Law and Practice with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year
A student smiling in the moot courtroom.

The Law and Practice with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the legal profession.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

Course code

251M

Start date

May 2023
July 2023

How to apply
Open days
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Filled with intrigue and complexities, law is a fascinating and exciting subject area that is an essential component of every business organisation. The Law and Practice with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the legal profession.

The strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Law and Practice.

  • The foundation year aims to provide a thorough understanding of legal principles and best practice. With a focus on European, national and local contexts, this course explores the development of legislation and case law with core academic skills.
  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Law and Practice with BA (Hons).
  • Studying the Law and Practice BA (Hons) degree could lead you to a variety of exciting career options including barrister, solicitor or a legal executive (additional education/courses and training required).
  • 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. Wherever possible we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 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, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.

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What you'll study

The foundation year focuses on European, national and local contexts, exploring the development of legislation and case law with core academic skills.

The Law and Practice BA (Hons) degree element of the 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 will have the opportunity to develop mooting, advocacy and presentation skills thereby building a solid foundation to become a competent and knowledgeable practitioner of law.

Your foundation year will provide a strong framework for your continued studies toward your Law and Practice BA (Hons) degree.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to ensure that you understand the primary concepts, terms and processes in the practice of Law in England and Wales. We will discuss the interpretation and application of legal rules; providing you with an insight into key aspects of professional practice and law in the workplace.

    We will focus on contemporary case studies and analyse current issues in the legal system to keep the course relevant.

    This module has content from the CILEx Level 3 Unit 1: Introduction to Law and Practice embedded.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will learn to understand exactly what constitutes a valid and enforceable contract. You will look at obligations, the rights of third parties and the terms of a contract to solidify your understanding. You will cover a range of relevant topics, such as discharge of contract, misrepresentation, vitiating factors and legal reasoning.

    You will develop analytical skills by performing critical evaluations of contractual obligations and the remedies available.

    This module has the CILEx Level 3 Unit 2: Contract Law embedded.

    Compulsory

  • The Criminal Law and Practice module encompasses both criminal theory and criminal process.

    The Criminal Law element of the module will examine the general principles of criminal law, including how liability is incurred through acts, omissions and intention. Consideration will be given to particular offences involving dishonesty and non-fatal offences against the person, murder/manslaughter, criminal damage and where relevant, defences. Key doctrines and rules will be discussed with analysis of statute and case law.

    The Criminal Litigation element will be embedded into and run alongside Criminal Law study. The study will look at how criminal cases play out at court within the criminal litigation system of England and Wales. Students will gain knowledge of the professional requirements and skills to run a criminal file in practice. In addition, students will gain valuable experience in making oral legal submission (advocacy) in a virtual courtroom4.

    Compulsory

  • The initial transition to higher education can pose a range of challenges that you need to overcome. Therefore, we ensure that you have a clear understanding of the skills needed for effective legal practice, including how to create, draft and use various client care documents as well as becoming confident as an independent learner.

    We will guide you through legal reasoning, critical thinking and decision making. You will also learn the processes and procedures of professional conduct, with client care, interviews and communications.

    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 Certificate (HNC) 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

This academic year builds on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level after completing the HNC, you will aim to extend your knowledge from the basic financial practices. In this year, you enter the management arena and will begin to focus on the role of leadership within accounting. Operating from a business point of view, you will primarily focus on the role of the accounting profession, legislation and governance.

Students who successfully complete year three are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Law and Practice.

Modules

  • Informed decision-making is an essential factor in business success. Therefore, you will learn how to identify the key features of effective performance management systems, select appropriate performance measures and calculate differences between actual performance and standards or budgets. Assessment for this module is either a group presentation or an independent written task.

    Compulsory

  • Looking at sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, you will learn how to apply double entry principles in recording transactions, adjust financial records and formulate non-complex financial statements. As preparation for a role within a business setting, you will also learn to specify the components of financial statements and prepare and present non-complex accounts.

    Compulsory

  • An entirely theoretical module, you will learn how to implement due diligence in both the macro and micro environment. You will gain an understanding of how to operate within the legal remit, affecting precision and reliability to a high standard as an accountant. As businesses constantly enter contracts, you will also learn the basics of contract law and assess how the law impacts you as an accountant.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the various finances that businesses deal with, including loans, equity and venture capital.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

In the final year, you will build upon and develop the areas studied in the previous years, 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 their final year 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 will 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

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either another three years full-time or another four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

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 and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU Coventry may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due 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.

Assessment

During your foundation year, 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.

During your degree 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. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.

Course breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Phased tests
  • Practical Work/Presentations (year two onwards)

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

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 & 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.

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 guaranteed.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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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

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


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 (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.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK 2022/23 fees - £6,800 per year
2023/24 fees - TBC  		 Not available
International 2022/23 fees - £15,300 per year
2023/24 fees - TBC  		 Not available

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.

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.

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.

  • 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.

On successful completion of the Law & Practice with Foundation Year BA (Hons), 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.

Where our graduates work

Graduates of our law degree courses 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

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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

    Some of our degree 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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.

    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.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    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 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 CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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