UNIVERSITY OF LONDON INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES

Undergraduate Laws Programme

FAQ sheet for student counsellors in Recognised and Candidate Teaching

What is the advantage of studying for a University of London degree?

A degree from the University of London is a mark of excellence, respected by employers and
universities worldwide.

Studying with the University of London International Programmes provides the reassurance of an
internationally recognised British degree, combined with the study support and campus life of local
colleges.

A University of London degree gives you exposure to British ways of learning, such as
independent thinking, analytical skills and self-discipline, which are the skills that employers
value.

Who runs the University of London LLB programme?

The University of London is a federation of 17 Colleges. Six of these Colleges work together as a
Consortium to lead the undergraduate laws programme. The members of the Consortium are:

 Birkbeck
 King's College London
 LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science)
 Queen Mary University of London
 SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies)
 UCL (University College London).

Where is the University of London LLB programme in University rankings?

There is no official league table of Laws programmes but many newspapers and other organisations
compile league tables. According to the UK Complete University Guide, the laws schools of LSE, UCL,
Kings and Queen Mary are in the top 10 in the UK for studying Law.

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Why is a University of London LLB so valuable?

There are many reasons why a London law degree is so valuable throughout the world.

The judicial system governed by Common Law is trusted to produce fair results. Decisions from a UK
court carries a global guarantee of impartiality, integrity and enforceability.

Law is a global business with the largest firms having offices around the world in order to meet the
needs of their global client base. The largest London law firms employ large numbers of graduates
and are tremendously successful businesses.

Why is it so challenging to achieve a University of London LLB?

A University of London LLB is a prestigious qualification. It demonstrates that students have

We guard rigorously the quality of our degrees and do not dilute our standards and examination
processes in order to increase the numbers passing the degree. This means that students and their
employer can rely on the integrity of the award and can be confident about the standard of
achievement that it represents.

Can I transfer to one of the Colleges of the University of London for the second or third year of
study?

Students may be able to apply to transfer to the second year of an LLB programme on campus at one
of the six Colleges of the University of London that offer law. However, each College is autonomous
and runs its own admissions policy so students would have to get in touch with the admissions
department at the relevant College to explore the possibility of a transfer. There is a great deal of
competition for places and successful candidates will need to have achieved high marks in their
examinations.

Currently, the Law Schools of Queen Mary and Birkbeck specifically welcome applications for second
year entry into their respective LLB degrees.

Further information is available by contacting law@bbk.ac.uk if you wish to study at Birkbeck or

Students may also be able to transfer to the second year of an LLB programme on campus at other
British universities. Students will need to contact the admissions office of the university or college in
which they are interested for details as to whether this is possible and what is required.

Are there opportunities to study in the UK for short periods?

The Laws Programme offers 12 Study Support sessions in London, which take place over a number of
weekends during the academic year to provide students with face-to-face contact with academics.
These sessions cover topics in all intermediate courses, plus some optional and finals courses. The
sessions provide a valuable opportunity for students to consolidate their thoughts and ideas and

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receive feedback from academics. They are also a good opportunity to meet and network with
fellow students.

What do I study on the LLB?

There are seven compulsory modules:

Common law reasoning and institutions

Students can also choose from the following modules:

Administrative law
Civil and criminal procedure
Conflict of laws
Commercial law
Company law
Criminology
EU law (required for a Qualifying Law Degree)
Evidence
Family law
International protection of human rights
Introduction to Islamic law
Jurisprudence and legal theory
Labour law
Public international law
Intellectual property
Succession
Laws Dissertation

What is it like to study law with the University of London?

Students have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which is home to the online study
materials provided by the University. Here they can view course materials such as Subject Guides,
complete Computer Marked Assessments, past exam papers and exam reports, and additional
recordings covering course content. Students will also have access to the Online Library which hosts
a large collection of relevant cases, statutes and journal articles.

Students can download all study resources from the web so it is possible to study at home, on the
move, and at college.

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Students who study at a Recognised Teaching Institution will have regular classes to attend where
they will be able to interact with fellow students and take part in any social or extracurricular
activities available.

Students will develop practical skills that are vital to work in the legal profession such as thinking
critically, analysing arguments and being able to formulate concise, articulate responses.

Skills training is embedded throughout the study experience so students can learn skills that they will
use in the workplace such as team working (including working as part of global teams) research
skills, and reflective learning.

Students can join the LLB Facebook pages which will offer the opportunity to network with other
students and keep up to date with the latest news and events from the Programme.

Students in some countries will have the opportunity to attend local revision courses run by
University of London staff. Further information is available via the VLE.

From 2016, students will be able to join online Study Groups. Students can form online Study Groups
or even use this platform to organise face-to-face Study Groups with other students in their town or
city.

What textbooks are supplied ?

For some years now, the Undergraduate Laws Programme has supplied the essential textbooks for
compulsory modules to students. From 2015/16, these books are no longer provided automatically
for new students. Instead, students will be able to exercise choice and make their own arrangements
for the purchase of their textbooks. Some guidance will be produced very shortly for students on
their options around sourcing textbooks.

Because we are no longer supplying these essential textbooks, we have reduced the Initial
Registration Fee for students joining the programme in 2015/16 to £800. It would otherwise have
been £920. We expect this reduction to offset the additional costs that may be incurred by students
purchasing their own books.

Up to and including 2016-17 students currently registered with us will continue to receive the text
books as under the current arrangement (i.e. students moving into Year 2 next year will continue to
receive the textbooks currently supplied for Year 2 subjects; similarly those students on B pathways
will get their remaining Year 1 book and the Year 2 texts).

However, if students don’t progress to Year 2 in the next two years, they will no longer receive
textbooks with their materials when they complete their continuing registration in 2017-18.

Students will only receive textbooks once – so if they fail the subject or choose not take the exam in
2015/16 they will not receive another copy of the textbook.

We will continue to supply statute books where students require these for the examinations.

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How do students progress through the degree?

When students first register for the degree they will need to decide how many hours a week they
can commit to studying. Students can register for between 30 credits and 120 credits a year. As a
guide 30 credits equates to a commitment of 300 study hours per year, however students may need
to study for more hours So, if students take two modules of 30 credits over a 37 week period, their
commitment will be around 16 study hours each week. Students can vary the number of modules
they study each year.

If students finish their studies and do not achieve an LLB, they can gain an Exit award which will
enable them to demonstrate the learning they have achieved. Students can gain a Certificate of
Higher Education if they have achieved 120 credits; a Diploma in Higher Education if they have
achieved 240 credits; or BA Laws, if they have achieved 300 credits.

What do your students need to study if they want to get a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) to enable
them to go onto vocational legal training in Common Law Countries?

Students should check the requirements of their local law professional accreditation body in order to
determine how their studies with us will relate to becoming a legal professional in the jurisdiction in
which they wish to practise.

Students will need to study particular modules if they want to be able to obtain a degree designated
as a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). Students need to take this in their final year in order to satisfy QLD
requirements.
These are:
Common law reasoning and institutions
Public law
Contract law
Criminal law
Tort law
Equity and Trusts
Property law
EU law
Law Skills Pathway

What are the entry routes to an LLB?

There are a number of options available to achieve a law qualification depending on students’
previous qualifications, age and how they want to study. While these are summarised below,
students should check our website for details. (www.londoninternational.ac.uk/llb)

Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Common Law

This is the route for students who do not have the entry requirements to study straight away on the
LLB. This course replaces the Diploma in Law and is of exactly the same level and content as the
Diploma in Law. To study for this qualification students are required to attend a recognised teaching
institution and should apply to study the course at the institution they plan to attend.

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Students who complete the CertHE Common Law will be able to transfer to the Standard Entry LLB
but not the Graduate Entry LLB

In addition, students will be able to register on the CertHE Common Law if they already have the
entry requirements for the LLB, but, in this case, they will not have to attend a teaching institution
and can study independently.

LLB Standard entry

This is the route for students who meet the general entry requirements. They can study this route by
self study or at a local teaching institution if they choose.

LLB Graduate entry

This is the route for students who meet the entry requirements and already have an undergraduate
degree. They can study this route by self study or at local teaching institution if they choose.
Students on this route will study nine modules instead of the standard twelve and can complete
their degree more quickly - in two years, rather than three, if studying full-time.

What is the format of the exams?

The majority of the assessment is by unseen written examination. New methods of assessment are
being introduced in order to test different skills students will be obtaining through their studies.
However, unseen written examinations are important in ensuring the integrity and reputation of our
qualifications so will form a large part of the assessment. The examination for Criminal Law includes
a multiple choice component worth 25% of the available marks.

Can I resit modules if I fail?

Students may re-sit up to 60 credits (two modules) in the October examination period as long as
they have attempted examinations in the preceding May/June examination period.

How do you pay for your LLB?

When students first register for the LLB, they will pay an Initial Registration Fee. In each subsequent
year of study, they will pay a Continuing Registration Fee.

When students are ready to sit an examination, they will pay £200 per examination. So, if someone
registers for 4 modules in Year 1, they have to pay £800 for the 4 examinations.

As well as paying examination entry fees to the University, students also pay a separate fee to the
local exam centre where they sit their exams.

Students choosing to attend a local teaching institution will also pay separate fees to the institution
for the cost of any tuition they receive.

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How do I apply?

The application deadline for undergraduate degrees is 1 October.

Students can apply online through the University of London International Programmes website
(www.londoninternational.ac.uk/llb)

Local institutions can also advise you on the application process.

What documents will I receive when I graduate?

When students graduate with a degree, or certificate from the University of London they will be sent
two documents – a final Diploma (the parchment you receive on graduation) and a Diploma
Supplement.

The final Diploma will indicate that students were registered with the University of London and
awarded a University of London degree, and give the name of the Lead College which conducted the
examinations. For the LLB, the ‘University of London Law Schools’ is given as the Lead College. The
University of London logo and signature of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London are
incorporated.

The Diploma Supplement will describe the nature, level and content of the programme and includes
a transcript of modules taken and marks achieved, as well as the overall classification. It also
provides further information about the role of the Lead College and method of study.

Will successful students on this degree be able to qualify as a lawyer in their own country?

Students should contactthe appropriate legal professional accreditation body to find out if the
University of London LLB by distance learning satisfies the entry requirements for entry into the legal
profession.

In order to practice law in England and Wales as a solicitor or barrister students must have a
'Qualifying Law Degree' that covers the academic stages of the qualification. The Solicitors
Regulatory Authority and Bar Standards Board of England and Wales both recognise the LLB degree
of the University of London gained by studying through the University of London International
Programmes as a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). To gain a QLD, students must have completed the
degree within 6 years, must have passed all the ‘Foundations of Legal Knowledge’ modules as well as
EU Law in no more than three attempts, and must successfully complete all skills components