Introduction to English Law and Legal Method

Our 10-week Introduction to English Law and Legal Method short course provides a comprehensive introduction to the UK legal system and how it relates to European legislation.

Taught online, the course explores how legal rules are made and applied, providing an overview of the two key pillars of the state: the courts and the constitution.

You will examine the foundations and methods of English law, including parliamentary legislation, the doctrine of precedent, equitable principles, legal terminology and law reporting. You will also consider Brexit and the impact of human rights law, developing your understanding of how these areas influence the legal system.

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to participate in discussions on individual topics, helping you develop your understanding of legal principles and how they operate in practice.

This introductory course is suitable for anyone interested in understanding English law and the UK legal system. It can also provide a valuable taster for those considering studying a law degree before committing to further study.

Who is it for?

This introductory course is ideal for anyone interested in English law or those who need to understand aspects of the legal process within their professional role. No formal legal training is required.

Timetable

The Introduction to English Law and Legal Method short course takes place every Wednesday at 18.30 for 10 weeks.

City St George's Short Courses follow the academic year, delivering courses over three terms:

• Autumn - October
• Spring - January
• Summer - April

Benefits

By completing this course, you will:

• Develop your understanding of English law and the UK legal system.
• Explore key legal principles and methods used to make and apply legal rules.
• Learn from a qualified lawyer with professional experience in law.
• Study online in a small-group learning environment, providing opportunities for discussion and interaction.
• Gain a City St George’s, University of London certificate on successful completion.

Over 10 weekly online sessions, the course combines lectures, group work and practical exercises to help you apply legal principles to real-world cases and scenarios.

You will explore:

• Parliamentary legislation and the law of equity.
• The sources of English law and the structure of the English legal system.
• How to find and read case law, statute law and UK law reports.
• The civil legal system and how civil cases are dealt with.
• The criminal legal system.
• The role of the judiciary, juries and legal funding.
• English law in relation to European legislation and EU law.
• The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on English law.
• Advocacy and tribunals.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Explain the main sources of English law and understand the structure of the English legal system.
• Understand the relationship between English law and European legislation.
• Explain the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on English law.
• Interpret a statute and identify how statutory law operates.
• Find and interpret a UK law report.
• Interpret a law report from the European Court of Justice.

There are no formal assessments. You will be invited to submit a piece of written work on a topic of your choice, while in-class tests and presentations may also be used to support your learning.

You will receive an official City St George’s, University of London certificate if you attend more than 70% of the classes.

This short course is not formally accredited and does not carry academic credit.

No formal qualifications are required. The course is open to anyone with an interest in law, although you should be prepared to research and analyse law reports and parliamentary legislation independently.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.

• Gillespie, A. and Weare, S. (2025), The English Legal System, Oxford University Press.
• McBride, N. J. (2022), Letters to a Law Student, Pearson Education Limited.