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LLB

Law LLB (Hons)

Learn from award-winning academic staff who are leading figures in the field. A Durham law degree lays the foundations for a rewarding career in the legal sector and beyond.

How to apply Apply via UCAS

Course details

Start date

Degree Type

LLB

UCAS Code

M101

Course length

3 or 4 years full-time

Typical offer

A*AA

Tuition Fees

  • Home (Full-time): £ per year
  • Overseas (Full-time): £ per year

Overview

Durham Law School is a world leader in legal education and research. Our top-ranking LLB forms the first stage of the professional training you need to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister. This cutting-edge, research-led degree provides an in-depth understanding of the law of England and Wales, as well as legal research and practice. It offers a variety of optional modules which allows individual specialisation across a range of pathways in public and private law, including international law. The Law School is home to a number of leading research centres and groups, and all teaching staff are actively involved in research. This research feeds into the curriculum to create a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment which is in step with developments in the real world. Academic expertise is supported by a range of first-class learning facilities. The moot court, dedicated workrooms and pro bono room allow you to immerse yourself in a law-focused environment. And outside of structured learning there are ten different law-related student societies which offer plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. You can also apply to add an international dimension to your LLB with a year abroad in one of our overseas partner institutions. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.

Course details

Start date

Degree Type

LLB

UCAS Code

M101

Course length

3 or 4 years full-time

Typical offer

A*AA

Tuition Fees

  • Home (Full-time): £ per year
  • Overseas (Full-time): £ per year

What you'll study

The rigorous academic curriculum, first-class facilities and supportive learning environment provide the legal and academic skills you will need to progress to a career in the legal sector, as well as equipping you with the transferable skills that are in demand across a wider range of sectors including business, local and national government and academia.

Core modules

  • Contract Law

    offers an understanding of the nature and functions of the law of contract in England and Wales. You will critically examine key elements of the law of contract and begin to develop an understanding of the common law in action.

  • EU Constitutional Law

    gives an overall understanding of basic institutions, concepts and principles relating to the European Union. This module covers elements such as the historical, political and economic foundations of the EU, institutions of the EC, the legal structure of the EC and judicial protection of ‘community rights’.

  • Introduction to English Law and Legal Method

    gives a hands-on grounding in legal research, analysis, writing and IT skills. It seeks to establish critical analytical and transferable skills essential in your legal studies and beyond. It introduces you to the English legal system and the diverse forms legal analysis can take.

  • The Individual and the State

    provides a general understanding of the basic institutions, concepts and principles relating to the relationship between the individual and the State. You will study aspects of The European Convention on Human Rights, The Human Rights Act 1998, and judicial review of administrative action.

  • Tort Law

    provides a general understanding of the structure of the law of tort in England and Wales. You will examine the nature of the major torts and the place of tort law within the legal system.

  • UK Constitutional Law

    provides an understanding of the basic institutions, concepts and principles relating to the constitution of the UK. This module includes elements such as the nature of the UK Constitution, The Rule of Law, parliamentary sovereignty, and the separation of powers.

Core modules

  • Criminal Law

    provides an understanding of the nature and functions of criminal law, including the general principles of criminal law and the principles governing selected crimes. You will learn to identify relevant principles of law, apply those principles to problem questions, analyse relevant case law and identify legal and policy issues and arguments concerning various areas of criminal law.

Optional modules

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Land LawAdministrative LawContemporary Issues in the Law of the European Internal MarketEmployment LawLaw of Family RelationshipsPublic International LawLaw, Gender and SocietyTrusts LawCommercial Law

Core modules

  • Dissertation

    In your final year, you will significantly enhance your developing legal research skills by planning and producing a . The 12,000-word dissertation is worth one third of your final year credits.

Optional modules

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Advanced Issues in International LawInternational Human RightsInterscholastic MootingCompetition LawCompany LawIntellectual Property LawLaw and MedicineInternational Criminal LawLaw, Sex and Crime

Learning

Learning takes the form of lectures, tutorials and seminars. We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching. The small-group teaching format and one-on-one attention from a personal academic advisor are embedded into the learning experience to help you get more out of your studies. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills. As you progress through the course there’s an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research, particularly around the dissertation, as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life. Specialist facilities in the Law School include an interactive Harvard-style lecture theatre and academic workrooms. The moot court and pro bono room give you the space to develop your skills in a simulated legal environment.

Assessment

We use an array of assessment methods including essays, oral presentations and written examinations completed throughout the year. You will also complete a 12,000-word dissertation, which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.

Entry requirements

Fees & Funding

Choose which fees you want to see:

Home / Island students

£ per year

International / EU Students

£ per year

Home / Island students

Part Time - £ per year

International / EU Students

Part Time - £ per year

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Find out more

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more
Studying Law has provided me with the opportunity to network with professionals, learning about the future opportunities available and getting to know what practising law is like.
Astrud Turner
Read student blog

Department Information

  • Durham Law School is a world leader in legal education and research. Home to a diverse community of students from across the world, it’s a great place to become proficient in law. We take pride in our cutting-edge research-led education which is delivered by academic staff who work at the forefront of their field. Law at Durham is diverse and forward-thinking in terms of both content and teaching methods. Much of the teaching takes place in small groups which increases the level of discussion and collaboration. By actively involving you in the teaching-learning process you will develop a deeper understanding of the subject and be equipped with the legal and practical skills that are highly valued by employers. Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to engage in a growing number of extra-curricular activities - including mooting and working on a range of pro bono activities which will give you first-hand experience of law in practice. You can also apply to add a year abroad to your degree, studying at one of our overseas partner universities. We are proud to deliver some of the best results for student satisfaction and employability – and our graduates include some of law’s leading figures, such as current or former members of the UK Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, MPs and political advisors. For more information see our department pages.

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    Facilities

    The Law School is based in Durham University’s flagship Palatine Centre. Part of a sustainable development, the purpose-built building provides a first-class learning environment in which diverse and innovative teaching methods can be put into practice. Students benefit from an interactive Harvard-style lecture theatre, moot court, pro bono room, workrooms and one-to-one support. The Law School is situated close to several academic departments and services, within easy access of the historic centre of Durham.

    • Research led teaching

      Teaching is informed by our latest cutting-edge research that does more than explain the law - we help students understand how to shape it.

    • Inspired to succeed

      A top 50 QS World Ranked Law School, we deliver world-leading and award-winning teaching with a firm commitment to small group teaching in seminars and our tutorial system much prized by employers.

    • Extracurricular activities

      Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to engage in a growing number of extra-curricular activities led by law students - including mooting and working on a range of pro bono activities - and will benefit from our close relationships with a range of leading employers.

    Find out more

Career Opportunities

Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:

87%

are in paid employment or further study.

89%

of those are in highly and medium skilled employment.

£29,954

Is the average salary.

HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk

Employability

Preparing our students for life after university is a key priority for the Law School, so during your time with us you will have access to a wide range of resources to help you stand out in the employment market. We offer the Durham Employability and Legal Skills Award (DELSA), an online award designed to test and hone your skills in readiness for a career in or out of the legal profession. We also provide detailed information about the steps involved in becoming a solicitor or barrister, and guidance on preparing for interviews and assessment days. Leading law firms regularly visit Durham or offer online events to promote career opportunities and vacation opportunities. Our graduates enjoy highly successful careers across a diverse range of sectors with many employed in the legal profession as solicitors, barristers, consultants and more. Current graduates work in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and have taken up legal roles with leading national and international organisations. Others have pursued careers outside of the law profession including the UK Government, the Civil Service, charitable organisations and financial institutions.

More Information

Learn more about our award-winning legal education and why our Law School is a great place to learn about law.

Our Law School

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