Law: The University of Manchester

Course description

The LLB is the largest undergraduate degree course offered by the Law School. It covers the core subjects of legal study and provides you with an extensive range of optional subjects to suit your particular interests and career plans. It is a qualifying law degree and thus provides exemption from the Common Professional Examination (CPE) which is otherwise required by students who wish to become barristers or solicitors.

In the first year you study six course units, three in each semester. These will be Legal Method; Contract, Public Law I; Public Law II; Criminal Law and Tort.

In the second year you also study six course units across the two semesters. Four of these will be compulsory: Equity and Trusts; Land Law; European Community Law and Jurisprudence. In addition, you will choose two further options.

In the third year you study six units, to be chosen from the above list. It is also possible to submit a dissertation in place of one of these subjects. It may not always be possible to offer all optional subjects in any one year.

Career opportunities

If you want to practise as a solicitor or barrister LLB (Hons) Law covers all the core subjects required to qualify for exemptions at the next stage in your training. However it will be necessary to do some further vocational training. You will need to do the Legal Practice Course and obtain a training contract to become a solicitor. You will need to do the Bar Vocational Course and obtain a pupillage to become a barrister.

The University of Manchester's School of Law has strong links with the legal professions and public services. Their graduates have a good record of securing employment both in the legal profession and other professional environments. Careers advice is available from a dedicated careers advisor. For those who wish to qualify as a solicitor, every graduate with a 2:2 degree or better is guaranteed a place at one of the branches of the College of Law or BPP to study on the Legal Practice Course.

Entry requirements

• English language: Candidates must show a high standard of written and spoken English. They require GCSE English Language or equivalent such as IELTS 7 or TOEFL 625.
• A level: Grades AAA. Two AS levels are not accepted in place of one A Level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: A minimum of five GCSE A grades which must include English Language and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 37 points overall including 7, 6, 6 at Higher Level.