Introduction
A law degree is an important first step into a career in law, as well as an important foundation on the route to many other careers, and Birmingham City University is a long-established provider of legal education to the Birmingham legal community and beyond.
This course has been developed to enable anyone wishing to qualify as a solicitor or barrister to undertake this first, important academic stage of their career. To achieve this, the course has been designed to align with the subjects that you will need to study further in order to successfully undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), while also meeting the requirements of the Bar Standards Board for an undergraduate law degree.
What's covered in this course?
The study of law is both academic and practical, and therefore both of these are important elements in the LLB (Hons) degree at BCU. Theory and academic study are important in an LLB, but so too is the application of that knowledge, and so our LLB (Hons) degree offers plenty of opportunity for you to develop practical lawyering skills, as well as the transferable skills enhancing your employability, that graduates will need when entering the workplace.
The different pathways on the LLB course will allow you to make decisions regarding the direction in which you want to take your studies, with named degrees in Law with American Legal Studies, Law with Business Law, and Law with Criminal Justice, as well as a broad range of optional modules ranging from more theoretical topics through to those aimed at the practical application of the law in real-world situations.
You will also have the opportunity to put those skills to practical use, both in the local community and beyond. Whether that is through our programme of placement opportunities with local providers such as Citizen’s Advice and various legal advice charities, through opportunities in the local legal community, or via BCU’s own Law Clinic, established to serve the local community from our City Centre campus, there are plenty of options available to you. You can also apply your legal knowledge further afield, through our US internship programme which has been placing students with attorneys throughout the US for over 20 years.
A professional placement year is also available, between years 2 and 3 of the degree, offering further opportunities for you to put your knowledge and skills to practical use, thereby enhancing your CV further.
By focussing on the development of a range of transferable skills, the course employs numerous innovative assessment methods, going beyond the typical forms of written academic assessment.
You are also encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities to support your learning, with student societies such as the highly successful Mooting Society. Furthermore, you will have the ability to engage with the wider Birmingham legal community through our connections with the Birmingham Law Society, the largest regional law society in the UK.
Professional placement year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
Why choose us?
- This degree course is accredited by the Joint Academic Stage Board (representing the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board). This means that the course is designed to be as professionally relevant and up-to-date as possible, taking into account the very latest developments in the profession.
- In all of our courses, you will gain a professional focus and real-world experience in law, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in the legal world. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course.
- The School of Law houses both a mock Crown Court and a mock Magistrates Court, giving you the chance to practice your skills in a realistic environment mimicking the top levels of the British legal system.
- Our Law Clinic can give you opportunities to volunteer with local charitable legal advice providers and to work alongside legal professionals undertaking pro-bono work, allowing you to make a genuine difference in the lives of Birmingham residents.
- Our renowned American Legal Practice module offers you the chance to apply to undertake an internship in the United States.
- We have strong links with law firms and companies based right here in Birmingham, which allow us to host guest speakers from the industry regularly.
Curriculum
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all of the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):
- Legal Systems
- Foundations in Professional Skills
- Critical Legal Thinking
- Law of Tort
- Contract Law
- Introduction to US Legal Studies
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all of the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):
- Land Law and Property Practice
- Criminal Law
- Professional Skills
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Business Law
- Federalism and the US Constitution
Professional Placement (optional)
In order to qualify for the award of LLB (Hons) Law With American Legal Studies with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
- Professional Placement Year
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all of the following core modules (totalling 100 credits):
- Equity and Trusts
- Law of the European Union
- The Individual and the US Constitution
You will select one of the two following modules:
- American Legal Practice*
- American Legal Studies Dissertation
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of optional modules.
- American Criminal Procedure and Evidence
- Human Rights in America
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Career Opportunities
Enhancing employability skills
Key employability skills are embedded within the learning and teaching, and we will provide you with additional careers development through our guest speakers, and pro bono and placement opportunities. The transferrable skills you learn will also give you the attributes needed to satisfy employers across a range of disciplines.
Our Student Law Society also provides you with the chance to interact and work with other students on legal pursuits, career enhancement and social activities, offering you support and helping you build your employability skills.
We also have our dedicated Careers Service, which provides a wide range of online and face-to-face services to help you develop your employability skills, plan your career and access the latest job opportunities. They will also help with you tailoring CVs, writing applications and interviewing techniques.
Placements
In your final year, you will have the chance to undertake a placement module with one of our partners. This will provide valuable, real-world experience, enhance your learning in a workplace environment, and build up your networking and communication skills. While on placement, you will be assessed on your performance within the working environment and will be encouraged to reflect on your development and progression.
In the past, students have enjoyed placements with the Citizens Advice Bureau.