UCAS code
M100Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
With a Portsmouth law degree you really can change the world, fight for what you believe in and make a difference to people's lives. This Bachelor of Laws (LLB) gives you the choice to go on to study for your solicitor exams or your Bar exams after you graduate.
If you take our Law in Practice module you'll gain 3 months work experience that can count towards your qualifying work experience for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). You'll also have the option of a paid work placement between years 2 and 3 that will increase your employability.
Course highlights
- Get lots of practice at the type of assessment used in the first part of the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
- Cover in-depth all the foundations of legal knowledge you need to go on and take your Bar exams
- Take our advocacy module, which prepares you to put a case in both criminal and civil courts
- Apply your learning in our community settings, gaining real-world legal practice skills
- Get a discounted rate on Barbri's SQE preparation course
- Benefit from teaching that's shaped by expert staff who have been practicing lawyers and who understand how the legal landscape is changing
- Enrich your learning through our research expertise in areas such as data protection, legal education and international business law
- Benefit from expert guest lecturers
New Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
The route to qualifying as a solicitor has changed for new applicants.
If you accept an offer on this course after 21 September 2021 you'll need to take the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) after you graduate to qualify as a solicitor. The content and mode of assessment of many of our modules provide a good foundation for further specific SQE preparation.
If you completed or started this course, accepted an offer of a place, or paid a non-refundable deposit (international students only) before 21 September 2021 (inclusive) you can choose to take either the new SQE or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) after graduation.
90%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)
Facilities and clinics
Learn your craft in our courtroom
Replica Crown Court
Watch this short video to discover our replica courtroom and see where you'll practise trials and take part in mooting competitions.
The benefits of having a replica Crown Court are that if one of our students wants to be a barrister in the future or a solicitor advocate, then it really gives them the opportunity to practise a trial and various court hearings in a courtroom setting.
Although this is a crown court, so it's a criminal court, we also use it for civil cases too. We're one of the only universities in the country that has a replica courtroom. This really gives students, when they go on from university, some really important skills that are valuable not only in a legal career, but also in a lot of other careers as well.
The student Law Society do a lot of activities in here, run mock trials, mooting competitions, and it gives our students really a chance to let their hair down and have a bit of fun in here.
We use the wigs, we use the gowns, we get a real judge in and we've got the cameras in here so you can go and film your performances.
You can -- it's a really good learning space. It's so lovely to see how our students grow in the years that they're with us. Our replica courtroom helps us to do that.
Develop your legal practice skills working with real clients
Legal Advice Clinic
Volunteer in our Legal Advice Clinic where you can help Portsmouth residents with their real legal problems, such as consumer or employment issues.
Watch this short video to find out how it works and what students think of the experience.
Gemma Hargrave (tutor):
The legal advice clinic is a live clinic. We have real life clients coming in. They ask us questions about any area of law. We have students who are from level six at the university who come in and work in the clinic. They do it as part of a module called the Law and Practise Module. Rather than doing a dissertation and writing 10000 words, they come into the clinic every week and work with clients to work out their problems.
Callum Goddard (student):
So I chose to take part in the legal clinic for a number of reasons, really, having gone through a sort of assessment process with a law firm, I realised in myself that I sort of had a lack of examples to draw on in terms of how I can demonstrate my competencies to future employers. So for me, it was really beneficial to get some proper legal experience.
Gemma Hargrave:
So, the student role at the clinic is as a legal advisor. They will see the client, they will gather information from the client and then they will go away and research the problem.
Jack Macfarlane (student):
What I gained from taking part in the legal advice clinic was very much the interpersonal skills that I developed from speaking with everyday people that had everyday issues.
Gemma Hargrave:
The legal advice clinic benefits students in their further studies and future careers because it gives them the opportunity to have real life experience of the law, but it lets them build on those skills that they've got, so skills that they will have to take into the workplace: communication skills, organisation skills, they'll know how to deal with a difficult client. These are all skills, whether they go into the law or not, that will really help them in their future careers.
Katie Yeoman (client):
The legal advice clinic has helped me on mainly discrimination law. Because I'm transgender, I face discrimination and I've taken action and they've helped me sort things out. Working with the students, they've responded really well, and if they didn't know what the answer was, they've gone away and they've either emailed me or phoned me. So the students have been really good.
Callum Goddard:
In terms of how the legal clinic has helped me and my future role now, I think the clinic was really great at building those core skills of a lawyer: conducting interviews, taking the time to research matters and then also having the confidence to deliver the legal outcomes. The clinic is unmatched really for how it can develop you in those areas.
Gemma Hargrave:
I'm incredibly proud of what the students have achieved over the years. We've written multiple witness statements for some clients that have enabled them to be able to keep contact with their children in the future. We have had one case where students were able to prevent, on the day, an illegal eviction of a client who would be homeless without that help. The students have been able to take what they've learnt in the clinic and then make a real impact in the community.
Entry requirements
LLB (Hons) Law degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–ABB
- UCAS points – 128–136 points from 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit – Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120-136 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit - Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–31
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
As well as meeting the entry requirements for this course, we're looking for people who have good reading and writing skills and who are curious about the world.
You do not have to be a confident speaker or presenter to get a place on this degree; we'll help you develop those skills throughout the course.
From student to solicitor
Read Shashi's storyThe University is known for its Gold teaching standard. After completing my undergraduate here, I can confirm that the quality of teaching, support and guidance has been beyond my expectations.
Careers and opportunities
Law is an incredibly flexible degree. If you don't believe us, take a look at our blog about the 7 reasons to study law.
When you graduate you'll be ready to take your next step to train as a solicitor, a barrister or a Chartered Legal Executive. It's worth noting that Chartered Legal Executives can now become judges, coroners, advocates and partners in law firms.
Some of our graduates go on to secure training contracts, but others choose to go into different professions. Law degrees are in the top 10 degrees for employability, as you'll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills that will make you very employable across a range of other sectors.
Doing a law degree gives you a wide range of career options.
Previous graduates of this course have got jobs in companies such as:
- Eversheds Sutherland
- Churchers Solicitors
- Gammon Bell & Co
- Downs Solicitors LLP
- Coffin Mew LLP
- Shoosmith Solicitors
- HMRC
- National Assembly Wales
- Ministry of Defence
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- trainee solicitor
- trainee barrister
- paralegal
- financial consultant
- intellectual brand protection analyst
- letting negotiator
- human resources manager
- recruitment consultant
- accountant
- international project manager
- senior researcher
-
company secretary
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
April shares her experience of studying Law and training to become a Solicitor
April Phillips
April graduated in 2018 with a Law degree from the University of Portsmouth. She is now Trainee Solicitor at Shoosmiths. Find out what April’s training contract entails and how she’s applying the skills she learnt whilst at university.
My name is April Phillips and I'm a trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths.
I'd enjoyed law when I was at college and wanted to do something that I would be interested in. I knew that law would be quite a broad ranging topic and it would open up a lot of opportunities post-university.
While I was at the University of Portsmouth, I decided to explore different avenues to try and figure out what I wanted to do post-university, and as part of that I found that I really enjoyed the system aspect of it, so I decided to explore that further, which meant I then decided to apply for a training contract.
A number of opportunities were highlighted to me by lecturers, including the City Solicitors Horizons programme, which was a programme based in London, which looked at city firms and gave some insight into those which I otherwise wouldn't have had.
Going into law, it's a competitive field and I needed to get as much experience as I could to demonstrate that I could do the job and would stand out against other candidates from other universities.
I probably wouldn't have been able to make that decision without that experience. My time at the University of Portsmouth changed me in terms of my confidence and my ultimate path.
It gave me the chance to explore that and that confidence grew as a result and I think I'm more of a well-rounded human being now, I like to think.
I've been back a couple of times, done a couple of different events. It's quite nice to go back and hopefully reassure people that it's not as scary as you think and that making those choices and experiencing things while you're at university, that time is really valuable and can change your path.
It's really motivating and it's nice to recognise how I've got here and the success that I've had and pass that on to hopefully see more junior lawyers coming through from Portsmouth.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability even more by taking an optional paid placement year between years 2 and 3.
Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Verisona Law
- Opus 2 International
- GE Capital
- Oracle
- Rolls Royce Motor Cars
Whatever your career ambitions, our placements team will be there to help and guide you and you'll maintain contact with your tutors throughout the year.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Sion on using the skills he learnt on his Law degree in the Business world
Sion Evans
Sion graduated in 2015 with a Law degree from the University of Portsmouth. He is now a Recruitment Business Partner at Howden Group Holdings. Find out what Sion’s role entails and how he’s applying the skills he learned during his time at uni.
My name is Sion Evans and I'm a Recruitment Business Partner. I think ever since I was a kid, the plan was to go and be a lawyer. The reason that I chose to go and domy law degree over at the University of Portsmouth was that I love the city, I loved the course itself.
There were a lot of things that actually were going to give me a lot more than what I would get elsewhere - a lot of the commercial thinking. A lot of the commercial mentality that you get at the University of Portsmouth was really key for me and also the courtroom.
For me, advocacy was just a huge part of what I wanted to do. You are encouraged to do more.
As much as your law degree is really important, the rest of it is also just as important. Coming out with the commercial awareness and the commercial mentality that you get from the University of Portsmouth was key.
Going down the legal route wasn't where my calling was. I'd always thought it was and it was hard to say that to myself and to say, actually, it is not right for me. But having that knowledge and having the experiences that I had had at the University of Portsmouth, so whether that be the being head of the law society or whether that be being part of rowing societies, or even just sort of moving away from home and living somewhere else, that gave me the confidence and the ability to go out and actually to say to myself, this isn't what I want to do, but also to then be able to go into the world of work and say, I want to go and do this and I want to look at other options and I think my experience is going to be valuable to what you're doing.
Walking across London Bridge to go to my office is a huge thing for me. It's something which I'm immensely proud of. This is the dream of coming up and working in London, being able to look out the window and seeing the Shard and seeing Tower Bridge and The Gherkin and Canary Wharf and all of these sorts of things. For me, that was a huge, huge thing. I'm immensely proud of that, really, really proud of that.
Community Lawyer module
Work with one of our partners to apply your learning by giving them legal advice. Partners have included the British Red Cross and Citizens Advice.
What you'll study on this LLB (Hons) Law degree course
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify the issues in a given problem or topic and apply relevant principles
- Conduct effective legal research and discuss the results of that research effectively orally (in a "mini-moot") and/or in writing
- Plan and carry out effective and persuasive oral and/or written argument
- Reflect on own performance and development in oral and/or written argument
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate the ability to research primary sources and use those to construct legal argument
-
Demonstrate an understanding of key principles of contract law
-
Demonstrate the ability to identify the relevant law, apply it to problem situations and reach reasoned conclusions
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate understanding of criminal offences in terms of their definitional elements
-
Analyse factual situations and identify and apply relevant legal rules and principles to assess potential outcomes in terms of criminal liability
-
Demonstrate the ability to research primary sources and use them to construct legal argument, both written and oral.
Independent study time
We recommend you spend at least 154 hours studying independently. This is around 6.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Understand and discuss the operation of the English Legal System, including classifications of law, the court structure and sources of law
-
Access, reference and use legal materials and other appropriate primary and secondary sources of information
-
Develop and present legal and contextual arguments
-
Consider different ways of learning and the role of feedback in improving learning and performance
-
Effectively read, comprehend, interpret and evaluate legal sources, such as statute law, case law and credible secondary source
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Understand key features and the operation of the British Constitution
- Understand constitutional principles and how they apply within the UK constitution
- Recognise the legal and non-legal forms of redress available against public bodies and bodies performing public duties in England and how such avenues of redress can be used in practical situations
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key principles of the law of tort
- Demonstrate the ability to research primary sources and apply those to tortious issues
- Analyse factual situations and identify and apply relevant legal rules and principles to assess potential outcomes in terms of tortious liability
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and rules of equity and the law of trusts
- Use independent research to examine a particular aspect of the law of equity and trusts
- Analyse problem situations and apply the appropriate legal principles to that situation in order to construct coherent and logical conclusions
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and extent of the mechanisms for the protection of human rights in the UK legal system
-
Understand the role of the European Court of Human Rights in shaping UK human rights practice
-
Analyse the main methods and tools of human rights adjudication
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Apply their knowledge and understanding of human rights legislation to problem scenarios in order to reach reasoned conclusions
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Show knowledge and understanding of the main principles and concepts of Land Law
-
Apply their knowledge and understanding of Land Law to communicate in writing a solution to a legal problem in a clear and concise manner
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Compare and contrast the facts within a given scenario using statute and case law to recognise ambiguity and provide arguable conclusion
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop the skills necessary to engage in critical analysis of the law
- Identify and apply a range of appropriate legal research methods
- Access and retrieve relevant sources and assess their quality and authoritative value
- Develop a range of legal writing skills relevant to professional communication and academic research
Optional modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver advocacy (oral and/or written) appropriate to a realistic criminal law trial/hearing, reflecting the theory of advocacy and professional ethics
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver advocacy (oral and/or written) appropriate to a realistic civil law trial/hearing, reflecting the theory of advocacy and professional ethics
- Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, challenge received opinion and develop own criteria and judgment when reflecting on own performance and development in oral and/or written argument
- Engage with the personal development of advocacy skills with reference to theoretical and professional writing on advocacy
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to evaluate core concepts of data protection law by developing research, theoretical and practical understanding, so as to arrive at appropriate conclusions
- Demonstrate an awareness of practice-related issues and challenges pertinent to data protection law and policy
- Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of current/emerging legal and policy issues/challenges observable in the data protection field
- Work independently, and be able to reach reasoned conclusions from theoretical or problem-based data protection law-related scenarios, and provide advice and recommendations
- Demonstrate an ability to form an argument through the research and analysis of academic data protection law materials
- Communicate effectively about data protection law related ideas and concepts in a way that is comprehensible to others with knowledge of the subject
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Understand and analyse the key characteristics of dispute resolution processes
- Compare and categorise the range of dispute resolution processes available to lawyers to enable you to select the most appropriate dispute resolution process for a client's needs
- Understand and apply a range of dispute resolution skills to solve simple disputes
- Conduct personal reflection upon your own performance and consider the links between reflective practice and well-being as a student and practitioner
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Investigate paper and electronic primary legal sources relating to the employment relationship
- Differentiate and discriminate between the principles of Contract and Statute law as problem solving devices in the regulation of the employment relationship
- Interpret and apply the law to realistic problem scenarios
- Conduct independent research into developing principles of the common law and statutory interventions
- Provide analysis of various legal principles and evelopments in the field of employment
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to evaluate core concepts of media law by developing research, theoretical and practical understanding, so as to arrive at appropriate conclusions
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues relating to media law in the modern world
- Work independently to apply the law to reach reasoned conclusions from theoretical or problem-based media law related scenarios
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the main principles of medical law and the ethical issues underpinning the provision of medical treatment in England and Wales
- Demonstrate understanding of the main principles of the law relating to negligent medical treatment, organ donation, surrogacy and fertility treatment, and the regulation and prosecution of medical practitioners
- Critically evaluate and apply the law and any ethical issues to a range of hypothetical legal scenarios
- Critically evaluate the risks associated with medical treatment and the ethical issues involved in professional conduct of those medical practitioners
- Demonstrate an ability to orally explain the above concepts and to answer questions based on the feedback of the written work, and general legal and ethical issues
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a detailed and coherent knowledge of substantive law, regulations and other rules that arise in a sporting context
- Analyse, synthesise and evaluate historical and contemporary legal issues within a sporting context
- Be aware of the wider social implications of sport and the law and be able to debate issues in relation to more general ethical perspectives
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Exhibit knowledge and understanding of key concepts pertaining to the law and governance of the European Union
-
Identify and critically analyse European Union law principles as developed in the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice and scholarship
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Demonstrate ability to apply the rules and principles of European Union law to realistic problem scenarios
-
Critically evaluate the underlying theoretical debates that inform and contextualize legal analysis and judicial reasoning in European Union law
Optional modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver advocacy (oral and/or written) appropriate to a realistic criminal law trial/hearing, evaluating the theory of advocacy and professional ethics
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver advocacy (oral and/or written) appropriate to a realistic civil law trial/hearing, evaluating the theory of advocacy and professional ethics
- Critically evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, challenge received opinion, reflect on action and seek out and make use of feedback to improve on own performance and development in oral and/or written argument
- Incorporate critical ethical dimensions in to advocacy (oral and/or written) to demonstrate an awareness of personal responsibility and professional codes of conduct with reference to theoretical and professional writing on advocacy
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate solid understanding of relevant rules and procedures and their effect on practical problems
-
Critically analyse factual situations and identify and apply relevant legal rules
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Critically analyse factual situations and identify and apply relevant procedures
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Draft formal legal documentation accurately
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate detailed understanding of the law and practice in key areas of commercial law
-
Critically evaluate the law relating to businesses and commercial transactions
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Critically analyse complex factual situations and identify and apply relevant legal concepts in order to reach reasoned conclusions and provide advice and recommendations
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Synthesise knowledge and understand of the law and apply complex statutory and case law material
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Demonstrate an awareness and good understanding of current legal issues and problems relating to businesses and commercial transactions
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate detailed and coherent knowledge of substantive law, procedure and practice in one or more areas relevant to the clinical placement setting
-
Display the ability to critically analyse legal problems and identify appropriate legal and practical resolution strategies
-
Demonstrate an ability to effectively and appropriately communicate legal principles and advice to clinical placement service users
-
Reflect upon and critically analyse learning from experiential practice in the clinical placement setting, identifying areas of strength, and those to improve upon
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the relevant legislative framework
- Critically analyse factual situations and identify and apply relevant legal concepts
- Resolve novel problems relating to relevant aspects of company law
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Compare equality laws and policies across the globe, with a view to critically evaluating how legal questions around equality rights are addressed in different jurisdictions
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Achieve an in-depth understanding of different theories of equality and appraise their impact on existing anti-discrimination laws and their interpretation by national and international courts
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Critically engage with classic and recent judgments on equality and non-discrimination from national and international courts, as well as with cutting edge scholarship on topical questions of equality law, with a view to making evidenced-based assessments of interpretative and policy developments in equality law
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Demonstrate the ability to construct well-informed legal arguments, as well as the ability to engage with independent analytical and critical research with a view to producing robust legal analysis
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate a wide-ranging ability to critically evaluate core concepts of data protection law by developing research, theoretical and practical understanding, so as to arrive at appropriate conclusions
-
Demonstrate an awareness of practice-related issues and challenges pertinent to data protection law and policy
-
Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of current/emerging legal and policy issues/challenges observable in the data protection field
-
Work independently, and be able to reach reasoned conclusions from complex theoretical or problem-based data protection law-related scenarios, and provide advice and recommendations
-
Demonstrate a comprehensive ability to form an argument through the research and synthesis of academic data protection law materials
-
Communicate effectively about data protection law related ideas and concepts in a way that is comprehensible to others with knowledge of the subject
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Understand and critically analyse the key principles and concepts of discrimination
-
Understand the key protected characteristics, and critically analyse how they manifest in disputes
-
Understand the key protected characteristics, and critically analyse how they may conflict with each other
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Be able to question and critically analyse the key case law
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate an in-depth and systematic understanding of Family and Child law through independent research
-
Critically assess aspects of Family and Child Law
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Evaluate Family and Child law in action
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and extent of the mechanisms for the protection of intellectual property in the UK legal system
-
Critically examine the main intellectual property rights available in the UK
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Develop logical and coherent arguments to support reasoned conclusions when answering problem or discussion based questions
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Demonstrate the ability to research points of law by using a variety of online and offline sources
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the essential principles of the law governing the use of force and international humanitarian law
- Undertake independent research in the field of international law
- Critically examine rules of international law governing the resort to and conduct of an armed conflict
- Demonstrate an ability to ground an understanding of the relevant law within contemporary, real - world contexts
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate detailed and coherent knowledge of substantive law, procedure and practice in one or more areas relevant to the clinical setting
-
Display the ability to critically analyse legal problems and identify appropriate legal and practical resolution strategies
-
Demonstrate an ability to effectively and appropriately communicate legal principles and advice to clients, lawyers and non-lawyers
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Outline the law relating to intestacy and advise as to an intestate estate distribution
- Explain key principles of the law of succession and evaluate the extent to which they apply to a particular scenario
- Apply your knowledge and understanding of the law to problem scenarios, analysing these in order to provide coherent and logical conclusions
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Implement an effective research methodology which may, where appropriate, also include an empirical and/or interdisciplinary approach, to meet the research objectives of the dissertation
- Display evidence of independent research through proper citation and discussion of relevant legal authorities and other appropriate primary and secondary sources
- Provide a clear explanation of the areas of the law and other appropriate issues relevant to the dissertation
- Demonstrate the ability to subject the law to effective doctrinal and critical analysis which, where appropriate, involves the synthesis of legal and contextual issues, and to formulate logical and reasoned conclusions and recommendations
- Adopt a structure and writing style appropriate to a legal dissertation at undergraduate level
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Formulate a plan suitable for development into an extended essay
-
Display evidence of effective research through proper citation and discussion of relevant legal authorities and other primary and secondary sources
-
Provide a clear and accurate explanation of the areas of the law relevant to the project
-
Demonstrate higher level of intellectual skills drawn from a range of skills, including the ability to subject the law to effective doctrinal and critical analysis which, where appropriate, involves the synthesis of legal and contextual issues, and to formulate appropriate conclusions and recommendations
-
Adopt a structure and writing style appropriate to a piece of independent legal research at undergraduate level
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Develop a knowledge of both fundamental principles and specific regimes of international law
-
Undertake independent research in the field of international law and use this to inform written work
-
Explore and reflect upon key debates situated within the field of international law
-
Critically engage with contemporary developments in the field
The course is very interactive. We have been able to engage with lawyers on a practical scale. I have had the opportunity to take part in the practical lawyer unit which enables me to engage directly in the field of legal advice which has greatly boosted my confidence.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Ways to enrich your study
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."
Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019
Teaching
We've listened to our students and they've told us that they want to keep some of the positive changes we've made to teaching and learning, so we're keeping a blended and connected model which will include some online learning.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
The way you qualify as a solicitor has changed and we want to make sure that we prepare you as much as possible for the new SQE exams. The SQE exams are multiple choice, so we're adapting our assessment methods so that you're confident with this method of assessment.
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take, but it's likely to include:
- exams
- problem scenarios
- written reports and essays
- presentations
- practical projects
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course. To learn more about our teaching staff's active engagement in research and in addressing current legal challenges, explore our law blog.
Many of my lecturers have either been barristers or solicitors. This is really good, as they know what is needed to succeed in this field.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- Academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- Reflective writing skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module that you study.
You won't need to buy the core textbooks as you'll get free access to Law Trove and you can borrow most books from our extensive library. Law Trove also gives you free access to lots of additional law books to deepen understanding and enhance learning.
If you choose to buy the course books they may cost up to £30 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – M100
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – M100
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.