University News Last updated 04 August
Birmingham City University (BCU) and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in New York are marking a new chapter in their transatlantic partnership with their Law and Social Justice Summer School.
Earlier this summer (June 2026) BCU law, sociology and criminology students travelled to New York for a 10-day immersive programme combining academic study with real-world learning. Students visited the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty and New York's criminal courts, engaging with global institutions and legal environments.
Phoebe Heath, a second-year Sociology BCU student, described the experience as transformative and explained how it has helped to cement her future education and career plans.
“The discussions we had with other students and academics demonstrated that the law is not isolated from society, and that it plays a central role in shaping and addressing complex social challenges,” she said.
“Learning about Human Rights on an international scale and visiting the United Nations Headquarters was a defining moment for me on this trip. It was there that I could finally picture a career where I could contribute to meaningful change on a global scale.
“It’s also confirmed my ambition to pursue a Master’s degree in International Law. I can now see a clear path towards developing my passion academically and, ultimately, transforming my university role as a Social Justice Ambassador into a lifelong career dedicated to justice and human rights.
“This trip has been an opportunity that challenged me, inspired me, and changed the way I see my potential.”
Following 15 years of collaboration between the two universities, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed.
In previous years, BCU law students have undertaken internships with Pace Law professors, while staff and students from both law schools have co-authored human rights reports submitted to the United Nations through The UPR Project at BCU.
The agreement paves the way for an expanded programme of joint activity with a particular focus on growing opportunities through the BCU Law Clinic, reflecting both Universities' shared commitment to preparing students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
“After 15 years of collaboration, we're delighted to cement our partnership through this MOU and reaffirm our commitment to future collaboration,” said Professor Sarah Cooper, Professor of Interdisciplinary Research and Criminal Justice at BCU.
“The Summer School was a wonderful reflection of our shared commitment to social justice, innovative teaching and experiential learning, while helping to develop the globally minded, critically engaged graduates who will shape the future of the legal profession and wider society.”
Professor Lissa Griffin, Professor of Law at Pace University said: “We are delighted to have added this enriching experience to our long-standing partnership with BCU.
“It has been a privilege to engage such exceptional BCU students and staff in exploring the many dimensions of social justice.
“We look forward to welcoming another group next year and continuing to deepen students’ understanding of their own strengths and the vital role they can play in advancing a more just society.”
Following the success of the inaugural programme, BCU and Pace have confirmed that the Law and Social Justice Summer School will run again in 2027, open to students across BCU's School of Law and Social Sciences.
Image: Staff and students from BCU visiting PACE University in New York