International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students an exceptional opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of international law and its application in a global context. This innovative programme is designed for students who aspire to forge a career in international legal practice, diplomacy, or policy development, and provides a solid foundation in core legal principles alongside specialized knowledge of international legal frameworks. Throughout the course, students will explore a diverse range of topics, including international human rights law, international trade law, environmental law, maritime law, and the law of armed conflict, equipping them with the analytical skills and legal expertise needed to navigate complex legal issues on the world stage.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in an international environment and gain firsthand experience of legal systems beyond the UK. During this year, students typically spend up to a full academic year studying at partner universities abroad, engaging with different legal cultures, languages, and perspectives. This international mobility enriches their academic experience, fosters cross-cultural communication skills, and enhances their employability in a competitive global job market. Students will also have opportunities to undertake internships, research projects, or placements during their year abroad, further broadening their practical understanding of international legal practice.

The programme is delivered by expert faculty members renowned for their research and teaching in international law. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical exercises designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and legal reasoning. Assessment methods include essays, examinations, group projects, and presentations, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of students' capabilities. The University of Kent provides excellent support for students studying abroad, including academic advising, orientation sessions, and language training, to ensure they make the most of their international experience.

Graduates of the International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad programme will be well-prepared for careers in international organizations, law firms specializing in global legal issues, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, or further academic study. The programme also emphasizes transferable skills such as intercultural communication, legal research, and critical analysis, which are highly valued in many professional settings. With a curriculum designed to promote a global outlook and practical experience, this degree empowers students to become informed and responsible legal professionals capable of contributing to international justice and legal developments worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Year abroad

You spend your third year at one of our partner universities. Our partner universities for this programme are: the University of Hong Kong; Renmin University of China, Beijing; Tongji University, Shanghai; Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Chongquing; and Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Canada.

Kent Law School emphasises research-led teaching which means that the modules taught are at the leading edge of new legal and policy developments. Kent Law School is renowned nationally for research quality, being ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. All of our research-active staff teach, so you are taught by influential thinkers who are at the forefront of their field.

We also have one of the best student:staff ratios in the country, which allows small, weekly seminar-group teaching in all of our core modules, where you are actively encouraged to take part.

Most modules are assessed by end-of-year examinations and continuous assessment, the ratio varying from module to module, with Kent encouraging and supporting the development of research and written skills.

Some modules include an optional research-based dissertation that counts for 45% or, in some cases, 100% of the final mark.

Assessment can also incorporate assessment through oral presentation and argument, often in the style of legal practice (such as mooting), and client-based work and reflection through our Law Clinic.

Law School staff include the winner of the 2012 OUP Law Teacher of the Year Award, with Kent being the only law school in the UK to have had staff shortlisted for the award for three consecutive years.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level:AAA
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
• International Baccalaureate:34 overall or 17 at higher level

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.

Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in International Legal Studies with Year Abroad at the University of Kent is an undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international law, legal systems, and related disciplines. This degree offers a strong foundation in core legal principles, combined with specialized knowledge in areas such as international human rights law, international trade law, and environmental law, preparing graduates for a variety of international legal careers. An integral part of this program is the Year Abroad, during which students have the opportunity to study at partner institutions in different countries, gaining valuable cross-cultural experience and insights into how law operates in diverse jurisdictions. This abroad year not only enhances language skills but also fosters an understanding of international legal processes from multiple perspectives.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication—abilities essential for successful careers in law, diplomacy, or international organizations. The curriculum typically includes lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, with assessment methods such as essays, exams, and presentations. The program’s multidisciplinary approach incorporates insights from politics, economics, and history, providing a well-rounded legal education. The Year Abroad component often involves modules tailored to the host country's legal system and may include language courses, legal internships, or research projects. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate legal studies, work in international organizations, law firms with an international practice, or governmental agencies dealing with international affairs. The University of Kent's strong connections with legal institutions worldwide ensure students have access to a network of professional opportunities and resources tailored to international legal careers.