Department of Humanities & Law

The Department of Humanities & Law brings together disciplines from across the Faculty of Media & Communication.

Using traditional and progressive approaches to studying, experts from each of the areas bring a 21st-century focus to illuminate and offer students the chance to study these well-established disciplines through a modern, contemporary lens.

You will be taught by academics who are constantly updating their knowledge through research projects of global impact. This research, along with our close work with accreditation boards and appropriate industry professionals, inform course content to ensure that our courses in English, History, Law and Politics remain up to date and industry relevant.

Bournemouth University's Law degrees are ranked 3rd nationally in the Complete University Guide subject league tables for graduate outcomes (2024).

Our courses

Undergraduate courses

BA (Hons) English

This course is designed to give you a strong foundation in the academic study of language and literature, whilst equipping you with professional skills to enhance your employability

BA (Hons) History

From the polite conversation of the eighteenth-century coffee-house to the agitation of twentieth-century acid-house, this course gives you the opportunity to explore modern British history, with a media twist.

BU students filming and appearing in 'Your Election 2015', which provided live coverage of the 2015 UK General Election.

BA (Hons) Politics

On this dynamic course, you’ll explore the meaning and experiences of justice, conflict (in) equality and citizenship in the context of pressing global issues.

LLB (Hons) Law

This course will provide you with an excellent overview of the field and equip you with the tools and knowledge to tackle real-world issues within the legal sector.

LLB (Hons) Law with Politics

Approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and the Bar Standards Board, on our Law with Politics degree you will study the contemporary, historical and global issues in politics.

LLB (Hons) Law, Media & Creative Industries

Develop the knowledge to get ahead in the areas of intellectual property and media regulation on this exciting law degree.

Postgraduate courses

Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE

The Bournemouth University Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination (GDL/CPE) is a one year course, intended primarily for non-law graduates planning to enter the legal profession. This course is primarily aimed at non-law graduates from UK universities who are planning to enter the legal profession. If you do not have a UK or Irish undergraduate degree but do have relevant academic qualifications or significant vocational experience, you may also be eligible to join the course.

LLM Intellectual Property

This course has been developed in collaboration with the Joint Examination Board of The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA). The LLM in Intellectual Property can be achieved through a year-long programme that has been developed for both UK and international students.The course is taught by academics of the renowned Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management (CIPPM), and enjoys input from intellectual property practitioners from some of the UK’s leading companies and practices.

LLM International Commercial Law

Our LLM in International Commercial Law focuses on the legal regulation from the perspective of a common law jurisdiction, and the challenges presented through membership of the international and European communities.

LLM International Tax Law

The LLM International Tax Law is aimed at those considering a career in international tax consultancy or within in-house tax departments of multinational companies. It is also highly suitable for staff of foreign government finance ministries and tax authorities who wish to learn more about tax policy.

LLM Legal Practice

This course is designed only for those that have successfully completed BU’s LPC Legal Practice Course. The LLM Legal Practice will enhance your skills and knowledge base. You will complete a dissertation in a relevant area of particular practice interest. It is expected that the topic of the dissertation will be in an area of law or legal practice associated with the knowledge and skills acquired and developed in the Legal Practice Course.

LLM Public International Law

This course is open to those who hold a Bachelor Honours degree with a 2:2 in any subject. Public international law has increased in use and relevance vastly over the twentieth century, due to a globalised world with an upsurge in global trade, environmental concerns, human rights violations, armed conflicts and a boom in global communications. You will therefore benefit from the study of law in these areas and under the direction of experts in this field.

MA Creative Writing and Publishing

This forward-thinking and industry-relevant MA offers creative writers the opportunity to not only develop advanced writing skills, but also a solid understanding of the different ways in which writers can now engage with the publishing industry. Offering both full-time and part-time routes, this innovative MA equips you with the knowledge and skills to take your writing into the commercial marketplace in both print and digital formats.

From spin doctors to social media: The evolution of political communication

MA International Political Communication

This course is designed to provide an advanced understanding of the issues and debates surrounding political communication in the twenty first century. The units are conceptually led, combining discussions of theory with an exploration of current and best practice in society. All units will offer an international perspective and provide insights into the latest developments in political communication research and practice and the impact of recent technological innovations.

MA Political Psychology

Political psychology is a well-established branch of psychology, yet there are very few places in the world where a Master’s in the subject can be taken. We are now offering such a course, providing a unique opportunity to study how psychological insights can throw light on politics.

PG Cert Intellectual Property

This part-time course is designed to give a detailed overview of substantive intellectual property law. On successful completion of this course, you will obtain full exemptions from the foundation level examinations for qualification as a patent attorney or trade mark attorney in the UK (IPReg/CIPA/CITMA). The course will give you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that firms and Intellectual Property departments, alike, are demanding.

More about Law at BU

Moot Court experience

Learn about our innovative Moot Court and how mooting develops your legal skills.

Research activities

Centre for Comparative Politics and Media Research

The work of the Centre for Comparative Politics and Media Research links into a range of fields of study that focus on the most relevant questions that face 21st Century politicians, their strategists, political journalists and agencies which seek to enhance citizen engagement.

Narrative, Culture and Community Research Centre

Exploring how narrative interacts with and impacts on cultures and communities.

Commercial & Maritime Law Research Group

The Commercial and Maritime Law Research Group explores important issues within commercial and maritime law.