These courses are the first step towards qualifying as a solicitor or barrister or as preliminary training for careers where legal knowledge is an asset. Having said that the programmes are also designed for students who would simply like to study law and obtain a qualification which can be helpful for a range of careers outside law, whether in commerce, administration or teaching.

With many universities offering an impressive range of short academic and professional courses, students will gain an introduction to the basic concepts and methods of legal study and the classification of common law. They will graduate with a thorough knowledge of principles of law in certain core and optional areas such as Legal History, Criminology and Human Rights.

The capital is an unrivalled location for studying Law, with many classes being taught by internationally respected academics and visiting lecturers from leading City law firms. It is an opportunity to be educated by the best legal minds and see things from their point of view. You will be close to the heart of legal London and only a short distance from the offices of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey.

Many graduates who enrol on this course successfully go on to complete their vocational training and obtain valuable solicitors training contracts. Others will use their degree to develop an existing legal career, to further their academic skills, or as preparation for postgraduate study. Numerous universities offer a wide range of programmes that can be tailored to the needs of qualified lawyers and those in associated professions.

Course structure
Student participation and discussion in seminars is actively encouraged and due to the nature of short courses considerable emphasis is placed on giving individual attention and advice to students. Law students are typically taught in small groups by academics who are themselves distinguished in their own particular fields, and who bring to the classroom their own experiences and knowledge of law in the real world. On part time courses teaching is done through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials to small groups. Written examinations and in some cases essays all count towards an individuals final course mark.

Mature students
Applicants who have not previously completed a course of higher education may still be able to apply for admission on Law Degree courses. To encourage applications from all social groups some universities have provisions where in special circumstances the usual formal educational requirements may be waived.

Typical part time Law degree course content

English Law
Legal writing
Legal Methods and Legal Systems
Criminal Law
Freedom of Expression
Equality and Diversity
Environmental Law
Family Law
Company & Partnership Law
Contract Law
Tort
EU Law
Employment Law
Family & Child Law
Media Law

You will learn about

Reasoning and analysis
Oral presentation
Legal research tools
The English legal system
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Legal techniques
Civil & criminal litigation
Advocacy
Interviewing and Advising
Legal Drafting
Dispute resolution
Professional conduct

Students will obtain the

Critical skills required to prepare them for a future profession or further academic study.
Learn not only the rules of law, but also their practical application in the modern world.
Skills relevant to today’s legal profession.
Gain an understanding the social environment in which law operates.

What to look for in a University

Do they have a established reputation for excellence in professional legal training.
Are you provided with opportunities to work with real life clients, where you can obtain invaluable ‘real-world’ experience.
Are networking events held where you can make contact with key industry players who may be looking to recruit graduates in the future.
Enquire about the range of legal resources that are available to students on the campus, for instance online tutorials, the library, referencing material, IT services and support staff.
Check out the non-academic support services, including: personal tutor schemes, counselling, financial advice and any social activities.

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