Law with International Legal Study LLB (Hons) top-up

Undergraduate
Top-up courses

Two students sit on the seats and talk happily.

Previous experience of studying or practicing law in another jurisdiction? This LLB (Hons) top-up course can build on your prior law qualifications and skills to fast-track your entry onto a UK law degree and advance your journey to a career in international law.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

FBLU105

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Unlock your potential in international law with Coventry Law School's top-up course. Leverage your existing legal qualifications or training to earn a full undergraduate degree. Enrich your understanding of both English law and international legal systems, while exploring a range of contemporary legal topics.

Learn to navigate diverse legal systems and engage with complex international legal issues.
Develop practical skills for a dynamic legal career or further study.
Understand the global context that law operates in.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Fast Track: Top up to a full LLB honours degree in just one year
Global Engagement: Collaborate with overseas law schools through Collaborative Online International Learning experiences²
Real-World Exposure: Opportunities to apply to participate in clinical work experience, virtual/ physical fieldtrips and international debating competitions²
Professional Preparation: Use our dedicated Moot Room for courtroom practice, providing you with practical experiences you can use in your future career⁴
Networking Opportunities: Attend our International Commercial Law conference and Raising the Bar scheme events to boost your global networks²

Memberships

Coventry Law School is currently a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of around 250 law schools from over 60 countries, representing around 12,000 law faculty members. Having this status allows you to access a variety of international experiences, including with our partner institutions across the world.

Coventry Law School is also currently a member of the European Law Faculties Association with over 250 members from Europe and beyond.

Memberships are renewed annually, and there is currently no intention for any of the memberships or partnership to lapse, however if our memberships are not renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Collaborations with other organisations

Coventry Law School collaborates with the Central England Law Centre in order to offer a professional element to your learning, through our Law Employment and Advocacy clinics. Students who are selected to participate in the clinics get involved with many aspects of what the solicitors do at the Law Centre, with supervisors who are currently working in practice and experts in specific areas of law. They get hands-on experience doing reserved legal activities, providing supervised advice and assistance to members of the public.

Law QWE

Coventry Law School also collaborates with Law QWE, a careers portal that connects individuals in search of qualifying work experience with top employers to support their route to qualification.

What you'll study

Our LLB Law with International Legal Study top-up course aims to empower you with a comprehensive understanding of English and international law, preparing you for dynamic legal careers on a global scale. The course aims to equip you to navigate complex legal landscapes, develop critical thinking, and foster the skills needed for successful careers. Our mission is to provide a transformative educational journey that not only imparts legal knowledge but also cultivates responsible, adaptable, and globally aware legal professionals.

Modules

English Legal Language, Systems and Procedure - 20 credits

The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to enhance and refine your use of specialist English legal language and terminology used in legal education and practice. Skills for the successful study of law as a discipline will be explored in this module, such as the identification and use of sources of law as well as legal referencing. You will study key characteristics and processes unique to the English Legal System and in doing so you will identify foundational legal principles that underpin the study of English law, whilst also enabling you to recognise how law is applied in practice.

Compulsory

Mooting, Professional Legal Skills and Practice - 20 credits

Drawing upon existing and refined legal research skills you will draft a skeleton argument and present and engage in legal advocacy in a simulated court environment to develop your ability to construct persuasive legal arguments. As part of this immersive learning experience, you will have opportunities to refine your professional presentation and legal drafting skills. Transferable skills such as ethical conduct and professionalism should be developed and practiced in addition to effective time management for the presentation of a real-life legal case in court.

Compulsory

International Law Project - 20 credits

This module allows you to take a deeper and critical study of an issue within international law. The International Law Project provides an opportunity for you to identify and then research a contemporary issue in international law. Topics will normally be introduced in another module on the course; however it could also be a theme of international law of your own choosing, provided there is academic expertise in Coventry Law School on the topic. You may even have the opportunity to publish your project in the Coventry Law Journal.

Compulsory

International Commercial Law and Arbitration - 20 credits

This module introduces you to some of the legal issues relating to the international sale of goods. Building on your understanding of contract law, you will focus on the negotiation, formation and performance of domestic and international sales contracts. You will also explore principles of arbitration and its relevance to resolving international commercial disputes. You will consider its advantages, disadvantages and the relevant regulatory frameworks whilst developing your own skills as an arbitrator.

Compulsory

Comparative Public and Private Law - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to take a forensic look at how Public and Private law differs in English law by examining specific legal disciplines. The module will examine the relationship that an individual has with the State and the legal protection that an individual can expect. In comparison the module will distinguish how private law differs from public law and examine how private law regulates relationships between individuals and seeks to facilitate both the enforcement and protection of private law rights. By taking a comparative approach to the topic, English public and private law will be differentiated from other international jurisdictions, and you will be encouraged to think deeply and critically about the role of law in society today and its purpose in regulating the relationship between individuals and the state.

Compulsory

Choose one of the following modules:

Law, Innovation and Intellectual Property – 20 credits

Innovation is a major driver of added value and economic growth. This module considers the legal frameworks for the protection, harnessing, and exploitation of the economy of ideas. You will learn about the terminology, concepts, policy objects and statutory schemes necessary to understand Intellectual Property Law in the UK and the international protection measures which provide protection for intellectual property assets across national boundaries. You will further consider the ways in which innovation and new technologies can impact both the substance and practice of the law.

International Criminal Law – 20 credits

This module will explore those crimes which are considered ‘international crimes’ i.e. the most heinous crimes which operate across national borders or those within states which warrant international scrutiny. This module examines the development of International Criminal Law (ICL), beginning with the aftermath of the Second World War, before focusing on the establishment of the more contemporary international criminal courts and tribunals. You will explore the basic principles of public international law which are relevant to ICL, before looking at the four ‘core crimes’ (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression), as well as various other aspects of international criminal prosecution, including the modes of criminal responsibility, defences and the international criminal trial process.

International Human Rights Law – 20 credits

Human rights are essential to your understanding of law, politics and justice, within your own legal system and in the global arena. Studying human rights at an international level will allow you the opportunity to develop an understanding of the universal nature of human rights and the global issues surrounding the recognition and enforcement of human rights. As well as exploring the development of international human rights, you will also consider more specific human rights issues such as freedom from torture, refugee rights, the right to environmental protection and the protection of rights during emergencies. The module will also explore the extent to which the international human rights framework and its institutions have been successful in securing human rights.

Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

The course is taught using group sessions. This gives you the opportunity to develop a bespoke community of learning with your fellow peers whilst at the same time expand your larger network of peers and legal professionals throughout Coventry Law School and beyond.

Modules are normally delivered through a combination of:

workshops
seminars
lectures.

Teaching sessions are interactive and may involve hypothetical problems, case studies and the analysis of more theoretical issues. This interactive element enables you to develop your legal skills, formulate an argument and see issues from a variety of perspectives, which are essential skills for a career in law.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your top-up year you can expect 9-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
coursework
projects and individuals assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International Experience Opportunities

Throughout the course you will explore international law and practice and develop a cognisance of diverse cultural and global perspectives. The Law School is a typically diverse community of legal academic and students, which can bring a depth and vibrancy to your student experience.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

Studying the LLB with International Legal Study is a fantastic way of beginning your academic journey to qualify as a lawyer in England and Wales. Using Coventry Law School’s own courtroom to support immersive legal learning, you will have the opportunity to network not only with other legally minded peers on the course but also with practicing legal professionals throughout your studies.
Ian Fox-Williams, Curriculum Lead for International Law, 2024

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

To enrol on this one-year top up course a student is required to have acquired 240 credits of recognised prior learning (RPL) (with 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5) in a law related area.

RPL is in accordance with University Regulations.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

To enrol on this one-year top up course, you are required to have acquired 240 credits of recognised prior learning (RPL) (with 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5) in a law related area. RPL is in accordance with University Regulations.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)
If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the niversity 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.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip
any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The LLB Law with International Legal Study course is delivered at the main Coventry University campus in Coventry, where you'll benefit from our dedicated law facilities⁴.

Moot Room

Our Moot Room gives you the opportunity to develop those vital and practical legal skills. You can practise your legal skills in a realistic setting, as well as having the chance to take part in mooting competitions.

Legal Clinic

Use the Legal Clinic to develop your practical legal skills and help you stand out in your future career. You will have access to 'real' clients and work alongside trained solicitors and lawyers.

A lawyer stands in a court room, with people behind we assume make up the jury, and two judges to his left

Routes into a Legal Career

Find out more about how Coventry University can kick start your legal career through our preparation courses.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

appreciate the role of key international and English legal principles in the operation of cross-border relationships
critically analyse contemporary issues and developments in law both domestically and internationally in a systematic and structured way
communicate effectively and professionally, by conveying and explaining legal information, ideas, and arguments in appropriate contexts
identify and critique theories, concepts, values, principles and rules of public and private laws within an institutional, social, national and global context
apply critical thinking skills in the academic study of law to successfully deal with complex legal issues and propose appropriate solutions
identify and synthesise information from relevant primary and secondary sources of law, using both digital and non-digital resources
draw reasoned conclusions through the sound application of legal principles to real-life and/or hypothetical problems
develop and apply a range of practical or clinical legal skills, including those applicable to an international law context
demonstrate enhanced employability attributes and exhibit professional behaviours in legal practice
demonstrate self-management, including through reflective practice, make effective use of feedback, and work independently or collaboratively as appropriate.

Law graduates can pursue a wide variety of careers both in the UK and overseas. Many graduates enter the legal profession as solicitors, barristers, paralegals or legal executives (additional education/courses and training required). However, the skills learned are also transferrable to career paths outside of law such as recruitment, management, teaching or finance. Many of our law graduates have also gone on to pursue a career in academia or undertake further academic study.

Where our graduates work

Previous law graduates from Coventry Law School have gone on to work at a wide variety of organisations and firms including:

DAC Beachcroft
NFU Mutual
PwC
Deloitte
Linklaters
Dentons
Oracle
Squire Patton Boggs
Stobbs
Co-op Legal Services

Further study

How to apply

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

International codes:
FBLU105

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.

Law with International Legal Study LLB (Hons) top-up

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Memberships

Collaborations with other organisations

Law QWE

What you'll study

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

International Experience Opportunities

Entry requirements

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Moot Room

Legal Clinic

Routes into a Legal Career

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

How to apply

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