Law (Graduate Entry)

Law (Graduate Entry) - LLB (Hons)

Open to individuals with an undergraduate degree, this two-year graduate entry programme will provide an overview of the core legal topics and law modules that will enable you to complete an LLB award. You will demonstrate your graduate skills and further develop your knowledge and expertise in law. This course might be of particular interest if you reside in a current or previous commonwealth country and would like to study the legal foundations that are recognised across the globe.

Year of entry

2024 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Law

UCAS code

M105

Duration of study

2 years

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Why study Law (Graduate Entry) at Keele University?

Recognised common law degree and provides exemptions for the purpose of National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) assessment

Global Top 250 for Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2023)

For Canadian applicants, successful completion of the course will qualify you to apply for NCA assessment

Only a two-year programme, fast-track preparation for legal professions

The programme includes a module dedicated to exploring the Foundations of Canadian Law

Course overview

Whether you have prior study in a law discipline or in a different subject area, this course allows you to demonstrate your current graduate attributes and complete a degree programme that will prepare you for a career in law. You will cover the core topics in law, whilst having an interdisciplinary approach to the subject which means you will explore the social, political and historical influences in legislation.

Understanding the key principles in English and EU law will be the foundation of your course and you will be encouraged to research, reflect upon and critically analyse legal problems. This will enable you to work confidently on your own and to showcase your legal expertise, as well as work in collaboration with key stakeholders.

By combining academic research and practical experience through our Legal Advice Clinics and CLOCK, you will have the appropriate skill set to refine arguments and communicate effectively with a team of legal professionals.

There are two different study options for this course:

Blended Learning: 50% online and 50% face-to-face – In x4 blocks across the year
Traditional: Face-to-face learning on campus for the two academic years

For Canadian applicants, successful completion of the course will qualify you to apply for NCA assessment.

Preparations for your career

Legal Advice Clinics

At Keele, we have dedicated Legal Advice Clinics where, upon successful application, you will be trained and supervised by experienced Solicitors to deliver legal services, from the start of the client enquiry through to the resolution of their query. You will learn how to interview and advise clients, research the law using practitioner databases, and give practical legal advice. You may be involved in drafting legal documents and court forms as well as advising clients in writing and in meetings.

This valuable legal work experience will be advantageous to your professional development. You can record your experience on HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report) to showcase your volunteer work at university and use as your portfolio when you graduate.

Divorce Clinic - You will meet clients and advise on eligibility to divorce, and continue to help them navigate the various court forms required. You will research the law, draft divorce proceedings, court documents, and gain real life experience of helping clients at a difficult time in their lives. You will be responsible for keeping the client updated throughout the proceedings, learning in a safe supervised environment.

We offer our services online and in person so have a variety of clients across the country.
Commercial Clinic – Based online and at the Smart Innovation Hub (SIH) at Keele University, you will work with small businesses, entrepreneurs and employers to provide advice on a variety of areas of commercial law. You will advise on how to trade, for example as a partnership or company.

You will advise on the duties of directors in a company as well as drafting and amending terms and conditions of business for a variety of businesses. This commercial legal work experience provides an introduction to the work commonly done by general commercial lawyers at many law firms and provides a valuable legal service to start ups and SMEs. You will have the opportunity to have direct links with businesses in a working environment.

Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele (CLOCK)

Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele (CLOCK), co-created a multi-agency collaboration with the Stoke Family Court, law firms, mediators the Citizens Advice Bureau, Domestic and Sexual Abuse survivor support services, to design the unique and innovative role of the Community Legal Companion to assist litigants in person through the court process.

This opportunity is available between your 2nd and 3rd year of study where, upon successful application, you will be trained by court staff, solicitors, barristers, mediators and domestic abuse and sexual abuse support services to understand the complex needs of litigants in person, in a variety of civil legal issues, including:

Child arrangements
Suspending evictions
Non-molestation order
Small claims

You will be trained by the partnership as a Community Legal Companion to signpost for legal aid and where not available, assist within the remit of the McKenzie Friend principles to assist:

Filling in court forms
Arrange court paperwork
Accompany in court proceedings
Note taking

Please note, if you opt for the blended learning option on this course, you will not be eligible to participate in CLOCK.

Mooting (A mock appeal hearing on a point of law)

Challenge your peers through mooting competitions and showcase your knowledge through practice. You will apply your research, writing and presentation skills in the staged legal environment we have here at Keele as a traditional court room setup. This experience will help you to build confidence when working independently as well as a team. You will learn to deal under pressure, deliver to deadline and develop your public speaking skills which will be paramount in your career search to demonstrate your practical ability.

Whether you are on the defence or prosecution side, you will prepare your argument and participate in what would be a real-life trial, sometimes witnessed by our alumni and legal professionals. In addition to this, you may have the opportunity to get involved with national and international mooting competitions and you can document this experience in your job application process. Such events can attract members of the bar and legal academics, providing a great networking opportunity.

Placements

At Keele, there are opportunities via module specific prizes to participate in short term work placements that will provide valuable experience in the working environment. This will demonstrate the type of skill set that you will attain as a legal professional and allow you to share your expertise with clients and employers.

We have links with partner organisations including the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Crown Prosecution Service and law firms in Birmingham, Manchester and London, and regularly welcome alumni to campus. This will provide insight into the fast-paced working environment and city culture of the legal profession, ensuring you have a feel for the roles and responsibilities available to you.

Related courses

Next Steps

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"During my time at Keele, I have been given many opportunities to do more and get more involved. For example, I have been involved in the Client Interviewing competition and been a member of the Law and Bar Society. Keele gives you opportunities to help build a career. My plans for the future are to go to the Bar and become a Barrister, and I can honestly say that the support at Keele has put me in good place to achieve this."

Katherine, Law

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Additional opportunities

Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

First undergraduate degree with minimum 2:2
Canadian applicants: GPA 2.5 / 70% / B+ to B-

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele (CLOCK)

Founded 10 years ago, CLOCK began as a research project, listening to 'Voices of Experience'; a group of women from a domestic violence refuge, who shared their fears and proposals for how to support women going to court alone following the significant withdrawal of legal aid under LASPO, the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act, 2012. CLOCK has been Highly Commended by the Attorney-General National Access to Justice Award, 2016, and the Green Gown Awards for 'Benefitting Society', 2019.

The Community Legal Companion role has been endorsed by the President of the Family Court and has been cascaded to 12 University Law Schools to operate in 8 court centres; Stoke, Brighton, Canterbury, Wolverhampton, Leicester, Oxford, Liverpool and York.

Please note, if you opt for the blended learning option on this course, you will not be eligible to participate in CLOCK.

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Modules

Modules for Law (Graduate Entry)

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Please note: Canadian students are strongly recommended to take Foundations of Canadian Law in Semester 1. This assists Canadian students in acquiring preparation for National Accreditation Council exams for qualification in the legal profession in Canada.

Compulsory Modules

Law of Trusts
Law of Real Property
Obligations 3 - Remedies in Contract and Tort
Contemporary Case Law Critique
European Union Law

Optional Modules

Evidence
Child Law
Company Law
International Human Rights
Jurisprudence
Dissertation (Single Module) - ISP
Health Care Law
Advanced Criminal Law
Professional Legal Skills - Interviewing, Mediation and Advocacy
Residential Conveyancing
Contemporary Issues in Environmental Law
Dissertation (Double Module) - ISP
Gender, Sexuality and Law
Commercial Law
Transnational Crime
Law and New Technologies
Wills and Probate and Drafting
Business Law and Practice
Disability Law
The Practice of Criminal Litigation

Next Steps

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Your future career

95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Enhance your employability

With your practical experience in law, you will be open to a range of careers upon graduation and will have the opportunity to pursue a traditional legal profession or utilise your transferable skills for related industries.

Your theory of knowledge will assist in your writing, reading and presentation skills that will inform a range of tasks and projects in the workplace. Having analytical and problem-solving skills will showcase your ability to communicate effectively and share creative ideas with colleagues.

You may have the opportunity to discuss your options with potential employers at events such as:

Law Careers Fair: An opportunity to scope your legal career aspirations and graduate opportunities. Meet with employers and organisations to understand the skill set required in the legal world and guidance on applications.

Legal Dining: We aim to pair you with potential employers and support you with your employment process. This is a great opportunity to network with professionals and is also an example of the type of events you may attend as a legal professional yourself. You will be encouraged to share your CV and experience.

Upon graduation, you may go into careers such as:

Lawyer
Solicitor
Paralegal
Barrister
Legal Advisor
Tax Advisor
Secretary/Administrator

You won’t be limited to law related fields/careers and may choose to explore industries such as:

Business
Marketing
Human Resources
Media
Education
Technology and IT

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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Canadian applicants

Keele Law School is a medium sized Law School where you will get to know your lecturers and they will get to know you. We have good relationships with our alumni and excellent, longstanding relationships with the professions.

UK LLB AND NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF ACCREDITATION (CANADA) REQUIREMENTS

This table maps the UK LLB Law degree against the requirements of the NCA for qualification as a lawyer in Canada. The table indicates where subjects studied at Keele would provide exemption for qualification purpose.

Law (Graduate Entry) LLB Modules	Teaching Team (indicative)	*NCA Module*	*NCA Exemption*
Administrative Law *	Dr John Cotter, Professor Yossi Nehushtan, Dr Fabienne Emmerich	Canadian Administrative Law*
Constitutional Law*	Dr John Cotter, Professor Yossi Nehushtan, Dr Fabienne Emmerich	Canadian Constitution Law*
Criminal Law*	Dr Kirsty Moreton, Lisa Mountford, Dr Sotirios Santatzoglou, Dr Laura Higson-Bliss	Canadian Criminal Law*
Intro to Property Law *	Mark Davys, Professor Michael Haley, Dr Lara McMurtry	Property*	Y
Law of Real Property *	Mark Davys, Professor Michael Haley, Dr Lara McMurtry	Real Estate / Trust	Y
Legal Essentials*	Dr Stella Coyle, Catherine Edwards, Sonja Dale, Dr Laura Higson-Bliss
Obligations 1 – Contract*	Dr Eliza Varney, Dr Abi Pearson, Dr Helen Saunders	Contract*	Y
Obligations 2 – Tort*	Dr Michael Fay, Dr Abi Pearson,Dr Laura Pritchard-Jones	Tort*	Y
Obligations 3 – Remedies*	Dr Michael Fay, Dr Abi Pearson, Dr Helen Saunders,Dr Eliza Varney	Remedies	Y
Professional Legal Skills	Catherine Edwards, Sonja Dale	Canadian Professional Responsibility*
Company Law	Dr Sotirios Santatzoglou	Business Organisations	Y
Evidence	Dr Sotirios Santatzoglou,Lisa Mountford	Evidence	Y
Family Law	Dr Kirsty Moreton, Dr Elizabeth Faulkner	Family Law	Y
Foundations of Canadian Law	Dr Michael Fay, Catherine Edwards	Foundations of Canadian Law*	Y

Modules marked * are core modules

Foundations of Canadian Law module

Module Leaders: Catherine Edwards and Dr Michael Fay. After successful completion of this subject area, students should be able to:

Demonstrate sound knowledge of the history, principles and main sources of the Canadian legal system, the Charter, aboriginal law and administrative law
Understand and analyse the differences and similarities between the Canadian legal system and the UK legal system, specifically in terms of the sources, structure and the Constitution.
Critically evaluate and apply key legal theories to Canadian law
Compare and analyse the different branches of the Canadian state and how they interrelate
Explain the special relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the State and critically assess the impact of the Canadian legal system on Aboriginal communities and other minority groups
Locate, critically evaluate and use cases, statutes, legal opinions, academic scholarship and non-legal sources relevant to key theories and principles in Canadian law, aboriginal law, the Charter and administrative law
Interpret and apply key Canadian statutes to practical situations using the various methods of statutory interpretation
Comprehend and apply key Canadian law concepts to a high level for successful completion of the NCA exam in Canada
Communicate foundational concepts and principles in a succinct, clear and structured manner.

Indicative Content:

Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
Theories of Law and Application in the Canadian Legal System
Sources of Canadian Law
Indigenous Peoples and the Law
Fundamentals of the Canadian Legal System
Branches of Power
Statutory Interpretation

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1.	Lecture		Lectures^	2 x Tutorials (min)^
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11.	Revision Lecture	Tutorial	Revision Lecture^	Tutorial x 2^
12.	Drop-in sessions for revision queries		Drop-in sessions for revision queries^	Extra-curricular activities^