This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
If people are unable to support themselves financially should the state step in? Is poverty a social fact or a social problem that the law can alleviate? The UK spends in excess of £250 billion per year on benefits and pensions. Some consider this to be both unaffordable and unjustified. But for many claimants the financial support is inadequate and the claim process is impersonal and demeaning.
In this module you will examine the law and structure of the UK's welfare state through the lens of welfare rights and the perspective of claimants. You will develop knowledge of benefits law: the eligibility rules around ill-health, disability and immigration status, the obligations the state requires of claimants and their legal rights to challenge/appeal benefit decisions.
By the end of the module you will be familiar with the UK's benefits system. You will be able to identify the interrelationships between welfare law and other areas of law such as: public law, housing law, criminal law, immigration law. You will also critically engage with the ongoing debates as to the future of welfare and whether welfare rights are human rights.
Lectures -8 hours
Seminars-12 hours
Clinic workshop-12 hours
Written- Visual representation - Individual poster 'Information leaflet' (no presentation)- No larger than A3- worth 25% of total marks for the module
Practical- Practical Competency- Role play of short answer problem-based questions - Maximum 3000 words OR 15 minutes audio recording- worth 75% of total marks for the module- This assessment is pass compulsory.
Reassessment methods - Single instrument 100% written assessment (3,000 words)
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Identify and apply relevant benefits laws and procedures to complex factual situations.
2) Analyse the political, social and legal principles said to underly the welfare state.
3) Critically appraise the impact of benefits law and policy on people, in particular those with diverse vulnerabilities.
4) Critically evaluate whether welfare rights are social and economic rights, incorporating arguments from contemporary debates and theoretical frameworks.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.