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Law LLB (Hons)

Use our replica courtroom and community law clinic to prepare for you career in law as barrister, solicitor, or something else. 

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

M100, M105

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Develop your understanding of UK law and the legal system with our LLB (Hons) Law degree. 

You’ll explore the foundations of law as a discipline, build key legal skills such as client interviewing and negotiation, and gain a wide but detailed knowledge of UK law topics.

You’ll take part in live community projects to apply your learning as you study, and have the chance to practise your legal skills in our replica courtroom — where you’ll experience what advocacy can be like in a real crown court, with hidden recording equipment so you can review your performance afterwards.

If you take a paid industry placement after your second or third year, you’ll spend a year working in the legal profession or a quasi-legal environment, such as the Bank of England. This experience, alongside department insight days with Law firms and University networking events with guest speakers, means you’ll finish your course with connections in the legal industry.

With transferable skills and practical work experience that you can apply to multiple sectors, you’ll graduate ready to enter a range of jobs with your law degree.

Course highlights

  • Study a broad subject to gain sought after transferable skills that are valued by employers
  • Cover the foundations of legal knowledge you need to prepare for the Bar exams
  • Gain real-world legal practice skills by applying your learning in our community settings
  • Experience presenting a case in our replica courtroom as part of our advocacy module 
  • Graduate with 3 months of work experience that can count towards your SQE qualifying work experience by choosing our Law in Practice module
  • Hear from expert guest lecturers and network with industry professionals
  • Apply for a paid placement year in a legal or quasi-legal role, with support from our dedicated Placement Team
  • Opt to do a foundation year to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year

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.

94%

of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course

(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

How to apply for accommodation

We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.

Find out more

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.

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

Entry requirements (September 2025 start)

Typical offers for LLB (Hons) Law

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - 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.

Worried about your grades?

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer LLB (Hons) Law with a Foundation Year to bring you up to speed. When you successfully finish, you'll get a guaranteed place on LLB (Hons) Law.

Find out more about our foundation years

 

Typical offers for LLB (Hons) Law with Foundation Year

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.

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.

Please note this foundation course isn't currently open to EU or International students.

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

Shashi, law graduate

The 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.

Shashi Kaur, LLB Law Graduate

Read Shashi's story

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.

Law Photoshoot;19th November 2018

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.

Learn more about the community lawyer module

What can you do with a law degree?

Student stories

April Phillips - LLB (Hons) Law graduate

University of Portsmouth alumna April Phillips graduated in 2018 with a Law degree. She is now a Corporate Associate at Shoosmiths.  April explains how the Faculty of Business and Law gave her key insights into London city firms, highlighted opportunities and helped her successfully apply for a training contract. 

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.

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.

Female student at computer

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 after your second or third year of study.

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.

Jack Kelly at Foot Anstey

My placement has left a huge impression on me, for the best and for that, I am truly grateful for the opportunity, exposure and chance to undertake my internship at such a great firm.

Jack Kelly, Placement student at Foot Anstey, LLB (Hons) Law

Read blog
Headshot

During my time with Arcadis, I have had the pleasure working within both the Commercial Operations and Project Delivery & Performance sides of my team — and have learned a great deal from both. 

Jessica Murfitt, LLB (Hons) Law

Read Jessica's story

Modules

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.

What you'll study

Foundation year

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed.

  • You'll study on the University of Portsmouth campus with access to all facilities, support and societies
  • When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on LLB (Hons) Law
  • Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
  • Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's degree at university.

Learn more about our foundation years

The module introduces candidates to the interesting challenges that ICT presents today and covers many anchor points that may serve as a bridge to their interests and lifestyles.

It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.

You'll learn to identify and evaluate different types of constitutions, learn the structure of the UK government and institutions, and analyse systems of government using comparisons with other states.

You'll cover the principles governing offer, acceptance, consideration and the intention to create legal relations.

You'll also discuss the content of contracts, the incorporation of different terms and the common law and statutory controls on exclusion clauses as well as practical drafting techniques employed by contract lawyers. 

You'll explore the basics of what the law seeks to achieve within a democracy, identification of the main classifications and sources of law, and detailed examination of the process of parliamentary and judicial law making.

You'll also look at European influences during the UK's time in the EU, and a detailed study of the Human Rights Act.

You'll explore theories of international relations, the nature of the international system, and factors like conflict, globalisation, and international organisations. You'll also dive into key global issues such as climate change, gender, and human rights.

You'll gain an overview of the history of legal scholarship. By the end of the module, you'll have a solid understanding and the ability to apply essential legal knowledge and skills. This will prepare you to progress onto degree level study at the University of Portsmouth.

You'll learn how to use academic databases and journals through a series of tasks which will have direct relevance to topics you studied in other modules.

You'll develop your abilities in academic writing by writing a short essay, case study analysis or similar written artefact in each lecture session.

You'll learn to conduct research using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. You'll also enhance your ability to understand and construct arguments, evaluate the rationale and evidence behind claims, assess the credibility of sources, and deliver well-structured, critically reasoned arguments and opinions both verbally and in writing.

Core modules

Develop legal arguments and apply the knowledge you'll gain from seminars and discussions to current issues. Learn to demonstrate your understanding of key principles, identify relevant law, and reach reasoned conclusions.

In studying this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of these principles, whilst embedding study skills throughout the module. The module will equip students with knowledge and understanding of these principles in order to provide advice to fictional clients.

Students will explore the historical and philosophical underpinnings of social justice, gaining insights into the ethical imperatives that drive lawyers' efforts to realise social change.

They will also learn about the various legal tools lawyers employ, including litigation, legal education, and policy advocacy, to advance social justice causes.

Real-world case studies will be analysed, allowing students to assess the impact of legal interventions on diverse social issues such as housing, family, immigration, employment and welfare. Additionally, the module will address the challenges lawyers face when advocating for social justice, encouraging students to critically reflect on their ethical responsibilities.

The module introduces key constitutional principles, legal and political issues related to the operation of the British Constitution, and mechanism of redress available to citizens against public bodies.

-To give students the opportunity to develop communication skills through experience, use of feedback, peer review and reflection. -To allow students to develop their skills of research, presentation, persuasion and self-regulation.

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of these principles in order to understand the English Legal System as it is today, whilst embedding study skills throughout the module.

Core modules

Lectures will outline the principles and rules of equity and the law of trusts, their application, current issues and contentious areas. Seminars will require students to apply these principles to problem situations, using their knowledge of statute and case law to develop their analysis. This will develop the identified skills, and these will then be utilised in tackling the assessments for this module.

This module aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of these principles in order to provide advice to a notional client.

Students will explore the core rights provided by the European Convention on Human Rights and implemented via the Human Rights Act 1998 and will, in addition, examine the role of the common law as an alternative means for protecting fundamental rights. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of rights in light of underlying principles, with a particular focus on how human dignity informs and shapes the content of human rights norms.

Optional modules

This module considers the legal principles that underpin data protection law and policy, and examines their application in relation to a number of salient fields (e.g. artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, automated decision-making, social media). It aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of these principles in order to provide advice to fictional clients. The module will be delivered by way of a combination of timetabled workshop sessions.

This module aims to equip students with knowledge, skills, and understanding of these principles in order to provide advice to a notional client.

Students will study a wide range of legal sources including elements of criminal and civil law, together with institutional frameworks and dispute resolution systems. Students will learn actively using contemporary and relevant historic sports law issues over a wide range of sporting disciplines.

While the focus will be practical, students will also develop an understanding of the theoretical, professional and ethical aspects of advocacy. Students will reflect on their own performances and those of their peers. Students will develop a range of skills appropriate to both civil and criminal court/tribunal appearances to include the law of evidence. The Presentations will be individual advocacy exercises based on the criminal and civil case studies that students will engage with on the module. The Portfolios will consist of critical commentaries on a collection of advocacy activities recorded by the individual student through the module. Students will be required to demonstrate their development of advocacy skills through feedback, peer observation and self-reflection with reference to theoretical and professional writing on advocacy.

Students will critically explore the core principles and concepts of direct and indirect discrimination, as a well as harassment, positive action, and victimisation.

Further studies will critically explore particular issues raised in relation to race, sex, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. These include religious beliefs conflicting with rights attached to sexual orientation, bans on the display of religious symbols and clothing, racism, and women's rights at work, as well as any topical issues of the day.

The module is comprised of two substantive parts. The first explores legal and regulatory issues posed by the emergence of AI technologies (e.g., challenges relating to privacy and data protection, intellectual property, human rights and non-discrimination, autonomous vehicles, autonomous weapons) by way of reference to real use cases and theoretical literature.

The second comprises of an in-depth examination of the innovative influence of AI technology on legal practice, providing students with the opportunity to develop their use of emerging technologies to enhance their professional skills. Upon completion of the module students will have developed a high level of understanding of what AI is, the challenges it poses for the law, and the relevance of the use of AI software in the legal sector.

Students will learn about the assessment of needs and methods of meeting needs of service users under the Care Act 2014 and the Children Act 1989.

Consideration will also be given to the role of law in managing standards in social care practice. Part of this will involve examining the differences in standards between adult and children's social care.

The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on service provision in the social care sector will also be given attention. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is also considered to flesh out a child's right to social care support in international human rights law.

By focusing on the care provision of particularly vulnerable members of society, this module will promote the development of informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to social justice issues. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their critical and reflective knowledge of social care law through examining that law in light of the changing social policy context.

Core modules

Seminar activity will follow on from the lectures and will concentrate on discussion and application of the legal principles and policies of the European Union.

Optional modules

This will be achieved by students working in the University's general legal advice clinics. There will be an emphasis on transferring academic legal knowledge that has been acquired throughout the degree programme into substantive legal help for members of the local community. The module will support students in developing skills such as client interviewing and management, note taking, report writing, legal letter writing, and document drafting, together with administrative skills such as replying to emails and making return phone calls. The students will also be involved with the marketing of the clinics(s) to the wider community, thus developing students' confidence in communication, and providing a critical awareness of how a client base is founded and developed. In preparation for entry into a post degree professional environment, the module will provide a focus on self-reflection.

Students will be offered the opportunity to work in a weekly placement with one of our external partners where the emphasis will be on application of legal theory to real life issues/situations, to assist the clients of the partner organisation.

Students will learn a range of skills, which will be communicated to the student at the outset of their placement (depending on the partner organisation) but in all organisations there will be an emphasis on the ability to communicate using different mediums, organisation and independent learning.

Students will be required to integrate into their partner organisation, contributing to the overall achievement of the organisation's own aims and objectives, and identifying areas of difficulty. In preparation for entry into a post degree professional environment, the module will provide a focus on self-reflection.

At these meetings, the student and supervisor may discuss the topic(s), research strategy and direction and/or review drafts submitted by the student.

To satisfy the CILEx accreditation requirements students must pass all the CILEx modules. The module is designed to develop and understanding of how a business is started, run and dissolved. It also introduces students to employment law.

This module also delves into the legal framework for children's rights in the domestic legal system, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Social Charter (ESC). It further examines the specific legal and thematic aspects related to children in care, children in the asylum and refugee system, and children within the court system, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and practical aspects of safeguarding children's rights.

To satisfy the CILEx accreditation requirements students must pass all the CILEx modules. This module introduces students to the main principles and procedures associated with civil litigation as well as defending a client in a criminal prosecution.

The topics covered in this module will be common with the equivalent module at UC ' Berkeley. The teaching for this module will involve 10 synchronous joint 2-hour online classes hosted by UC ' Berkeley and joined by all participating institutions and 11 synchronous UoP-only 2-hour online classes. The joint online classes will consist in mini-lectures (approx. 45 mins) by guest lecturers, seminar-style discussion in breakout sessions (2 x 15 minutes) with small groups of students from all participating institutions and plenary discussions (2 x 15 mins). The UoP-only online classes will be delivered 'locally' by the module coordinator. The UoP-only online classes will introduce students to the basic concepts of Comparative Equality Law and bring the questions / issues discussed in the joint class within a UK and / or European normative context.

Reference will be made to what intellectual property actually is as well as how UK law enables it to be protected. All the major intellectual property rights will be identified, dicussed and critically examained. These intellectual propertry rights will include patents, trademarks, copyright, design rights, passing off and the law of confidence. Reference will be made, where appropriate, to other jurisidictions as a means of critically evaluating the IP framework in the UK. Reference will also be made to international treaties and other external legal sources as and when the module demands.

The module will consider the requirements for a valid will, together with the laws of intestacy and claims by relatives of the deceased. The module will be delivered by means of weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures will outline the principles and rules of the law of succession, and discuss current issues and contentious areas. Seminars will require students to apply these principles to problem situations, using their knowledge of statute and case law to develop their analysis. This will develop the identified skills, and these will then be used in tackling the assessments for this module.

The module explores both the historical and theoretical foundations of the subject, before providing participants with an awareness of the sources, the nature and the core institutions of international law. It also seeks to engage with specific regimes of international law and to explore these in relevant contemporary contexts. The module will also specifically endeavour to develop the independent research skills of students.

Students' in this module will provide support to the local community in the form of a legal information presentation on a relevant and informative legal issue.

You will work in teams to research, plan, and deliver a presentation on a legal issue ( or range of issues) to your designated organisation (such as; charities, schools/colleges, and community organisations).

You will develop skills in; teamwork, research, communication methods, reflection, and learn to practically apply your academic knowledge acquired across the degree programme.

After an introduction to your designated organisation you and your group will be supported through the process of research, planning, design and presentation of the legal issue. There will be an emphasis on reflection throughout the process.

Not only will you gain skills and knowledge in liaising with, and presenting a legal issue to real life clients' but further, you will have experience to draw from, when engaging in interviews with employers.

Each student will already have been allocated to a supervisor based on their 'topic area'. Each topic has a different tutor and the topic area will have been decided by the tutor based on their own expertise and research interests. The module will have four timetabled tutorial sessions, where each group will meet with their tutor and throughout the module, tutors and students will make use of the Module's VLE to post queries and discuss issues arising out of their research.

While the focus will be practical, students will also develop an understanding of the theoretical, professional and ethical aspects of advocacy. Students will reflect on their own performances and those of their peers. Students will develop a range of skills appropriate to both civil and criminal court/tribunal appearances to include the law of evidence. The Presentations will be individual advocacy exercises based on the criminal and civil case studies that students will engage with on the module. The Portfolios will consist of critical commentaries on a collection of advocacy activities recorded by the individual student through the module. Students will be required to demonstrate their development of advocacy skills through feedback, peer observation and self-reflection with reference to theoretical and professional writing on advocacy

It outlines the different sectors of environmental law as well as provides an insight and understanding of the principles and concepts upon which environmental law is based.

It also analyses the ways in which particular issues are addressed and, where appropriate, places these in their international context.

It introduces students to the role that international environmental law has within the development of national environmental law.

Seminar activity will follow on from the lectures and will concentrate on discussion and application of the legal principles and policies of the European Union.

Directed activity will focus on discussion of issues using taught knowledge and the student's independent research.

Student's will apply law to problem situations, as well as improve the ability to critically reflect on the human rights issues involved in family law.

Relevant skills will be developed through seminar activities and utilised in tackling the assessment for this module.

This will include (but may not be limited to) the foundation subjects such Criminal law, Land (and ownership pf property), and Tort, and also some of the optional areas of study such as Medical Law and Sports Law.

There will be a strong emphasis on being able to critically evaluate legislation, case law and contemporary issues with feminist theory and understanding the limitations of both the theory and the law that is studied.

There will be a strong intersectional approach, requiring students to examine and understand how gender and sexuality intersect with other social categories such as race, age, class and disability, and how the law may perpetuate (and promote) inequalities.

The module will promote critical thinking and independent inquiry around issues of inequalities and the module supports the development of a range of Hallmarks.

In the first half of the module students will explore the rules that regulate the use of force in international law (the jus ad bellum), whilst the second half focuses on international humanitarian law (the jus in bello). The module aims to teach both historical and modern contexts of these areas of law and will engage with specific contemporary case studies, informed by the academic research of the co-ordinators. Weekly lectures will outline fundamental principles, whilst seminars will encourage students to critically reflect on the state of the law and the contexts in which it applies. The substantive content of the module is also, in parts, multidisciplinary in its nature, drawing on work from connected academic disciplines such as international relations. The module also aims to develop the independent research skills of students and this is reflected in the nature of the assessment.

To satisfy the CILEx accreditation requirements students must pass all the CILEx modules. This module develops the legal principles learned in land law at L5 and provides a practical context. This modules meets the CILEx requirements for application of accounts rules. The Hallmarks that the module seeks to address are: Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries; Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation, within and across discipline boundaries; Be intellectually curious, embrace challenges and seize opportunities for development; be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies; Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as quality, respect and sustainability.

You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.

You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.

When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.

You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.

Smiling student in library in placements meeting

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.

Patricia Asekenye, LLB (Hons) Law

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

Prague cityscape

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

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.

Emily Claire Walsh Portrait

Dr Emily Walsh

Associate Professor in Landlord and Tenant Law and Legal Education

Emily.Walsh@port.ac.uk

Portsmouth Law School

Faculty of Business and Law

PhD Supervisor

Read more
Michael Connolly Portrait

Dr Michael Connolly

Associate Professor in Law

michael.connolly@port.ac.uk

Portsmouth Law School

Faculty of Business and Law

PhD Supervisor

Read more

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.

Joy Mazhambe, LLB Hons Law student

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.

See term dates

Supporting you

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.

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Support is available for skills including:

  • University study
  • Getting into the right study mindset
  • Note-taking and note-making skills
  • Referencing
  • Presentation skills
  • Time management, planning, and goal setting
  • Critical thinking
  • Avoiding plagiarism

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

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 (September 2025 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,535 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.

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)

This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.

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 can borrow most books from our extensive library. 

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 – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,430 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

September 2025 start

To start LLB (Hons) Law in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – M100
  • our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

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 LLB (Hons) Law with Foundation Year in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – M105
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

Please note this foundation course isn't currently open to EU or International students.

 

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.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in 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.