Law and Practice LLB (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
A student browsing textbooks in the CU London Dagenham library.

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

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)
CU London (Greenwich, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

M102 / M103 / M104

Start date

April 2024
June 2024


Course overview

Filled with intrigue and complexities, law is a fascinating and exciting subject area that is an essential component of everyday life.

Success in this field demands discipline, strategic thinking, a solid knowledge of legislation and the ability to adapt to different scenarios. As legal knowledge is key for success in this career, this course focuses on teaching you key theoretical principles, with fundamental best practices such as making succinct legal arguments.

Why you should study this course

The course:

  • Aims to provide a thorough understanding of law and practice in modern day circumstances.
  • Focuses strongly on developing practical real-world skills, covering a broad range of topics, from engaging critically with the principles of employment law and how EU law has evolved, through to contractual and tortious liability.
  • Supports you to develop mooting, advocacy and presentation skills, building a solid foundation for you to become a competent and knowledgeable practitioner of law.
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What you'll study

Focused on practical, real-world application, this year encourages you to think practically in the field of law, applying legal rules and principles to real-world scenarios while identifying and evaluating key issues. Throughout the year you will touch upon several principal elements including judicial precedent, vitiating factors and negotiation, preparing you for advanced-level learning in year two. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Law.

Modules

  • This introduction to the English legal system describes the distinctiveness of the common law approach as a legal methodology. In terms of legal method, you will be introduced to statutory interpretation, the operation of the doctrine of precedent the process of legal research and the basics of legal reasoning.

    Compulsory

  • This module will provide knowledge of the constitutional underpinnings and theory of administrative law. You should gain comprehensive knowledge of the institutions, processes and legal principles of redress for judicial and extra-judicial grievances against public bodies. You will also cover constraints on the exercise of government power, Human Rights protections and administrative law remedies (including Judicial Review).

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide a critical understanding of the conceptual and analytical frameworks underpinning the law of Contract. You will examine key topics such as the formation of contractual relations, the requirements for enforceability of contracts, the rights of third parties and vitiating factors.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to understand and critically examine the evidence, concepts, debates, and controversies associated with the study of criminal law. You will be informed of the key cases and legislation that govern criminal law and encouraged to reflect on whether the law could be improved.

    Compulsory

Conceptually, the aim of the learning and teaching method in this year is to mirror as closely as possible a trainee’s experience in a law firm, and to enable you to acquire and develop the essential skills of identifying issues, practical legal research, writing and drafting. This provides you with an elevated level of practical legal knowledge, ready for progression into year three. Students who complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Law.

Modules

  • This module aims to equip you with the ability to advise clients in an accurate, clear way, by adopting appropriate planning, research and evaluation techniques. To help you understand the importance of research for legal practitioners, you will engage with real theoretical problems under tutor supervision to identify a legal issue, you'll then research and report upon it.

    Compulsory

  • Tort is a dynamic subject which is constantly growing through case law and the introduction of new legislation. This module places emphasis on tortious obligations such as negligence, including clinical negligence. You’ll be introduced to general principles and have an opportunity to engage with legal rules and apply them in a problem-solving context.

    Compulsory

  • This is an introduction to fundamental principles of Property Law. You will examine property rights in relation to Land and deal with their definition, development, acquisition and transfer. You will also investigate issues such as the term ‘land’ and its meaning, how ownership of land is transferred and how land can be registered.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to ensure students understand the history development of the concepts, principles and rules of equity and trusts, and their impact on English Law. You will explore issues of controversy, such as the ability of trusts to assist in wealth creation and maintenance, developing critical thinking and legal reasoning skills in the process.

    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.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

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

As you prepare for entry into industry, we aim to equip you with practical skills ready for direct application in this final year. You are introduced to the techniques of client interviewing, including planning, listening, questioning and advising. You will hone your written communication and advocacy skills, and demonstrate good practice of drafting court documents and forms. The skills and knowledge that you refine during your final year will help to prepare you for further professional development. Students who complete final year are awarded a LLB (Hons) degree in Law and Practice.

Modules

  • This module aims to introduce you to the law of the European Union and equip you with a thorough understanding of the institutional and procedural law of the European Union and the influence it has on the domestic law of England and Wales.

    Compulsory

  • This unit provides an overview of civil litigation system in England and Wales and the procedures followed in that system. You will consider methods of alternative dispute resolution without the need for formal court proceedings, and how to run a civil client file from initial interview to trial and beyond.

    Compulsory

  • The module explores the criminal litigation system in England and Wales from the perspectives of the criminal defence solicitor and that of the prosecution lawyer. You will learn how to run a criminal client file from initial interview to trial, while considering ethical issues, client care and issues relating to funding and costs.

    Compulsory

  • You will aim to gain a solid grounding in client care skills in the context of a legal environment, including legal writing and complaints management in a legal context. In this practical module, you will develop key legal practice and wider business skill through applied elements such as negotiations in role-play scenarios.

    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

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles, 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.


Teaching contact hours

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.

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

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


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, tutorial tasks and assessments.

Course breakdown:

  • Coursework and written assessments
  • Phase tests
  • Practical work
  • Presentations

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.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 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.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, 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

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.

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

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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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
EU £7,950 per year with EU support bursary**
£16,800 per year without EU support bursary**
Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 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 fees3 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.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees3:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*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.

  • 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

If you're studying at CU London Dagenham, you’ll be based in the grade II listed spacious former Civic Centre. If you choose to study at CU London Greenwich, you'll be based in the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, just a 3-minute walk from North Greenwich tube station and the Jubilee line.

Both campuses offer Library and Learning Services with study areas and laptops, classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities, fully equipped open-access IT suites and breakout spaces. You'll also benefit from a Customer Service Desk with staff on hand to help with any queries and comprehensive student support services including an academic writing service and a dedicated wellbeing team.

You also have the opportunity to access a Success Coach for 1-2-1 guidance.


Careers and opportunities

With an ever-growing demand of legal professionals in all industries, graduates of a law course have an expansive list of career paths to explore. Many students have progressed directly into a legal position, while some students have also chosen to study further in the field by undertaking a master’s degree in specialised subjects such as International Law.

This course serves as a direct progression route into the legal profession. With additional qualifications such as the CILEx, Legal Practice Course, or Bar Practice Course, graduates from this course have a variety of professions to explore, such as Costs Negotiator, Chartered Legal Executive, Barrister or Solicitor.

On successful completion, you should 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, statutes and more.
  • Apply appropriate presentation skills to confidently establish the significance of data produced.

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

  • Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.


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

  • International codes:
    Dagenham
    CUCLU053 (Law and Practice LLB)
    CUCLH014 (Law HNC/HND)
    Greenwich
    CUCLGU053 (Law and Practice LLB)
    CUCLGH014 (Law HNC/HND)

    International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

    How to apply

    For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.


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

  • 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

    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 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. 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 2023/24 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.

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