http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32859 2026-04-27T11:00:28Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33153 Title: Qualifying an LLB: Elective Module Provision and LLB Curriculum Design Authors: Giles, C; Ang, Y Abstract: Historically, the structure of LLBs in England and Wales has been described as ‘fairly uniform’ focusing on a specific range of “core” subjects: with a significant proportion of undergraduate law degrees being predetermined—in recent years—by the requirements of Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) status. The recent demise of QLD status as a requirement of qualification as a Solicitor and the curtailed involvement of the professional regulators in shaping the content of the undergraduate curriculum has not, or not yet, been met with a widespread ‘radical curriculum remodelling’. Yet, there is already a degree of diversity within contemporary curricula. In this paper, we explore the provision of elective modules at providers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We argue that the traditional QLD subjects continue to play a significant role, not just in terms of the “core” undergraduate curriculum but also the wider elective curriculum. However, there is also a broader range of subjects beyond those seen in past curriculums—requiring us to question what qualifies as a “law” degree in 2024—which creates additional complexities for providers (re-)designing curricula to facilitate these broader electives and considering these subjects’ significance in shaping the future of legal education. Description: Presented at Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference, Swansea University, 10-12 April 2024. Parallel Session 2 - Session B. 2024-04-10T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33152 Title: What qualifies a law degree: surveying elective module provision in undergraduate legal education across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023–2024 Authors: Giles, C; Ang, Y Abstract: This paper explores the contemporary elective module provision in undergraduate English law degrees. The demise of the qualifying law degree as a requirement to pursue qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales means that providers of undergraduate English law degrees now have increasing flexibility over the structure and content of courses. This paper reviews elective modules offered at providers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the academic year 2023–2024 and finds that while there is increasing diversity among elective provision when compared to historic provision, there is also a degree of standardisation among degree providers. It discusses the significance of this standardisation in the post-qualifying law degree world and develops seven themes based on current elective provision to highlight the broader trends in elective provision. It then concludes by arguing that the legacy of the qualifying law degree is clearly influencing the new normal and suggests several questions which this raises for undergraduate legal education going forward. Description: An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Association of Law Teachers’ 2024 Annual Conference. 2025-01-22T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33029 Title: A qualitative exploration of how never-married, childless single career women cope with singlism in Nigeria Authors: Mojeed-Sanni, B; Babatunde, A; Mordi, C; Ajonbadi, H; Mordi, T; Adeoti, A Abstract: Purpose: Using Goffman's stigma theory as a conceptual lens, this study explores how single, never-married and childless professional women cope with singlism from an African context. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 female academics and medical doctors, and these interviews constitute the material data available at the time of conducting this research. The study was undertaken in Nigeria – a pro-marriage society, where those of marriageable ages experience workplace stigmatisation on the basis of their marital status. Findings: The results of our thematic analysis indicate participants demonstrating coping actions at work that surrender to values that idealise marriage by either pretending to be married or entering romantic relationships to save face. Findings also unveiled participants' thinking of changing jobs and/or relocating from Nigeria as coping strategies against workplace discrimination associated with singlism. Research limitations/implications: The study conceptualises the significance of context with a focus on institutional conformity to collectivist norms, informing the strategies used to cope with workplace biases against singleness. However, it raises new challenges for human resource practitioners to address egocentric tendencies that discriminate against singles based on their marital statuses. Originality/value: This article makes a unique and original contribution to stigma management research that is rarely considered in studies on singlism. The value of this article is particularly significant given the broader underrepresentation of the African context in psychological research. 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32893 Title: Continuing Contestation of the Concept of Democracy: A Norm or a Right? Authors: Conway, G Abstract: Democracy was one of the concepts given by Gallie as contested, and the practice and articulation of the concept since Gallie wrote in the 1950s suggest the understanding of democracy as a jural concept remains disputed. Gallie’s theory of an essentially contested concept supposed there exists recognised or shared ideas of political or philosophical importance subject nonetheless to ongoing contestation as to their meaning that is not marginal. More recent scholarship has tended to affirm Gallie’s analysis of democracy, with refinements about how to articulate the extent or character of contestedness, and notwithstanding the widespread adoption of democratic systems of government after the Cold War. Held identifies over ten different conceptions as to how a democracy can be structured, while scholars also disagree about the measurement of a democratic standard whatever the structural form self-described democratic institutions may take, especially regarding the concept of participation and regarding procedural and substantive accounts of democracy (or of the quality of democracy). Scholars have also recently disputed the status of democracy as a ‘right’, in the sense of it having a normative status beyond what recognition may be given to it in particular national systems. While the notion of democracy as a right may be considered the strongest expression of its normative value, international practice, including, for example, in the EU and Council of Europe, has strengthened claims for the global normative standing of democracy beyond individual States. Taking Gallie’s concept of essentially contested concepts as a starting point, this paper considers to what extent a core normative content of the concept of democracy can be identified, including to what extent the concept overlaps or interacts with other politically and legally endorsed norms such as rights and the rule of law. Description: 20 slides. 2024-07-07T00:00:00Z