MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
LLB (Hons) Law with a Language
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The LLB (Hons) Law with a Language at the University of Sussex offers a unique and dynamic opportunity for students to combine a full qualifying law degree with the study of a foreign language. This innovative program is designed for students who aspire to pursue a legal career with an international dimension. Alongside gaining a thorough grounding in English law, students develop advanced language skills that enhance their employability and prepare them for careers in global legal practice, international relations, and multinational organizations. The program reflects Sussex’s commitment to producing well-rounded, culturally aware legal professionals who can navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the LLB (Hons) Law with a Language is carefully structured to balance rigorous legal education with comprehensive language training. Students cover essential legal foundations such as Contract Law, Criminal Law, Tort Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, Land Law, and European Union Law—ensuring they meet the requirements for progressing to professional legal training. Alongside these core modules, students choose to study a language such as French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese, depending on availability. Language modules focus on developing proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and comprehension, as well as understanding the legal and cultural context of the target language region. In the third year, students often have the opportunity to study abroad, immersing themselves in a different legal and cultural system, further enriching their academic and professional experience.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is internationally recognized for its research excellence in law and languages. Within Sussex Law School, research focuses on critical legal studies, human rights, international law, environmental law, and socio-legal approaches. Meanwhile, the School of Media, Arts and Humanities fosters advanced research in linguistics, cultural studies, and intercultural communication. Students benefit from a research-led teaching environment where they engage with cutting-edge scholarship, attend research seminars, and have opportunities to participate in independent research projects, particularly those that examine the intersections between law, language, and society on a global scale.
Industry Engagement: Sussex actively bridges the gap between academic learning and the professional world. Through strong partnerships with top law firms, multinational corporations, NGOs, and government agencies, students are offered a variety of industry engagement opportunities. These include internships, legal clinics, networking events, and guest lectures from prominent legal and language professionals. Students gain practical experience in applying legal principles in cross-cultural and multilingual settings, which significantly enhances their readiness for the global job market. Sussex's active career services provide tailored support for law students with a language specialization, helping them secure placements that align with their international career ambitions.
Global Perspective: A global outlook is at the heart of the LLB (Hons) Law with a Language at Sussex. The program emphasizes the role of law in different cultural, political, and economic contexts. Studying a foreign language enables students to understand legal systems from a comparative perspective and operate effectively in multilingual environments. The opportunity to study abroad deepens cultural immersion and broadens legal expertise, making graduates highly competitive for roles in international law firms, global human rights organizations, multinational companies, and diplomatic services. The program ensures that Sussex graduates not only have strong legal expertise but also possess the linguistic and cultural fluency needed to succeed in a rapidly globalizing legal landscape.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduating with an LLB (Hons) Law with a Language from the University of Sussex offers a wealth of exciting and diverse career opportunities. This unique degree equips students not only with a strong foundation in English law but also with advanced proficiency in a second language, making them highly competitive in an increasingly globalized job market.
Solicitor or Barrister (with International Expertise): Graduates can pursue the traditional legal career routes of solicitor or barrister in the UK. With added language skills, they are especially well-prepared for roles in international law firms, cross-border litigation, and legal practices involving multinational clients. The degree fulfills the academic requirements needed to advance to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar Practice Course (BPC).
International Law and Human Rights Law: Many Sussex graduates leverage their language abilities to build careers in international organizations, NGOs, and global human rights agencies. Opportunities in areas such as international humanitarian law, refugee law, and cross-border advocacy are particularly suited to graduates who can navigate multiple legal systems and communicate across cultures.
Diplomatic Service and International Relations: A combination of legal knowledge and language fluency makes graduates ideal candidates for roles in diplomacy and foreign affairs. Working for national governments, embassies, or international bodies like the United Nations or European Union is a popular pathway, with roles focusing on policy advising, treaty negotiation, and international dispute resolution.
Corporate Law and Multinational Corporations: Graduates are highly sought after by multinational companies that operate across multiple jurisdictions. In-house counsel roles, compliance officers, and legal consultants dealing with international contracts, mergers, and acquisitions value employees who can negotiate and draft in more than one language.
Cross-Border Arbitration and Mediation: With international disputes increasingly resolved through arbitration, the ability to work in different languages is a major advantage. Sussex law graduates with language skills can pursue careers in international arbitration, serving as arbitrators, mediators, or legal advisors in complex cross-border cases.
Translation and Legal Interpretation: Some graduates use their legal training and language skills to work as specialized legal translators and interpreters. Accurate translation of legal documents and real-time interpretation in legal settings are critical services for international law firms, courts, and tribunals.
Academia and International Legal Research: For those interested in research and teaching, the combination of law and languages opens pathways into academia. Graduates can pursue further studies such as an LLM or PhD, focusing on comparative law, international legal systems, or multilingual legal education.
Public Sector and Governmental Agencies: Legal knowledge paired with language proficiency is highly valued in public sector roles, including immigration services, customs and border protection, international trade departments, and legislative drafting bodies that interact with foreign jurisdictions.
Consultancy and Compliance in Global Markets: Graduates can work as consultants advising businesses on international regulations, data protection laws, intellectual property rights, and compliance across different legal systems. Language skills provide a distinct advantage when dealing with international clients and regulatory bodies.
