University of Sunderland

Law

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Why study law at Sunderland?  

• The best new University in the country for studying law (The Guardian, 2008)
• The best for academic support and assessment and feedback (The National Student Survey, 2008)
• The best for teaching and organisation and management (The National Student Survey, 2008)
• The best for student experience in the UK (Times Higher Education Supplement, 2007)
• The only University offering the 2 in 1 Paralegal Accreditation
• Law at Sunderland has been ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction. (Times University Guide 2008)

Law at Sunderland continues to grow in terms of both national and international recognition and popularity.  In 2007 the National Student Survey ranked the Law Department first for academic support, assessment and feedback. In that same year the THES declared Sunderland University the best for student experience and this year the Guardian League Tables showed that Sunderland is the best new University in the Country for studying law. In addition to this, Sunderland Law Department offer an exclusive 2 in 1 Paralegal Accreditation, placing Sunderland graduates ahead of the competition when considering their career options.

There is a wide array of opportunities for the study of law at Sunderland. As well as our flagship LL.B with combined Paralegal accreditation, we also offer a Foundation Degree and the chance to combine the study of law with another subject. We also offer a wide variety of Masters Programmes that incorporate the research expertise of the department and allow students to specialise in a wide range of contemporary legal subjects at Postgraduate Level. 

Why study law? 

The LL.B is an internationally recognised undergraduate qualification. It provides students with the academic stage of training required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to embark upon the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for those wanting to qualify as a solicitor, or the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) for those wanting to qualify as a barrister. 

Even if you don't plan to enter the legal profession, a law degree is a valuable qualification in itself and it can be used to springboard you into a career in management, the Crown Prosecution Service, the law courts, government, publishing, education and many more. 

As a student at Sunderland you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree so that it complements your career ambitions. If you plan to work in the commercial sphere you may wish to select modules such as employment law, intellectual property law and company law. Alternatively, if you wish to pursue a career practising as a criminal litigator you may wish to select options such as Evidence, Organised Crime and Terrorism and Civil and Criminal Practice. We also offer a range of modules that approach law in a wider socio-legal context as we recognise that not everyone wants to pursue a career in law. Modules such as Law and Sexuality and Sports Law, amongst others, provide students with a bespoke degree and a contemporary outlook upon the law. 

2 in 1 Paralegal Accreditation

(Exclusive to the University of Sunderland)

The LL.B at Sunderland has been designed with flexibility in mind and as a result the Paralegal Accreditation prepares students for a great alternative career in law. Paralegals undertake similar work to solicitors and can be employed as fee earners with their own client base. Students who complete a number of option modules over the course of their LL.B programme will be able to graduate with both a law degree and the NALP Diploma in Paralegal Studies, without any additional assessment.

Keep ahead of the competition

With your tailored degree and 2 in 1 Paralegal qualification you will already be ahead of the competition. Additionally however, students will be eligible for associate membership of the Sunderland Law Society and the MaD (Mooting and Debating) team. Using the faculty's newly constructed law court, students can develop their advocacy skills in practical surroundings. Click here if you are MaD for it  

Sunderland was one of the first UK Law Schools to have a Law on Film Group. Originally pioneered at Harvard Law School in the USA, law on film explores complex legal problems through real life scenarios. Click here to find out more.

Finally when looking towards your future career in law, firms increasingly look for evidence of pro-bono or voluntary work. Through the Community Business Bridge scheme students can apply for voluntary project work to enhance their experience and their CVs. The Business Bridge Scheme can also provide the opportunity for students to obtain paid work experience. 

Come to Sunderland and be part of the experience; be part of the best new law department in the country (The Guardian 2008).