Law

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Essex offers an essential foundation in the core principles and practices of law, designed to prepare students for a wide range of legal careers or further postgraduate studies. Throughout the program, students will explore a variety of legal disciplines including constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, administrative law, and human rights, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system in England and Wales. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective legal research, enabling students to interpret and apply legal rules and principles confidently.

The program is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with opportunities for experiential learning through moot courts, internships, and engagement with legal practitioners. Students will develop strong advocacy, negotiation, and drafting skills essential for understanding complex legal issues and presenting compelling arguments. The University of Essex boasts a supportive academic environment with experienced faculty members dedicated to mentoring and guiding students through their legal education.

In addition to core modules, students can tailor their degree by choosing elective courses that align with their interests, such as international law, environmental law, or human rights law. The program is designed to foster critical awareness of contemporary legal issues and promote an understanding of the societal impact of law and legal institutions.

Graduates of the Essex LLB possess the knowledge and skills needed to pursue professional legal qualifications, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar exams, or to embark on careers in academia, public service, business, or international organizations. The university’s strong links with legal institutions and employers provide valuable networking and career development opportunities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the legal profession. Overall, the Law program at the University of Essex aims to develop well-rounded, ethically aware, and socially responsible legal professionals ready to make a difference in their chosen field.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. On our LLB courses, the requirements relating to professional accreditation mean your course content is fairly closely prescribed but there is still some scope for choice after your first year.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1
Foundations of the Law of Obligations;
Contract;
Legal Skills;
Foundations of the Law of Property;
Public Law 1; and
Criminal Law.

Year 2
Tort;
option or Jurisprudence 1;
Land Law;
Equity and Trusts;
EU Law;
option or Public Law 2; and
one other half-year option.

Year 3
Option or Public Law 2;
option or Jurisprudence 1;
six half-year options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: AAB-ABB, including at least one A-level in a subject that demonstrates essay-writing skills
GCSE English: C
IB: 33-32 points
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 12 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above)
Other equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Law program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to provide a solid foundation in legal principles and practices. The program typically covers core areas such as criminal law, contract law, constitutional law, European Union law, human rights law, property law, and public law. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of both national and international legal frameworks. The curriculum often emphasizes practical skills, including legal research, writing, and advocacy, preparing graduates for a range of careers in the legal sector, government, or further academic study.

The university is known for its innovative approach to legal education, integrating opportunities for internships, moot courts, and placements to give students real-world experience. Essex Law students benefit from dedicated facilities, experienced faculty, and active involvement in legal research and debates. The program may also include opportunities for specializations or electives in areas such as international law, commercial law, environmental law, and human rights law, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

The program structure typically spans three years for full-time study, with part-time options available. Entry requirements usually include strong academic performance, particularly in relevant subjects, and proficiency in English. Upon successfully completing the program, graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which is recognized as a qualifying law degree for those seeking to pursue further legal qualifications or professional training, such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).

The university's supportive academic environment, combined with its focus on employability and research-led teaching, aims to equip students with the skills necessary for a successful legal career or further academic pursuits. The program fosters an inclusive community, encouraging diversity and the development of global perspectives on law. Overall, Essex Law provides an academically challenging, practically oriented, and dynamically engaging learning experience designed to prepare students for the complexities of modern legal practice.