There are students who aim to change the word using law as a vehicle, and the School of Law, Gender, and Media provides the engine. Eddie Bruce-Jones — the head of school and professor of law — is just one of the experts guiding students to understand laws in a global world, whether that’s in economic justice, global trade, human rights, or environmental policy.

“SOAS is a place where students can expand their ways of thinking for the betterment of society,” he says. “This is true at SOAS more than at other law schools, as we encourage students to engage with perspectives from around the world, some of which can be challenging.  But it is this challenge that sharpens students’ ability to critically engage with their world.”

Head of the School of Law, Gender, and Media

From the classroom to professional experience, SOAS is known for embedding the learning process in real-world contexts. It starts with professors who understand the industry best. Bruce-Jones had authored “Shadow of Law: State Violence in Contemporary Europe.” He’s a member of the editorial board of the “Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law,” among other journals. He covers topics like racial equality and migration law through research.

What students learn from faculty like Bruce-Jones are then applied at clinics like the International Human Rights Law Clinic or at work placements with the non-governmental organisation, Bail for Immigration Detainees.

“The School of Law trains students to think critically and compete for some of the best jobs in the sector,” he says. “Given our expertise in social justice and human rights, our curriculum is very well suited for preparing them to understand law in its social and political context and to best use their skills for social change.”