within a supportive environment, you can sculpt your own future, paving the way toward meaningful change in society.

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Legal Studies study and career guide

Legal Studies

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of the law and its many nuances, undertaking Legal Studies in a higher education setting could be the right path for you. Legal Studies, an interdisciplinary discipline that draws its knowledge base from various areas such as sociology, political science, and history, prepares students for a wide array of career opportunities in both public and private sectors. This comprehensive field of study is not only limited to the practice of law but extends to many areas such as public policy, business, and human rights. With a degree in legal studies, you can work to uphold justice, affect societal change, or guide business decisions with legal expertise. By pursuing this course, you're not just securing your career, but you're also expanding your horizons and enhancing your critical thinking skills. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge never ends and we're here to support and guide you every step of the way in your educational journey.

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Legal Studies Program goals

By immersing yourself in a program in Legal Studies, you cultivate the valuable knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a dynamic and challenging legal environment. This study program is intricately structured to equip you with fundamental insights into the legal system, terminology, ethics, and legal procedures. Further, it creates a robust platform for you to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, come to comprehend diverse legal theories, and promote social justice. Your decision to study Legal Studies is a progressive step that will potentially fast-track your career in numerous legal or law-related professions.

  • Understand the U.S. legal system, its structure, processes, and roles.
  • Develop legal research and writing skills.
  • Learn key legal concepts and terminologies.
  • Acquire critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Gain a firm grounding in professional ethics and responsibility.
  • Promote social justice and respect for the rule of law.
  • Prepare for future law school or other advanced study in legal disciplines.
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What are the Student Learning Outcomes

Studying a program in Legal Studies can unlock powerful opportunities and create a pathway towards a rewarding career. It provides you with a strong foundation in understanding the law, the justice system, and the legal principles that govern our society. With such knowledge, you're not only equipped to work within the legal field but also in related professions that require a profound understanding of legal issues. Upon completion of the program, you're expected to:

  • Have a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of law and justice.
  • Be proficient in performing legal research and analysis.
  • Understand the ethical considerations in legal practice and decision-making.
  • Be able to communicate effectively and professionally in a legal context.
  • Acquire substantial knowledge that can inform effective policy-making.
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What experience do I need to be able to apply for Legal Studies

As you consider starting a higher education program in Legal Studies, it's important to have some requisite experience first. Legal Studies is a discipline that demands a basic understanding of law, ethics, critical thinking, and research skills. While no specific experience is required to enter a Legal Studies program, potential students could benefit from prior participation in debate clubs, internships at law firms, or any work that nurtures analytical thinking and effective communication. Also, having taken related courses in high school or college, such as government or criminal justice, can provide a strong foundation.

  • Participation in debate clubs or similar activities to hone argument-building and analytical skills
  • Internships or work experience in legal environments
  • High school or college courses in government, ethics, law, or criminal justice
  • Experience that has developed strong written and oral communication skills
  • A basic understanding of law and the legal system
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Legal Studies careers

As a postgraduate in Legal Studies, a spectrum of exciting and intellectually stimulating opportunities wait for you. Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines law in its broad social context and brings multiple perspectives to the understanding of law and legal institutions. This degree equips you with skills like legal analysis, research, critical thinking, and in-depth understanding of complex legal systems. Careers within this field are diverse and span across sectors such as law firms, corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and the judiciary. You might work as a paralegal, a legal administrative assistant, a legal executive, or a compliance officer, among many other possibilities. The legal world is vast, and with a postgraduate degree in Legal Studies, you are well-positioned to navigate it.

  • Paralegal
  • Legal Administrative Assistant
  • Legal Executive
  • Compliance Officer
  • Contract Administrator
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Law Firm Administrator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Mediator
  • Court Clerk

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for lawyers was $151,160 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.

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As a graduate of legal studies, you have several opportunities waiting for you. One of the most common paths can be becoming a lawyer; either a corporate, criminal, or any other specialization depending upon your area of interest. However, if litigation is not your interest, you could also choose to become a legal analyst, researcher, or consultant. These positions often require you to analyze legal data, work with legal documents, and advise businesses or individuals on legal issues. Additionally, your skills in legal writing, understanding legal doctrines, and executing legal procedures can also open doors for you in government service, compliance departments of various industries, and non-profit organizations. The road may be challenging but remember, your education in legal studies provides you with diverse career options in law and beyond, equipping you to make meaningful contributions to society while pursuing your passion in law.

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