Making the most of your opportunities
Oluwafunbi is studying a Law LLB (Hons) at Coventry Law School.Her ambition is to become a barrister specialising in social justice law.
Overview
Studying Law provides the opportunity to help to sharpen the mind, build an analytical skillset and develop your problem-solving abilities, which could help to set you up for a potential future legal or business career.
Our LLB Law (Hons) course will focus on the ‘foundations of legal knowledge’ in years one and two and then offers you the opportunity to specialise in a specific area of law in your final year. These specialist areas include Business Law, Trade and Finance Law, International Law, Criminal Law and Justice, and Social Justice, as well as an option to pursue a pathway giving a broader approach to legal study, General Law. This course structure gives you the chance to gain a grounding in crucial legal knowledge, coupled with specialist insight– allowing you the opportunity, upon successful completion, to gain sector relevant knowledge that can help differentiate you in the employment market.
Our learning facilities, which include a mock court room known as the Moot Room, our teaching expertise and hands-on approach aim to provide you with the confidence and knowledge to explore legal topics and issues. In addition, our focus on employability could help you get the skills needed for your potential future career options, and our membership with the International Association of Law Schools can offer you many global opportunities to help to enhance your learning experience.
With over 50 years’ experience of teaching law, Coventry University’s Law LLB (Hons) degree is designed for potential career options in law, but is equally suitable if you wish to pursue a potential future career in business.
From 2021, to become a Solicitor and/or Barrister in England and Wales you must either have an undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience (for example, by completing a degree level apprenticeship). Importantly, a Coventry undergraduate law degree should prepare candidates for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Stage 1 test, as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in order to become a Solicitor, and for the Academic pathway, as required by the Bar Standards Board in order to become a Barrister. Please note that both routes/pathways to qualification are subject to competitive application, criteria, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
International Association of Law Schools
Coventry Law School is a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of around 160 law schools from over 55 countries, representing around 7,500 law faculty members. Having this status allows our law students the opportunity for a variety of international experiences, including with our partner institutions across the world. This membership is renewed annually, and there is currently no intention for this membership to lapse, however if our membership was not renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible. Please note international experiences are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.
European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)
Coventry Law School is also a member of the European Law Faculties Association with over 250 members from Europe and beyond. This membership is renewed annually, and there is currently no intention for this membership to lapse, however if our membership was not renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Our Facilities
Moot Room
Coventry Law School is proud to have it's own mock courtroom located centrally on campus, where our students can practice their legal skills in a realistic environment.
Business Simulation Suite
Coventry Business School's Business Simulation Suite utilises the latest business simulation software to give students the opportunity to improve their business skills.
Trading Floor
Students have opportunities to practice simulated trading and other finance-related activities using the various types of demo software available in the Trading Floor.
What our students say
Being able to volunteer at the different law clinics while studying at Coventry University is something I have really enjoyed. Not only have I represented clients in Tribunals and gained work experience through this, I have also had the opportunity to visit South Africa and gain legal experience at the Stellenbosch University Legal Clinic!
I have been part of the exchange trip to China and the South Africa trip through the Legal Clinic. Both these trips have been very enjoyable and expanded my cultural awareness and well as the legal systems of these nations. They have mostly been educational but also included some sightseeing of some beautiful countries! I was able to watch Pandas in their natural habitats in China, as well as seen Penguins along the coastal line of Cape Town.
Course information
A key feature of our Law LLB (Hons) course is that it allows you to specialise in a specific area of law in your final year, while covering ‘the foundations of legal knowledge’ in the first two years. In addition to this, you will have the opportunity to undertake a ‘UK work placement’ or ‘study/work abroad’* year, which could add valuable work experience or international experience to your CV.
The Law LLB (Hons) course provides an opportunity for you to develop your subject knowledge, alongside both specific practical legal skills, and other more transferable skills. This course aims to contribute to your potential future preparation for Stage 1 of the Solicitors Qualification Examination (subject to competitive application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply), as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or potential future preparation for the Bar Professional Training Course and a potential future career at the Bar (subject to competitive application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply).
However, the utility of the course is not restricted to those who wish to pursue a potential future career within the legal profession. The skills and attributes which should be developed and acquired throughout the course can be translatable to many other positive potential future career options. For more detail please see the Study Themes and On Completion sections of this webpage.
In your final year, you are able to choose from a specialist legal pathway, which aims to give you a deeper understanding of an area of law that interests you. You can also choose to follow a pathway offering a broader approach to law. The offered pathways are:
- Business Law
- Trade and Finance Law
- International Law
- Criminal Law and Justice
- Social Justice
- General Law
These pathways comprise a suite of complementary modules relating to the particular area of specialism, combining both substantive legal modules and pathway specific practical legal skills. Although primarily specialised in nature, the pathways are designed to demonstrate the inter-connectivity of law and to allow you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of a particular legal area, as well as how it connects with others.
We recognise the importance of adding value to your CV and have done this by incorporating a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module into each year of your course. Our CPD modules and employability support team will support your engagement with work experience opportunities, including the clinical legal education opportunities offered by Coventry Law School through its law clinic provisions, which are subject to availability and competitive application. You also have the chance to tailor your CPD programme to your own individual interests and needs, thus designed to provide a unique individual experience. Please note that work experience opportunities are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements, and additional costs may apply.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Excellent links with local firms of solicitors and practitioners.
In more detail...
Our course aims to provide the essential foundations of legal knowledge and focuses on the development of your practical legal skills, which can help put you in an excellent position for potential future careers within or outside the legal profession.
Law has been taught at Coventry University for over 50 years and we are currently staffed by over 40 highly experienced academics and former practitioners, who bring their professional and/or research expertise into teaching; our faculty take pride in providing friendly, accessible support and guidance as well as inspirational teaching.
We offer specific tuition for the enhancement of legal writing skills with a view to potential publication, as well as practical legal skills modules to enhance your employability. You may also have the opportunity to undertake pro bono work with real clients in Coventry Law Centre Legal Clinic, which was established to provide students with experience in a real legal environment. Under the supervision of a senior solicitor from the Law Centre, you may have the chance to interview and obtain information from clients. The clinic, which provides full training on client handling and ongoing guidance and information, is supported by Allen and Overy Solicitors, who also provide a team of lawyers to discuss the cases with students in order to help them work out a solution to their legal problems.
We currently enjoy professional links with an extensive range of legal organisations, such as Coventry City Council, Warwickshire Law Society and the Junior Lawyers Division.
Our employability team, the Talent Team can offer you dedicated employment support to help you apply for a work placement*. You’ll also have the option to spend a year studying overseas*, gaining the international experience many businesses now seek from graduates (which may be subject to additional fees, application processes and/or be limited by number of places).
The Coventry University student Law Society is one of the most active societies on campus, aiming to provide academic support for its members, networking opportunities and hosting large social events, including a Winter Ball (subject to availability and additional fees may apply).
Our active Law School provides lots of opportunities for extra-curricular activities, including specialist guest speakers (subject to availability) which in the past have included Lord Justice Ryder, the Victims’ Commissioner, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, Government Legal Department, Law Commission and the Chancellor of the High Court. We also host regular networking events to enable you to meet representatives from local firms and judiciary (subject to availability), as well as representatives from a variety of local organisations who sit on our School Advisory Board, which reviews our course content regularly so that we can update it to reflect the new developments and requirements of the profession and business.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- A dedicated ‘Moot Room’ to help develop your advocacy skills and provide the opportunity for you to experience a modern courtroom environment.
- Benefit from a Law School which is a member of the International Association of Law Schools.
- Study a course which gives you the opportunity to gain a solid grounding in Law alongside a number of options for specialisation.
- Opportunity to gain from our experience - Law has been taught at Coventry University for over 50 years.
- Chance to participate in the Coventry Law Centre Legal Clinic, which could help you gain legal skills in a real world environment, working with real clients (subject to availability and a competitive application process).
- Opportunity to study an Add+vantage module each year; allowing you to specialise in a subject not related to Law, such as a language, giving you the chance to obtain that added extra when applying for potential future jobs.
- Mentoring scheme with the Warwickshire Law Society Young Lawyers, which has been in place since 2015 and available for up to 30 students per year (subject to availability and a competitive application process).
- Annual Law Student Conference, where you have the opportunity to apply to present a paper with the possibility of publication in the Coventry Law Journal.
- Regular guest lectures from employers who specialise in different areas of the law, which can help to assist you to build your professional network (subject to availability).
- Opportunity to take part in our annual mooting competition (subject to availability).
Established student exchange links with universities across Europe.
The course structure is based upon you undertaking Core modules in Years 1 and 2 which primarily consist of the ‘foundations of legal knowledge’. These will be complimented by modules in Year 1 which aim to help you develop the skills and expertise required for the study of law and by a module in Year 2, which will introduce you to a range of practical legal skills, providing the opportunity to help to contextualise your understanding of the modules studied to that point on the course.
The final year of the course provides you with the opportunity to specialise through the choice of one of the legal pathways provided on the course: Business Law, Trade and Finance Law, International Law, Criminal Law and Justice, Social Justice, or a pathway focused on Law more broadly, General Law.
These pathways will comprise of a suite of complimentary modules pertaining to the particular area of specialism, combining both substantive legal modules and pathway specific practical legal skills. Although primarily specialised in nature, the pathways are designed to demonstrate the interconnectivity of law and allow you the chance to synthesise your understanding of a particular legal area. For those who do not wish to direct their learning along a specialism-specific pathway, a General Law Pathway will be available to provide a broader approach to the study of the law, whilst nevertheless retaining the key features of the specialist Pathways. You will also undertake a dissertation on a legal subject area of your choosing whilst solidifying your own legal research and academic writing skills prior to the conclusion of the course.
This course can be studied over three years full-time, or 4 years with an optional placement/study abroad year. This course can also be studied part-time, over 4-6 years, without the option of a study abroad/work placement year*. Find out more about part-time study, including contact details to discuss undertaking it with us.
Modules are normally delivered through large group lectures and seminars of around 20 students. These seminars are interactive and may involve hypothetical problems, case studies and the analysis of more theoretical issues. In addition, you will be able to seek support and advice from a Progress Coach, who will be available to speak to about any academic or personal issues.
Teaching methods include: lectures and seminars.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, test and essays, group work and presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Critically understand the theories, concepts, values, principles and rules of public and private laws within an institutional, social, national and global context.
- Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues and developments within the law both domestically and internationally.
- Identify and synthesise relevant information from primary and secondary legal sources, using both digital and non-digital resources.
- Draw reasoned conclusions through the application of legal principles and knowledge to complex real-life and/or hypothetical problems.
- Demonstrate intellectual independence including addressing and resolving legal and related questions, identifying gaps in their own knowledge and acquiring new knowledge, tolerating ambiguity and engaging in critical analysis and evaluation.
- Appreciate and demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility and ethical behaviour in an academic and vocational capacity.
- Communicate effectively, by explaining and conveying information at various levels appropriate to the audience.
- Demonstrate self-management, including an ability to be reflective, make effective use of feedback, and to work independently and collaboratively as appropriate in order to enhance employability.
We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. Teaching contact hours will vary in different years of study and may vary due to module selection. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, including sessions with the Faculty’s progress coaches, or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.
Within your first and second year, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week which includes:
- Small group teaching, such as small class sessions each week.
- Medium group teaching, such as practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.
- Large group teaching, such as lectures each week.
In your final year, if you are undertaking a project/dissertation, there is a greater emphasis placed on independent study and therefore total contact hours may be reduced.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, which may include, for example, guided study using hand-outs, online activities.
We recognise the difference that both work and an international experience can make to your potential future career options. All of our undergraduate courses are designed to enable you to take an additional optional year either on placement in the UK or abroad or studying abroad*.
From your first day in the Law School, we can offer you advice and guidance to help give you the opportunity to achieve a global experience. The Law School currently has particularly strong links with the South West University of Politics and Law (SWUPL) in Chonqing, China and the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. We have also established links with the Universities of Liege in Belgium University of Nebrija in Madrid, University of the West Indies, OSFALA Brunswick Law School, as well as the Universities of Castellon and Leon in Spain (Spanish speaking), The Hague University in the Netherlands and the University of Orebro in Sweden.
We offer a range of optional field trips to enable you the opportunity to experience the legal systems of different countries, which have previously included the Instituto Superior de la Carrera ISC in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the University of the West Indies in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. We also usually host live seminars with students abroad via web link and provide opportunities to attend international summer schools.
Throughout the course, staff aim to introduce comparative international elements and issues; a number of final year options are specifically international in focus including modules covering international commercial law, international public law and international criminal law.
*Please note that all placements, field trips and study opportunities (whether in the UK or abroad) may be subject to additional fees, application processes and/or be limited in available spaces.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we provided a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni in 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
Staff are incredibly encouraging and understanding. The ability to contact anyone within your teaching team if you have a query is incredible, rather than only having one tutor that you are confined to. I was panicking recently in a seminar about placements and the abundance of deadlines and the seminar leader was sympathetic and motivating while providing many of the group with information.
Entry Requirements
What our students say
What I have enjoyed most about my course how much my skills have developed by studying law. The difference in my written and oral communication skills, how well I am able to formulate arguments in a timely manner, my level of research, how critically I think, honestly it is amazing. I would not trade my time studying law for anything.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
For any optional overseas field trips or visits, additional costs may apply.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say
Being able to volunteer at the different law clinics while studying at university is something I have really enjoyed. Not only have I represented clients in Tribunals and gained work experience through this, I have also had the opportunity to visit South Africa and gain legal experience at the Stellenbosch University Legal Clinic!
I have been part of the exchange trip to China and the South Africa trip through the Legal Clinic. Both these trips have been very enjoyable and expanded my cultural awareness and well as the legal systems of these nations. They have mostly been educational but also included some sightseeing of some beautiful countries! I was able to watch Pandas in their natural habitats in China, as well as seen Penguins along the coastal line of Cape Town.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The skills and attributes developed and acquired throughout our Law LLB (Hons) course are translatable to many other positive potential future career options and the course is designed to help prepare you for the global jobs market or further graduate level study. Our Talent Team, are on hand to offer advice, potential employment opportunities, CV/personal statement checks and placement advice, as well as hosting an annual Employment Fair, dedicated to students studying Business and Law courses (subject to availability).
Some our of our previous graduates started their legal careers at organisations such as the Criminal Cases Review Commission or Crown Prosecution Service, while others have chosen to become specialist advisors in commercial and business law for high street, national and international firms. Examples of recent graduate employers include: Brethertons LLP, a growing Midlands firm with six offices; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, a leading multinational law firm; and Ince and Co, a specialist international commercial firm with offices in Dubai, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Le Havre, London, Paris, Piraeus, Shanghai and Singapore.
Equally, not all law students wish to enter the legal profession as a solicitor or barrister and a Law degree can provide an excellent foundation for many other potential future career options. Our previous graduates have pursued careers in local government or the professional services, as trainee accountants with top firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), heading a recruitment desk with Hays International in Hong Kong and as management trainees with large ‘blue chip’ companies.
On successful graduation of this course, you will possess a range of transferrable graduate and employability skills in research, analysis, synthesis, critical judgement, evaluation, application of knowledge, problem-solving, communication and reflective learning.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your potential future career options and to help give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your potential future career.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates of Law courses at Coventry Law School have gone on to work for firms such as Brethertons LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Ince and Co, PwC and Hays International, as well as bodies such as the Crown Prosecution Service.
95%
of students in work or further study six months after finishing this course (DLHE 2016/17)
What our alumni say
I was impressed with the practical opportunities. You’re educated on the basics of the law, so you gain strong foundations of legal knowledge before you’re expected to build on them."
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
