LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Explaining Punishment: Philosophy, Political Economy, Sociology
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS LL4CL
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Half UnitCourse Size
- 20 hoursTeaching Time (Autumn Term)
- 22Total Students (2024/25)
- 22Average Class Size (2024/25)
- FHEQ Level 7Academic Level
- YesControlled Access
This half-unit course, LL4CL, provides a comprehensive examination of the theories that explain and justify the practice of punishment, a fundamental aspect of criminal law. It delves into philosophical, sociological, political economy, and comparative perspectives on punishment. The course will critically analyse major philosophical justifications and critiques of state punishment, alongside sociological and political economy explanations. Key topics covered include classical philosophical justifications, restorative justice, sociological and political economy perspectives, comparative approaches to punishment, punishment as a cultural phenomenon and exercise of power, and penal abolitionism. The course aims to equip students with a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of punishment.
Curriculum
The course content is delivered through seminars over the Autumn Term, with a reading week in Week 6. Students are required to submit one essay and give one presentation in the Autumn Term. The final assessment is a 100% exam in the Spring term.
- Autumn Term
- Classical philosophical justifications of punishment
- Restorative justice
- Punishment from the perspective of sociology and political economy
- Comparative approaches to punishment
- Sociology of punishment: Punishment as a cultural phenomenon
- Sociology of punishment: Punishment as an exercise of power and authority
- Penal abolitionism
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Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition fees and living costs are not specified on the course page. Please refer to LSE's general admissions and fees information for details.
How to apply
1. Check Eligibility and Programme AvailabilityEnsure you are enrolled in an eligible programme (LLM, MSc Law and Finance, MSc Regulation, or other programmes where permitted) or are a University of Pennsylvania Law School LLM Visiting Student.
2. Application ProcessFor LLM, MSc Regulation, and MSc Law and Finance students: Priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis. For all other eligible students: Requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis starting from 10 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, if spaces permit.
3. Confirm Pre-requisitesBy submitting an application, you confirm that you meet any specified pre-requisites for the course.
4. No Additional Statements RequiredProviding an additional written statement will not improve your chances of acceptance; these statements are not reviewed.