Law LLB (Hons)

Take your first step towards a rewarding career in law. Develop sought-after skills, including commercial awareness, personal integrity and an ethical approach. Undertake an optional work placement year. Gain intellectual tools and knowledge to tackle real-world issues in the legal sector.

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Overview

The LLB (Hons) degree at University of Sunderland Law School provides you with the knowledge and skills which are essential for a career in the legal sector. Our course not only covers the areas of functioning legal knowledge which are required to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination but enables you to practice SQE style questions as part of your studies.

The course also integrates the foundations of legal knowledge which you need to pursue a career as a barrister, as well as developing the skills which are necessary to undertake further academic study, such as a master’s level qualification or a doctorate.

You will learn from a combination of experienced practitioners and research active staff, providing a high level of student support and engaging pedagogical approaches to help you achieve your goals.

In addition to the core and optional modules, you can take part in a range of CV enhancing, staff led extra-curricular activities such as the client interviewing competition, the student negotiation competition, the mooting competition or publication in the Sunderland Student Law Journal; a peer reviewed academic journal. Join us for our annual student trip to London to see Parliament, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Supreme Court, which will bring to life your study of public law.

You can experience life in legal practice by studying in our Law Clinic or taking our placement module, and network with local practitioners at the events embedded in our careers and employability programme. You can also build your leadership and organisational skills by joining our Student Law Society.

Why us?

This course has 83% Overall Satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2021, which is the best across North East institutions and 17^th across all UK Universities
90% of our students were very satisfied with the teaching on the course according to the National Student Survey 2021, which is the best across North East institutions and 6^th across all UK Universities
Our Law courses ranked 2nd nationally for Teaching Quality and 3^rd for Student Experience in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
We offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities such as mooting, debating, negotiation and client interviewing to help enhance your employability

The Student Law Clinic provides the opportunity to apply legal knowledge in real-life cases under the supervision of a Qualified Solicitor
You can study our LLB and continue to study our LLM Legal Practice (LPC) or an Academic LLM route, meaning that you qualify with two distinct internationally recognised degrees
Option to take a work placement year which is an excellent developmental opportunity for you to enhance your organisational and specialist knowledge, capabilities and skills, and ability to self-reflect

Course structure

You’ll be taught by passionate academics who produce ‘internationally excellent’ research. A typical week for you will include lectures, seminars, group work and e-learning. We encourage you to develop study skills and carry out independent legal research. You will also have opportunities to present ideas to other students and develop concepts in groups. A number of modules incorporate court/tribunal visits, video presentations and visiting speakers.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include research assignments, case studies, problem questions, practical activities, reports and exams.

Year 1 (national level 4):

English Legal System (20 credits)

Undertake an in-depth study of the substantive legal institutions in England and Wales, including the legislative process, delegated legislation, court structure, and the legal profession. Develop a sound understanding of the purpose and scope of money laundering regulations and their impact on the legal profession. Apply the key concepts and law you’ve learned to make an accurate and reasoned analysis of appropriate scenarios.

Practical Contract Law (20 credits)

Examine fundamental contractual principles, including freedom, equality, and privity in contract. Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of how a contract is formed and what is required by law to constitute a valid contract. Consider in detail the concept of breach of contract and the remedies which flow from the breach, including the general availability and different types of damages as well as other remedies such as repudiation, rescission, and specific performance.

Criminal Law (20 credits)

Gain a foundational understanding of criminal law theory and doctrine and examine the nature of criminal law and criminal courts. Examine the different actus reus elements required for a crime (conduct, result and circumstances) and the differences between criminal acts and omissions. Discuss the different levels of culpability in criminal law, and look at the operation of transferred malice, strict liability, and absolute liability.

Public Law and the Law of the European Union (20 credits)

Examine the theories and principles that provide the framework within which any specific law is legitimized within the United Kingdom. Investigate the sources of the constitution and how these operate alongside the foundational principles of the UK constitution, such as the Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, and Parliamentary Sovereignty. Explore the relationship between the British Constitution and the EU, the political and legal aspects of that relationship, and the underlying principles on which the EU was founded, such as the rules and underpinning legality relating to the four freedoms and competition law.

Fundamental Legal Skills (20 credits)

Hone your skills in critical reading and thinking, legal researching, accurate drafting, and time management. Explore the library resources that are available, both in paper copy and electronically through the legal databases and develop your understanding of legal citation. Conduct effective legal research and apply this directly to a given problem or topic.

Criminal Procedure (20 credits)

Develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the law and procedure involved in defending at the police station and criminal practice. Examine the process by which suspects are prosecuted, starting with the requirements for lawful arrest and concluding with an examination of the procedure at sentencing. Engage in practical tasks such as reviewing custody records, advising prior to, and during, police interviews, and preparing a plea in mitigation.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core modules:

Practical Tort Law (20 credits)

Gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the fundamental tenets of English tort law in their proper, practical context. Learn the fundamentals of the torts of negligence, occupier’s liability, nuisance, and trespass. Conduct document reviews and draft internal and external correspondence suitable for practice.

Land Law (20 credits)

Explore the main principles of property law in England, including the ownership of land, both freehold and leasehold, and the acquisition, protection, and application of any third-party rights in land. Understand the historical and present significance of land ownership as well as the rights and responsibilities which follow with it. Analyse legal materials and arguments relating to land law.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Dispute Resolution and Civil Litigation (20 credits)

Delve into the ways in which civil disputes can be resolved in England and Wales. Learn more about methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution and consider the advantages and disadvantages of negotiating a settlement when compared to litigating. Critically analyse the most appropriate course of action to be taken by clients who need to engage with the civil justice system.

Law of Evidence (20 credits)

Examine evidence at the different stages of a criminal case, including what the evidence is, and the burden and standard of proof. Consider other aspects of evidence such as the right to silence, character evidence, hearsay, confessions, expert evidence, and unlawfully obtained evidence. Apply your knowledge of the law of evidence in a practical context.

Placement (20 credits)

Apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in your academic studies to a real-life work environment. Develop key professional skills that are sought after by graduate employers. Explore potential career paths and areas of interest to you.

Family Law and Practice (20 credits)

Study the law that regulates the formation and dissolution of familial relationships, and the law governing parent-child relationships. Examine the law regulating marriage, civil partnership, cohabitation, and the resolution of disputes arising after a relationship breakdown. Additionally, explore the law governing parenthood, parental responsibility, and private law disputes involving childcare arrangements.

Introduction to Professional Practice (20 credits)

Analyse complex and changing situations of simulated client matters and identify the appropriate legal strategies. Evaluate simulated client interviews and practice client interviewing, drafting, presenting, and letter writing. Engage and collaborate with your peers, law clinic staff, and legal practitioners.

Law in Society (20 credits)

Develop an accurate knowledge and understanding of a substantial range of major concepts, values, principles, and rules relating to the law’s role in society. Conduct independent research into relevant areas of law using a range of professional research databases and academic texts. Consider a range of topical legal debates concerning the relationship between law and society, including social welfare, democracy, and equality.

Final year (national level 6):

Core modules:

Trusts Law (20 credits)

Advance your understanding of the nature and utility of the concept of trust law and of equitable remedies. Develop your analysis and independent thinking skills and use them to tackle practical problems. Consider the development of equitable principles, express private trusts, charitable trusts, duties of trustees, the nature and scope of fiduciary obligations, breaches of trust or fiduciary obligation and resulting and constructive trusts.

Optional modules (choose 100 credits)

Law Research Dissertation (20 credits)

Conduct in-depth original research and study into an area of law of interest to you. Analyse the law in a variety of relevant social, economic, commercial, or political contexts. Produce a written dissertation and undertake independent research in areas of law that have not previously been studied.

Medical Law (20 credits)

Explore the law that governs medical treatment and healthcare in England and Wales. Critically examine the laws that govern assisted reproduction, research, and experimentation, organ donation, medical negligence, treatment of patients who lack the capacity to consent, and end-of-life care. Place a particular focus on the ethical issues that arise in the context of medical care.

Commercial Law (20 credits)

Develop a critical knowledge and understanding of central tenets of commercial contract law, including agency, insurance, and consumer legislation. Undertake detailed document review and drafting, learn how to analyse commercial contracts and advise clients as to their obligations and liabilities, and draft standard form contracts suitable for practice. Examine, at length, the various provisions of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2014, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Employment and Labour Law (20 credits)

Understand the main areas of individual employment law and how employment law in practice affects the working relationship between employers and employees. Considers issues of unlawful discrimination, including recent law relating to discrimination. Consider termination of employment with a particular focus on the right not to be unfairly dismissed which is the most common substantive claim heard by employment tribunals.

Public International Law (20 credits)

Gain an introduction to the concepts, principles, institutions, and debates that frame public international law today. Question the role of international law in international affairs with a focus on modern conflicts and technological advances. Examine the role and relationships of international organisations and institutions such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the European Union.

Counter-Terrorism Law (20 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the legislation applicable to counterterrorism in England and Wales. Critically explore the legal definition of terrorism, the role of counter-terrorism institutions, proactive counter-terrorism legislation (offences), and reactive counter-terrorism legislation (police powers). Consider the human rights concerns in relation to counterterrorism, as well as methods of control where prosecution is not a viable option.

Crime, Justice and Society (20 credits)

Gain a foundational knowledge of the field of Criminology, including a study of crime, those who commit crime, and the criminal justice and penal systems. Attempt to define crime and justice by examining the theory underpinning it. Study the individuals and groups involved in the criminal justice system and crime prevention, punishment, and penology.

Property Law and Conveyancing (20 credits)

Identify the critical steps in a property transaction in the context of domestic or commercial transactions or both, and in relation to freehold and leasehold property. Develop an awareness of the conflicts of interest that may arise when acting for more than one party in a property transaction. Draft a transfer deed and undertake the pre- and post-completion checks, including how to fulfil obligations to a mortgage lender.

Wills and the Administration of Estates (20 credits)

Develop a systematic understanding of key aspects of the law governing wills and the administration of estates. Consider what might happen in the event that a will, or part of a will, is invalid. Learn more about how and when challenges on a will can be made.

Business Law and practice (20 credits)

Form a foundation for understanding the nature of business from a legal perspective. Explore the law of business organisations and develop knowledge and skills including the formation and constitution of business organisations, the financing of companies, and the management, administration, and regulation of companies. Delve into a simulated client file and take your client through the infancy of their business, to partnership, to company formation, and then, through to insolvency.

Sunderland Student Law Clinic (40 credits)

Work on “live” cases for clients at the Sunderland Student Law Clinic under the supervision of a qualified solicitor. Interview real-life clients and obtain relevant information about client issues. Research and accurately identify legal and factual issues and then present reasoned solutions to the client.

Please note, optional modules may change.

Facilities

You’ll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The Reg Vardy Centre is a modern building with views of the river, and just a short walk from both the coast and Sunderland town centre.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

2023/24 fees

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK/Europe*
£14,000 if you are an international student

*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, then the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course. For more information, see our Funding for Armed Forces personnel page.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

A law degree provides you with the foundation subjects that are required for entry into the legal professions. But the understanding of legal implications and obligations, combined with the ability to combine this knowledge in practice, is valuable in many parts of the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Employers from different sectors value the skills of clear thinking, logical argument and effective writing and sectors where a degree in law will be beneficial, include, property development, banking and finance, HR or Civil Services.

Sunderland Student Law Clinic

Sunderland Student Law Clinic provides quality, free legal advice and assistance to local members of the public, start-up businesses and mature businesses in financial difficulty. All work is carried out by students who are supervised by nine experienced solicitors. The Law Clinic enables you to:

Work as part of a student law firm
Improve your client interviewing skills
Gain experience of writing professional legal advice
Enhance your graduate prospects with real-life practical experience
Receive training and support from experienced staff and learn the rules and procedures of working in a Law Clinic

Mooting and negotiation skills

To enhance your experience of standing up in front of people and delivering a clear argument, we encourage competitions run by the Mooting and Debating Group. In Year 2 there is an optional ‘Mooting’ module. It includes an outdoor performance workshop at the coast to engage in activities around voice projection and the power of oral argument. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enter the CEDR National Client Negotiation Competition, where teams representing UK university law schools compete against each other to find the most effective negotiators. The winners of each regional final are awarded a one-day negotiation skills training course, giving them even more tools to use as they compete in the final.

Client Interviewing Competition

The Sunderland Client Interviewing Competition has been running since 2010 and provides students, competing in pairs, with an opportunity to develop the critical skill of client interviewing in a simulated environment. Coaching is provided by a team of experienced staff. The competition is sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson LLP, and winning competitors are awarded a work placement at the firm as their prize, along with the Client Interviewing Shield. Two students from the Sunderland Law School compete each year in the Client Interviewing Competition for England and Wales.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Throughout the course, you may also be offered the opportunity to participate in one or more field trips including a trip to London which includes a visit to the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court.

The University works with The Essence Centre/Age UK and proudly supports Dementia Friends which provide useful sessions to better understand and support members of the community living with dementia.

Law guest speakers

Our invitations to guest speakers allow you to listen to people who are already progressing in their legal careers. Examples of past speakers include graduates from the course who are undertaking the Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course and others who have now progressed to their training contract. It’s a useful way to broaden your learning so that you’re prepared not just for exams but for life.

Work placement year

You can choose to undertake the 48-week placement year in year 3. It's an excellent developmental opportunity for you to enhance your organisational and specialist knowledge, capabilities and skills. These elements are crucial to your course, your final degree classification and career progression.

The focus is on your professional experiences, development, engagement and contribution. During your placement you will be supported by an allocated Academic Placement Mentor and a Host Supervisor at the placement organisation who will monitor your progress throughout the year.

You'll be supported by the Placement Team in your search for a placement, but you are required to search and organise the placement yourself. All placements will be subject to interview and need to be agreed by the University. If you undertake the placement year, you'll then transfer onto LLB (with Placement Year).

Please note, the University cannot guarantee that placements will be available.

Graduate employment

Paralegal starting salaries can be between £12,000 and £20,000 a year, increasing up to £25,000 a year with a few years’ experience. With further experience and qualifications, this can rise to £40,000 a year or more. Salaries for qualified solicitors range from £25,000 to £70,000. Partners in large firms or heads of in-house legal departments can earn in excess of £100,000. Barristers can expect to earn between £73,000 and £210,000 a year (source: National Careers Service).

Meet the students

Working in the Sunderland Student Law Clinic has been the highlight of my four years at university

Ian Rutland
I can say with honest conviction that my experience was enjoyable and extremely successful

Jake Bowman
I appreciate that the University has a Mock Law Court available for students to use.

Numan Miah
It is a great institution, with great facilities.

Penny Jones
What really sold the University for me was the incredible support that is offered.

Rebecca May
The facilities, staff and my fellow students helped make my time here a rewarding experience.

Sean Pitcairn
The best aspect of the Law course was the standard of teaching.

Syed Ahmed

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism.

Page last updated: 31 January 2023

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Law LLB (Hons)

Overview

Why us?

Course structure

Year 1 (national level 4):

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core modules:

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Final year (national level 6):

Core modules:

Optional modules (choose 100 credits)

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Sunderland Student Law Clinic

Mooting and negotiation skills

Client Interviewing Competition

Extra-curricular opportunities

Law guest speakers

Work placement year

Graduate employment

Meet the students

Ian Rutland

Jake Bowman

Numan Miah

Penny Jones

Rebecca May

Sean Pitcairn

Syed Ahmed

Meet the team — LLB (Hons) Law

Related courses

Contact

Sign up to receive more information