Law and Practice BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Students in the moot courtroom

Filled with intrigue and complexities, law is a fascinating subject that is an essential component of every organisation and affects all of our everyday lives.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC
Flexible part-time

Course code

M250 / 052M / 152M

Start date

July 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

Studying law can lead you to a variety of exciting career options including barrister, solicitor or a legal executive.

Success in this field demands discipline, strategic thinking, in depth knowledge of legislation and the ability to adapt to different scenarios. Legal knowledge is key to success in this career, so our course focuses on theory and best practices, alongside quintessential practical learning such as making succinct legal arguments.

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is recognised by the following bodies:

CILEX logo

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)

The BA Law and Practice course is recognised by CILEx. We have designed our BA (Hons) Law & Practice degree to align with content from CILEx Professional Legal Qualifications. In future, you may apply for a CILEx Fellowship or the Solicitor’s qualification personally. However, it is important that you contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and CILEx to get further details as this is at their discretion.

How can we help?

How can we help?

Chat with an advisor now or leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

What you'll study

This course aims to provide a thorough understanding of the practice of law in the modern world.

Focusing strongly on practical aspect of civil and criminal law, the degree covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from contracts, torts, land law, family law to employment law and EU Law. You would also be presented with opportunities to act for clients in criminal, civil and employment forums. You’ll develop mooting, advocacy and presentation skills thereby building a solid foundation to become a competent and knowledgeable practitioner of law.

This first year is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and public law. You will be introduced to the legal framework, including elements of the civil and criminal systems and contract law. Throughout the year, you'll develop skills in decision making and research methods, providing you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Law and Practice.

Modules

  • An introductory module, you will cover the creation of new laws, the role of the judiciary and the details of the government and its functions. You may also get the opportunity to take an educational trip; in the past these have included visits to the Old Bailey in London and a Magistrates’ Court.

    Compulsory

  • This unit introduces the fundamentals of contract law, exploring core subjects such as what a legally binding contract consists of, applied terms, exclusion clauses, how contracts can be discharged and more.

    Compulsory

  • A popular module focusing on what constitutes a crime. We’ll cover a range of crimes including murder, manslaughter, theft and dishonesty offences. You will get the chance to develop mooting skills by discussing and debating previous cases, while looking at defences such as insanity and intoxication. 

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will learn essential practical components of criminal law. You learn the key skills required during the offences process, such as how to run a case, how to advise a client, initial guidance at a police station (after arrest), sentencing and appeals. 

    Compulsory

This year focuses on the civil justice system and property law aspects of English Law. The aim is to provide an elevated level of legal knowledge, ready for progression on to year three. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Law and Practice.

Modules

  • This module looks at how the English law of torts governs relationships between individuals and businesses. You will cover cases that unfairly cause someone to suffer loss or harm, including liabilities, damages and diverse ways of claiming compensation. We will also explore business disputes relating to money and possible outcomes.

    Compulsory

  • You will cover the process of going through the court system, from what evidence is needed to proceed a claim to what can you expect from the defendant. Your skills will be put to the test in exciting practical assessments, where you will make closing applications to the court in our mock law court.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces law relating to land, property, ownership and tenancy. You will develop a sound understanding of the principles of the centrality of land law to society, in an economic system based on the concept of private ownership. You will investigate how land law operates to regulate relationships between owners of property rights.

    Compulsory

  • In family law, no two cases are the same. You will consider marriage and divorce, financial settlements, custody of children, domestic abuse and more. Refining your mooting skills, you get to debate on the legal points around the facts of a case, using case laws and statutes to win your argument. 

    Compulsory

In the final year, you will build upon and develop the areas studied in years one and two, exploring EU law, employment law and equity and trusts liability. The skills and knowledge that you refine during your final year will help to prepare you for further professional development. Students who successfully complete year three are awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Practice.

Modules

  • Due to its ever-changing nature, this is an exciting module. You will critically analyse the EU’s impact on the UK’s legal system and the aims and policies of the European Union.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores law relating to employment including the rights and responsibilities of the employee and the employer, dismissal, redundancy and discrimination. You’ll explore a number of case studies and refine your writing skills with written assessments.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores the legal definition of trusts, how they operate, the power of the trustees, responsibilities and more. Using your ability to think independently, you will cross reference modules in years one and two to gain competency in the legislation relating to equity and trusts.

    Compulsory

  • In the final module, you will learn to conduct interviews and best practices, identifying legal problems, customer support and system management from the client’s perspective. At this level, you will also evaluate the principles of client care and consider how effective client relationships contribute to the development of a successful legal practice.

    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

There are two main taught options for this course. It is available as a full-time three year programme or an optional four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field. Alternatively, part-time study is also available.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework, oral presentations and phase tests, which are more reflective of our learning model.

Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Part-time
If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support. Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers. Our part-time offering is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants, therefore teaching arrangements may vary. 

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework and Written Assessments
  • Phase Tests
  • Practical Work/Presentations

Job ready

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of legislation and processes.
  • Be proficient in collating and evaluating evidence, with enhanced advocacy and advisory skills.
  • Develop appropriate analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable and thorough research of case law, law commissions and more.
  • Apply appropriate presentation skills to confidently establish the significance of data produced.

International experience opportunities

At CU Coventry, special importance is given to internationalisation. This gives our students an opportunity to visit various places of international importance*. In previous years, Law and Practice students have visited legal institutions like the UN Headquarters in New York, Peace palace at the Hague, Valencia Water Court and trips to various EU institutions.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022/23 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Foundation Year
This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of our Law and Practice Foundation Year will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Access to HE Course
Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Business Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. Upon successful completion our Law and Practice Foundation Year will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3).

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. 

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Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £6,800 per year £6,800
International £15,300 per year Not available

  • 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 government's 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

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and opportunities

With an ever-growing demand for legal professionals in all industries, graduates of a law course have an expansive list of career paths to explore.

Many students graduate and find careers in the law sector, while others continue on to further study by undertaking professional qualifications or a master’s degree in specialised subjects such as international law.

Where our graduates work

Graduates have gone on to further study in law, business and CILEx at institutions across the UK and internationally, or to work for leading global companies such as DWF LLP, Uber and Central England Law Centre.

How to apply

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the CU Group. A copy of the 2022/23 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 CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at CU Coventry.

    Tuition fees

    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.

    Accreditations

    Many 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 CU Group maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    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.

    Additional costs

    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), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas.

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