The main aim of the LLB (Hons) is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the law and legal skills. You will learn the principles and technical rules of law and how to apply them to analyse complex problems, construct arguments and form reasoned conclusions. You will develop your legal skills in research, analysis, problem-solving, reasoned argument and decision-making and transferable skills such as communication, IT, teamwork and leadership.

Law degrees must cover the Foundations of Legal Knowledge:

Public Law, including Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Human Rights;
Law of the European Union;
Criminal Law;
Obligations including Contract, Restitution and Tort;
Property Law; and Equity and the Law of Trusts.
In addition, students are expected to have received training in legal research.

Law degrees can be in general law or specialist subjects such as commercial, criminal or European law or taken in conjunction with other subjects such as business, socioloy or accounting. Most LLB courses are taken over three years full-time but there are many courses that can take two years full-time or four years part-time or distance learning. A wide range of subjects and methods of studying are open to you.

Applications for law degrees are made to UCAS a central admissions board for all degrees in the UK. If you are applying from the UK or European Union (EU), whatever your nationality, UCAS must receive your application between mid-September and January for your application to be considered as on-time. If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you can apply at any time between mid-September and the end of June in the year you wish to start your course, unless you are applying for Oxford University or University of Cambridge

A law degree is not needed to practice law in the UK as the Graduate Diploma in Law can be taken after a degree to 'convert' any degree subject in to a law degree. The GDL is suitable both for recent graduates and more experienced graduates from diverse backgrounds who wish to change or develop their careers. The course is offered at institutions across the country and takes one year (full time) or two years (part-time).


Interested in qualfying in the UK? To find out which course you need to take and when visit our online guide to qualifying as a lawyer in the UK