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LLB (Hons) Law
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The LLB (Hons) Law at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers an immersive and expert-led legal education, designed to cultivate critical thinking, strong argumentation skills, and the ability to navigate complex legal issues. As a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), this program provides the foundational academic training required for aspiring solicitors (via the Solicitor's Qualification Exam - SQE route) and barristers (via the Bar Professional Training Course - BPTC). The degree delves into fascinating topics such as criminal law, human rights, business law, and family law, while integrating practical, real-world experiences. Students gain a deep understanding of how law shapes society and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible impact in various legal and non-legal professions, supported by high-quality teaching from supportive and often practising legal experts.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the LLB (Hons) Law is meticulously structured to cover the "Foundations of Legal Knowledge" required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board, alongside a range of optional specialist modules. In the first year, students are introduced to core concepts through modules such as "English Legal System," "Public Law," "Criminal Law," and "Practical Legal Skills." The second year builds upon this foundation, continuing with core subjects like "Tort Law," "EU Law," and "Contract Law," while also offering options such as "International Human Rights," "Intellectual Property and Media Law," and "Simulated Professional Practice," allowing students to explore areas of interest. The final year involves studying subjects in greater depth, including "Property Law (Land Law)" and "Equity and Trusts," and culminates in a supervised "Extended Essay in Law." Optional modules in the final year can include "Employment Law," "Family Law," "Company Law," "Insurance Law," "Law of International Trade," and "Jurisprudence," offering advanced specialisation.
Research Focus: The LLB (Hons) Law program at St. Mary's University is informed by the active research and practical expertise of its academic staff. Many lecturers are still practising in the UK and abroad, bringing current legal issues and real-world cases into the classroom. While primarily an undergraduate degree focused on foundational legal knowledge and professional preparation, the program encourages students to engage in critical analysis and independent research. The "Extended Essay in Law" in the final year serves as a significant research project, allowing students to delve deeply into a legal topic of their choice under expert supervision. Faculty research interests often include areas such as human rights, international criminal law, mental health law, domestic violence, and UN law, which permeate the teaching and provide students with a contemporary and relevant legal education.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the LLB (Hons) Law program at St. Mary's University, leveraging its strategic location just a 30-minute train ride from London's legal district. The program offers numerous hands-on experiences designed to bring learning to life and enhance employability. These include opportunities for simulated negotiation exercises, moot court competitions, and participation in pro bono initiatives where students can volunteer on actual cases and work at institutions like the Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Family Court. Students have opportunities to visit key legal institutions such as the Supreme Court, Old Bailey, the Law Society, and the Inns of Court. The curriculum incorporates practical legal skills, and students can undertake work placements in local or wider London areas, including private solicitor firms, barristers' chambers, charities, and organisations like the Youth Justice Board, providing invaluable real-world exposure and networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: The LLB (Hons) Law program at St. Mary's University cultivates a robust global perspective, essential for a legal profession increasingly impacted by international developments. The curriculum includes core modules such as "Public Law" and "EU Law," which inherently involve understanding legal frameworks beyond national borders. Furthermore, optional modules like "International Human Rights" and "International Criminal Law" directly engage with global legal principles, international conventions, and cross-border legal challenges. Many lecturers have experience practising internationally or conducting research on global legal issues, enriching the classroom with a worldwide outlook. This exposure to international legal systems and global governance prepares graduates to navigate complex legal issues with an international dimension, whether they pursue careers in multinational corporations, international organisations, or engage with human rights advocacy.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% 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 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The LLB (Hons) Law at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with a robust foundation in legal principles, coupled with highly developed analytical, research, and communication skills. This comprehensive legal education prepares individuals not only for traditional legal professions but also for a wide array of careers that value intellectual rigour, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of societal structures and regulations. The practical skills honed through legal studies, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective advocacy, are highly transferable and sought after across various sectors.
Solicitor: This is a primary career path for LLB graduates. Solicitors provide legal advice to clients (individuals, companies, or public bodies), draft legal documents, and can represent clients in court, particularly in lower courts. Further qualification (e.g., the Solicitors Qualifying Examination - SQE) is required post-degree.
Barrister: Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy, representing clients in higher courts, and providing specialist legal advice. They typically work as self-employed individuals in chambers. Aspiring barristers need to complete a Bar Practice Course (BPC) and a pupillage after their LLB.
Paralegal: Often a stepping stone to becoming a solicitor or barrister, paralegals support legal professionals by conducting legal research, drafting documents, managing cases, and liaising with clients. An LLB provides a significant advantage in securing these roles.
Chartered Legal Executive: These are qualified lawyers who specialise in a particular area of law and can undertake much of the same work as a solicitor, often with a focus on practical application. Qualification is through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) after obtaining a law degree.
Compliance Officer: With a strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, law graduates are well-suited for roles in compliance within various industries, such as finance, healthcare, or manufacturing. They ensure that organisations adhere to relevant laws and internal policies.
Civil Servant / Policy Advisor: The rigorous analytical, research, and report-writing skills developed in a law degree are highly valued in government roles. Graduates can work in various government departments, contributing to policy development, public administration, and legal advisory roles.
Human Resources Officer: A solid grasp of employment law, contracts, and dispute resolution makes law graduates excellent candidates for human resources roles. They manage employee relations, contracts, and ensure legal compliance within an organisation's workforce.
Journalist / Legal Journalist: Law graduates possess exceptional research, critical analysis, and writing skills, which are essential for journalism. They can specialise in legal journalism, covering court cases, legal reforms, and justice issues, or work in broader journalistic roles.
Mediator / Arbitrator: With an understanding of legal principles and a focus on alternative dispute resolution, graduates can pursue careers as mediators or arbitrators, helping parties resolve conflicts outside of traditional court settings.
Company Secretary: This role involves ensuring that a company adheres to legal and regulatory requirements and maintains good corporate governance. Law graduates' knowledge of company law and corporate structures makes them ideal for this critical organisational role.
