Law at Wolfson
The emphasis is on principle and technique, reasoning and explanation. There are opportunities to study the history of law, and to consider the subject in its wider social context. In studying Law as an academic discipline, students are required to think critically, to identify the policies which underpin particular rules and to suggest alternatives. They are expected to develop an understanding of the economic, political, social and international context in which the Law applies, and an appreciation of its ethical and philosophical consequences. This often requires students to engage with other academic disciplines. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý has around 15-20 undergraduates studying Law at any one time and our student body is drawn from across the nation and around the world.
Graduates from any discipline may apply to ÐÔÊӽ紫ýfor admission to a two-year law degree as an . Affiliated students take Parts IB and Part II of the Law Tripos (effectively the second and third years of the law degree). It is possible to complete all seven foundation subjects in two years as an affiliated student and graduate with a qualifying law degree.
We are also very keen to encourage those students who do not yet have a degree to make applications to study the full three-year Law course with us at Wolfson.
You can find further information about studying Law on the University's course . Detailed information is also available on the Faculty's Prospective Undergraduates .
What are we looking for?
We are looking for keen and diligent students who have an intellectual interest in the law and an aptitude for law. A legal aptitude includes an analytical mind, precision of thought and articulation, attention to detail, and the ability to build persuasive arguments. In addition, we value applicants who have an open and critical mind, and can see the different sides of an issue.
We do not expect applicants to have studied law or to have any specific legal knowledge (eg the content of the law of theft). That said, a general interest in real-world legal issues (eg from current affairs) may assist an applicant in demonstrating the above competences.
Entry Requirements
Please consult the University's for further information.
Applications
Please consult our Applying page regarding the application process (deadlines, written work, assessments, interviews, etc). You may also wish to consult the website.
You can also find useful information on our Application FAQs page.
Student perspective: Law at Wolfson
The approach to learning here in Cambridge is geared towards not only understanding the way the law works in depth but also engaging with the current academic debates. There is a great focus on critically engaging with everything from decisions by the courts to academic opinions. Choosing a favourite paper is almost an impossible task – land, tort, and contract law are the ones I enjoy working on the most. I am also fascinated by the small overlaps and interconnectedness between the five distinct papers.
Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunities available here. Thanks to the pathway scheme, I was able to marshal at the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum). The scheme was set up by Kimberley Andrews (a ÐÔÊӽ紫ýlaw student), Judge Keith, and a fund set up by Jane Bevan. It was an extraordinary experience to interact with judges and watch the law at play.
Nethra Karnala Prathap (first-year affiliated undergraduate)
More information about Nethra's journey at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý can be found here.