Royal Holloway University of London

STUDY In Royal Holloway’s LAW DEPARTMENT  

Studying Law at Royal Holloway, University of London is often described by students as intellectually challenging, supportive, and distinctive in its approach, particularly because of the close integration between law, criminology, and the social sciences.

One of the defining features of the Law degree at Royal Holloway is its research-led and critical orientation. From the outset, students are encouraged not only to learn the core legal principles required for a qualifying law degree, but also to question how law operates in practice — who it serves, how it is enforced, and how it shapes (and is shaped by) social, political, and global contexts. This means that alongside doctrinal subjects such as public law, contract, tort, criminal law, and EU law, students engage with broader themes like human rights, social justice, power, inequality, and regulation.

Teaching at Royal Holloway tends to be interactive and discussion-based, particularly in seminars. Lectures provide a strong conceptual foundation, while smaller-group seminars encourage debate, critical thinking, and close engagement with cases, legislation, and academic scholarship. Many students value the fact that they are taught by research-active academics whose work directly informs the content of the modules, bringing contemporary issues and real-world relevance into the classroom.

Another distinctive aspect is the close relationship between Law and Criminology. Even for students studying Law alone, this proximity creates opportunities to explore issues such as crime, punishment, policing, security, and criminal justice from multiple perspectives. Optional modules allow students to specialize in areas such as human rights, international and transnational crime, law and technology, migration, gender and sexuality, and global justice, making the degree particularly attractive to students interested in the social impact of law.

In terms of learning environment, Royal Holloway offers a campus-based experience within easy reach of central London. This combination gives students access to the legal, political, and cultural institutions of London — including courts, law firms, NGOs, and professional events — while studying in a close-knit academic community. Careers support is integrated into the degree, with guidance on both traditional legal pathways (such as solicitors and barristers) and alternative careers in policy, NGOs, international organizations, and the public sector.

Students also highlight the supportive academic culture. Personal tutors, accessible staff, and strong pastoral support help students adjust to university study and develop confidence as independent learners. Assessment methods are varied, including essays, exams, problem questions, presentations, and research projects, helping students build a broad set of academic and professional skills.

Overall, studying Law at Royal Holloway is particularly well suited to students who are curious, critical, and socially engaged, and who want more than a purely technical legal education. It offers a rigorous grounding in law, combined with the opportunity to think deeply about how law functions in the real world and how it might be improved.
 

HISTORY of Royal Holloway’s LAW Department

The study of law at Royal Holloway, University of London is a relatively modern but well-established part of the institution’s academic profile, reflecting broader changes in UK legal education and the expansion of socio-legal and interdisciplinary scholarship in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Royal Holloway itself was founded in 1886 and became a constituent college of the University of London in 1900, but for much of its early history it focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences rather than professional legal education. Law as a discrete academic discipline developed later, emerging alongside the University’s growing emphasis on social sciences and applied scholarship.

The Law department was formally established in the late 1990s, initially as a small but ambitious unit with a clear commitment to research-led teaching and critical legal studies. From the outset, it positioned itself slightly differently from more traditional, doctrinally focused law schools, placing strong emphasis on public law, human rights, criminal justice, and socio-legal approaches. This early intellectual orientation has continued to shape the department’s identity.

A significant moment in the department’s evolution was its integration with Criminology, leading to the creation of the School (now Department) of Law and Criminology. This structural decision reflected Royal Holloway’s recognition that law and criminology are deeply interconnected fields, and it helped establish the department as a national and international centre for research on crime, justice, punishment, policing, and governance. The criminology side of the School, in particular, has achieved a strong global reputation, which has in turn enriched legal scholarship through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Over the past two decades, the department has expanded its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral provision, offering qualifying law degrees, specialist LLM programmes, and PhD supervision across a wide range of legal fields. Throughout this growth, the department has maintained a strong emphasis on research excellence, critical inquiry, and societal impact, as evidenced by its performance in national research assessment exercises and its involvement in policy-facing and internationally collaborative projects.

Today, the Law department at Royal Holloway is known for its strengths in public law, human rights, criminal law, international and transnational justice, law and technology, gender and sexuality, migration, and socio-legal studies. Its history is therefore best understood not as a long-established traditional law faculty, but as a purposefully developed, research-intensive department that has grown alongside — and helped shape — contemporary debates about the role of law in society. 
 

Areas of Legal expertise in Royal Holloway’s Law Department

At Royal Holloway Law and Criminology, the primary areas of research sit within public law, human rights, and the interaction between law, governance, and society, with a particular focus on how legal frameworks respond to contemporary social, technological, and institutional change. Much of the work is driven by questions about accountability, access to justice, and the lived impact of legal regulation, rather than law in isolation as a purely doctrinal exercise.

Within the higher education and legal communities, Royal Holloway is particularly known for its strong critical and socio-legal tradition. Colleagues across the School are recognized for work in areas such as criminology, criminal justice, human rights, public law, gender and sexuality, migration, security, technology and law, and global justice. The School has a strong reputation for research that is theoretically informed, empirically grounded, and socially engaged, which is reflected in the School’s publications, policy engagement, and external collaborations.

One of the distinctive features of their teaching and research profile is the way they embed cutting-edge research directly into the curriculum. They offer specialist and innovative courses that reflect staff expertise, including areas such as human rights law, international and transnational crime, policing and security, law and technology, law and social justice, and critical approaches to criminal law. These modules are attractive to students because they connect doctrinal foundations with real-world issues, contemporary debates, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Research at Royal Holloway is characterized by both depth and breadth. They excel in interdisciplinary and cross-cutting research, often working at the intersection of law with criminology, politics, international relations, sociology, digital humanities, and geography. The University’s broader research strengths — for example in security studies, data science, media arts, and social sciences — provide a fertile environment for innovative legal scholarship.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is not only encouraged but actively supported. Within the Law School, they work closely with colleagues across the School of Law and Criminology, and more widely across the University through research centres, doctoral training, and funded projects. Many of the research initiatives involve joint supervision of PhD students, cross-departmental grants, and collaborative events, reflecting the belief that some of the most pressing legal questions — from technological governance to global inequality — cannot be addressed from a single disciplinary perspective.

Overall, what distinguishes Royal Holloway is a combination of research excellence, critical engagement, and a strong commitment to teaching-research synergy, all within a collegial and intellectually vibrant environment.
 

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Study Somewhere That Feels Like a Movie Set (Because It Literally Is)

At Royal Holloway, you get the best of both worlds — two amazing locations, one unforgettable university experience.

The main campus in Egham is seriously stunning, it’s got everything: the iconic Founder’s Building with fairytale-style towers, a high-tech modern library, cutting-edge teaching spaces, and top-tier sports facilities — all surrounded by leafy woodlands and even waterfalls. It’s no wonder they’ve been the backdrop for Heartstopper, The Crown, Downton Abbey, You, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and more.  

Need a taste of city life? They’ve got that too. Their central London campus is buzzing with energy and hosts some of the postgraduate courses — so you’ll still feel that connection to the heart of the capital.

Just a 40-minute train ride to London, the Egham campus gives you that peaceful, safe, close-knit community vibe, with the buzz of the city right on your doorstep. Whether you're studying, exploring, or just chilling with friends, you'll find your place there fast.

Royal Holloway isn’t just a university — it’s a place that feels like home (with just a little extra movie magic).
 

STUDENT SUPPORT AT Royal holloway, university of london

You’re Not Just a Student Here — You’re Part of a Community

At Royal Holloway, you’ll be part of a diverse and welcoming community where students and staff from all over the world come together. It’s the kind of place where people look out for each other — whether you need academic advice, career guidance, or just someone to talk to.

Here’s how they’ve got your back from day one:

• 🎓 Award-winning careers support – Get help finding part-time jobs, placement years, and planning your next steps — not just while you’re there, but for up to two years after you graduate.
• 👩‍🏫 Personal tutor – You’ll have a go-to person in your department to check in with, answer questions, and make sure you’re staying on track.
• ✍️ Academic Skills team – Struggling with writing, maths, or presentations? They’re here to help you level up your skills and feel confident.
• ♿ Support for disabilities & neurodiversity – From exam arrangements to library help and diagnostic assessments, they’ll make sure you have what you need to succeed.
• 🩺 On-campus NHS GP & wellbeing support – Your physical and mental health matters. The medical centre and wellbeing teams are here whenever you need them.
• 💸 Money advice – Whether it’s budgeting, student finance, or unexpected costs, the Financial team can help you stay on top of your money.
• 🛡️ 24/7 campus security – Feel safe and supported at all times.
• 🧠 Students’ Union Advice Centre – Independent, free advice on everything from housing to academic worries (or anything else life throws at you).
• 🌍 Study Abroad & Placement Year teams – Thinking global? Royal Holloway will help you make it happen.
• ✈️ International Student Support – Moving to the UK? Their International Advice team will help you settle in and feel at home.

Whether you're chasing big dreams, navigating new experiences, or just figuring things out — Royal Holloway is there to support you every step of the way.
 

Royal Holloway’s FACILITIES  

Explore Royal Holloway’s Amazing Facilities — Designed with You in Mind

Royal Holloway’s campus is more than just beautiful — it’s packed with world-class facilities that make studying, socializing, and relaxing a total breeze.

Founder’s Building: This iconic, castle-like building isn’t just stunning — it’s home to lecture theatres, lecture halls, and stunning spaces that blend history with modern learning. It’s the heart of campus and a favourite spot for students to meet up.

The Beatrice Shilling Building: Step inside this modern, tech-packed building for cutting-edge labs, classrooms, and study zones. It’s where science, engineering, and computer science students get hands-on with the latest equipment and research.

The Emily Wilding Davison Building: A creative hub for arts, drama, and music, this space has rehearsal studios, performance theatres, and recording facilities, perfect if you want to explore your artistic side or perform on stage.

The Library: More than just books — it’s a buzzing student hotspot with quiet study zones, group workspaces, and super-fast Wi-Fi. Open late during exam season, it’s where you can focus or collaborate with friends.

Sports Centre: Whether you’re into football, netball, gym workouts, or dance, their fully equipped sports centre has it all. There are multiple sports halls, fitness studios, pitches, and courts ready for everyone, from beginners to club players.

Student Union Building: This is the social hub — packed with cafes, event spaces, and comfy corners to chill with friends. The SU hosts everything from parties and live gigs to club meetings and charity events, making campus life unforgettable.

Halls of Residence: From the historic rooms in Founder’s Building to modern townhouses with en-suite bathrooms, there’s something for every taste and budget. Living on campus means you’re close to all the action and a friendly community.

On campus, Royal Holloway also has;

• Mock Court rooms
• MRI Machine
• Production and recording studios
• Virtual Reality equipment  
• Two nightclubs

SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT royal Holloway, university of lONDON

Uni life isn’t just about lectures — it’s about finding your people, trying new things, and having a blast along the way.

At Royal Holloway, there are tons of ways to get involved. Love being active? They’ve got over 35 sports clubs to choose from — whether you're super competitive, just looking to stay fit, or want to try something new for fun. From American Football to Volleyball (plus more niche stuff like Ultimate Frisbee, Pickleball and Archery), there’s genuinely something for everyone. Not sure where to start? Free taster sessions make it easy to give things a go.

More into music, drama, gaming, or exploring new cultures? Their Students' Union runs loads of societies covering everything from creative arts and performance to faith, food, fandoms and everything in between. Whether you want to meet like-minded mates, dive into something totally new, or just hang out doing what you love — there's a society (or five) for that.

Whatever you're into, there's a place for you here.
 

ACCOMMODATION AT Royal holloway, university of london

Your First Home Away from Home

Your uni room isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s where you’ll chill with your flatmates, binge Netflix, cram for deadlines (sometimes), and start making unforgettable memories.

At Royal Holloway, there are 11 on-campus halls of residence, offering loads of choice to suit your lifestyle and budget. You can go classic with a room in their famous Founder’s Building (seriously, it looks like Hogwarts) or pick something more modern like their stylish townhouses.

There’s something for everyone:

• 💡 En-suite or shared bathrooms — your choice
• 🍽️ Catered or self-catered options — no pressure to cook if you don’t want to
• 🛌 Alcohol-free accommodation — available if that’s your vibe
• 💸 A range of prices — so you can find what works for your budget

Plus, wherever you live, you’ll have:

• 🔐 Secure keycard access and 24/7 campus security
• 🧺 On-site laundry rooms
• 📶 Fast Wi-Fi
• 🛠️ On-call maintenance team
• 🎮 Common rooms in most halls for gaming, movies, or just hanging out
• 🌳 A beautiful campus to explore just outside your door

Living on campus makes it easy to get involved, meet new people, and feel part of a close-knit community from the moment you arrive. It’s safe, social, and set up to help you settle in fast.

This isn’t just student accommodation — it’s your home away from home.
 

Canadian focus and InterNationalisation  

A Global Community Where You’re Never Alone

Almost a third of Royal Holloway students come from outside the UK, and their alumni network spans 165 countries — so you’ll be joining a truly diverse and international family.

If you’re an international student, their International Advice team is here to make sure your uni journey is smooth from day one. Got questions about visas, immigration, or funding? They’ve got your back.

Plus, to help you settle in, they’ll organize a free airport pick-up from London Heathrow, so your first moments in the UK feel welcoming and stress-free. Their “New to the UK” programme covers everything you need — from opening a bank account and registering with a doctor, to understanding your work rights and finding a part-time job. You’ll also get the chance to meet other new students and make friends right away.

At Royal Holloway, you’re not just joining a university — you’re joining a community that supports you every step of the way. 
 

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS

Get Real Work Experience While You Study

At Royal Holloway, they know that what you do outside the classroom is just as important as what you learn inside it. That’s why many of their courses are shaped by industry experts — so you’re learning skills that employers actually want.

Royal Holloway is proud to be in the top for research, and that’s why so many organizations choose to partner with them. From building reading apps for people with sight loss, smashing barriers to elite careers, using sports to reduce reoffending in prisons, to uncovering hidden stories of women in art — their research tackles real issues that matter.

But it doesn’t stop there. Lots of students go on to complete year-long placements or internships with top companies, charities, or public organizations. These placements give you a chance to try out your dream career, build a professional network, and gain experience that’ll make your CV stand out.

Whether you’re helping develop innovative tech, working on real marketing campaigns, or supporting community projects, placements at Royal Holloway open doors and give you a head start on your career.

Plus, their departments provide advice and support to help you find the right placement for you — so you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you want a degree that leads to a job you love, and the chance to get hands-on experience before you graduate, Royal Holloway is the place to be.
 

Internships and study abroad options

Travel the World While You Study

Royal Holloway is one of the most international universities in the UK, and they make it easy for you to take your degree global with three awesome study abroad programmes to choose from:

• International Exchange 
  Fancy studying somewhere amazing outside Europe? As an undergrad, you can spend a year at one of their partner universities across Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Mexico, or the USA. Imagine living and learning in a totally new country — it’s the ultimate adventure!
• European Exchange 
  If you’re in certain departments, you can spend your year abroad in Europe — not just studying, but also working, being a language assistant in a school, or gaining experience at a university or business school. Popular spots include Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden. It’s a great way to boost your CV and explore new cultures close to home.
• International Summer School 
  Not ready to commit to a whole year abroad? No problem! Royal Holloway’s partner universities offer summer school options — shorter, fun, and packed with international experience.

Whatever you choose, studying abroad with Royal Holloway is your chance to make friends from around the world, experience new cultures, and add some serious wow-factor to your uni experience.
 

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Get Ready for Your Dream Job — Even Before You Graduate

At Royal Holloway, they don’t just teach you stuff for exams — they get you ready for the real world. Every course is designed to help you build the skills employers actually want, with input from industry experts who know what it takes to stand out.

Want to level up even more? You can apply for a Placement Year — a whole year where you can either work, volunteer, or even study abroad. It’s the perfect way to get hands-on experience and discover what kind of career suits you best. Don’t worry, Royal Holloway’s dedicated Placement Year Team will guide you every step of the way.

And it doesn’t stop there. The Careers Service is with you from day one, and for two years after you graduate, offering advice on everything from writing killer applications and prepping for interviews, to finding part-time jobs and making connections with employers and successful alumni.

With Royal Holloway, you’ll finish your degree confident, skilled, and ready to crush it in your future career.
 

STUDY IN surrey

The Best of Both Worlds — Campus Life and City Vibes

Royal Holloway’s campus is set in beautiful Surrey, just outside the M25 — so you get the perfect mix of chill countryside and easy access to the buzz of London.

The campus is right near the pretty village of Englefield Green and just a 10-minute walk from the town of Egham, where you’ll find shops, cafes, and places to hang out with friends.  

Got a craving for big-city fun? Central London is just a quick train ride away, packed with endless entertainment, gigs, and cultural hotspots.

Love sports? You’re close to world-famous venues like Wimbledon and Twickenham, and Heathrow Airport is only 7 miles away — plus, their International Team arranges free airport pick-ups to make arriving hassle-free.

When you want a break from studying, you can explore nearby towns like Staines, Windsor, Richmond, and Kingston — all great for shopping, eating out, catching a movie, or hitting the theatre. If you need some peace and quiet, the stunning parklands of Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water are perfect spots to relax, clear your head, or get inspired.

Whether you want to kick back, catch a live show, play sport, or just explore, Royal Holloway’s got you covered. 
 

Why STUDY AT Royal holloway, university of london

Join a Friendly Community That Really Cares

At Royal Holloway, you’re not just another face in the crowd — you become part of a close-knit community where world-class teachers actually get to know you and help you grow your passions.

For over 170 years, Royal Holloway has been breaking down barriers and making university education open to everyone — especially those who didn’t think uni was for them. They don’t shy away from asking the tough questions, because they are here to make a real difference — to society, the world, and to you.

If you want a place that supports you, challenges you, and celebrates what makes you unique, Royal Holloway is where you belong.

Take the leap. Join Royal Holloway and start shaping your story today