Oxford law reading list

Hi,
I’ve been offered a place to study law at Trinity College Oxford, starting in October. My place is conditional on my grades, but I was hoping to get ahead on reading during the holiday whilst I have some free time. I was therefore wondering if any past oxford law student, or even any law students in general, had a copy of the reading list they were given for the first year. I know there might be a few changes, but I’m sure any extra reading will be beneficial anyway. I believe my first two modules will be Roman Law and Constitutional Law, so if anyone has any recommendations for an introduction to these that’d also be greatly appreciated
Thanks,
James

They’ve asked for AAA but I have to wait until August to find out if I get the grades! Thanks

Haha, thank you for the kind message, I was so suprised when I got the letter saying I got an offer! I did do some reading, but tried to do a range of things such as visit the courts, get work expereince, and generally find related to law. The overall aim is to show the tutors that you have a genuine interest in the subject. I can only pass on advice from my own experience, but I don’t think there’s any ‘magic formula’ of an application other than showing that you really want to study the course.
For Law AAA is currently the standard offer, although I’ve heard it might be changing?
Are you thinking of applying for law or just general Oxford advice? I’m happy to offer an help I can give you either way, or more specific advice for Law if that’s the case
James

Hi,
Thank you very much. For work experience I didn’t really have any direct contacts who worked in law so asked all my friends if they had any parents or family or friends that they’d be willing to put me in contact with. It seemed not to work at first but eventually I found a friend who’s dad knew someone, and he gave me someone at the firms email address, and it all worked out from there. My mum also spoke to someone who used to be our neighbour who is a lawyer and that also worked out. I was quite worried about not having work expereince as neither of these fell into place until quite late on, however in retrospect and having spoken to people at interview it’s not as crucial as I first thought. It’s certainly a good thing to be able to write and talk about, as it shows you’ve actively gone and pursued your interests, but the skills are possibly less applicable for Uni as they are for your legal career in the long run.
For visiting courts, most local courts and crown courts will have a public gallery that you can just go and watch. I don’t know where you live, so this might not be possible, but I went and visited the Old Bailey in London during the summer, the cases there are much more interesting. Again, this is by no means compulsory, you just want a few things to be able to talk about in your personal statement.
For reading, one thing I did that might have made a difference for my personal statement was I read H.L.A Hart’s ‘the Legal Concept’ which is about jurisprudence. There are other similar books you can read but Hart’s work is well recognised, but isn’t seen as a ‘basic’ book. The best bit about this is that Oxford’s course focuses on jurisprudence, so it shows the tutor that you’re not only interested in studying law, you’re interested in law at Oxford!
More general advice, start your personal statement early, no later than this sort of time in the summer between Yr11 and 13, that way you have a comfortable amount of time to redraft (believe me you’ll do this way more times than you’d imagine).
Get advice from teachers, I’m not sure what your schools like and if you have good support, but I’m sure there’ll be people that have experience with Uni applications that will be more than happy to help, and don’t be scared to ask them multiple times to look over it and get advice.
If you’d like my email adress or Facebook for any specific questions or help now or nearer to the time I’d be more than happy to help. Hopefully this is useful,
James

Hi,
I’ve been offered a place to study law at Trinity College Oxford, starting in October. My place is conditional on my grades, but I was hoping to get ahead on reading during the holiday whilst I have some free time. I was therefore wondering if any past Oxford law student, or even any law students in general had a copy of the reading list they were given for the first year. I know there might be a few changes, but I’m sure any extra reading will be beneficial anyway. I believe my first two modules will be Roman Law and Constitutional Law, so if anyone has any recommendations for an introduction to these that’d also be greatly appreciated
Thanks,
James

Hiya James,

Thank you for all the information!

I am hoping to secure some work experience from a barrister at the council but there’s a lawyer I know who may be able to help but I’m so awkward about asking! It’s probably less crucial than many of us Year 11 borderline 12s and all the way to the day of beginning uni think (when you finally meet other candidates). Old Bailey is a really good idea, so would you write about this or is this more for you to just understand? I live in London as well!

I will definitely have a look at the book you’ve suggested, I’m planning on reading Letters from a Law student or something! What a good thing to happen though!! It makes sense to read into what the course is about! I wouldn’t know where to start for my personal statement and I am hoping my sixth form are helpful with this.

If I could have your email address or Facebook (or both 🙈 if that’s not too weird) that would be amazing! I’ll send you a PM if suitable

Hi,
I’ve been offered a place to study law at Trinity College Oxford, starting in October. My place is conditional on my grades, but I was hoping to get ahead on reading during the holiday whilst I have some free time. I was therefore wondering if any past Oxford law student, or even any law students in general had a copy of the reading list they were given for the first year. I know there might be a few changes, but I’m sure any extra reading will be beneficial anyway. I believe my first two modules will be Roman Law and Constitutional Law, so if anyone has any recommendations for an introduction to these that’d also be greatly appreciated
Thanks,
James