Law

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Sheffield offers an in-depth exploration of the legal system, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and contemporary issues in law. This rigorous programme combines theoretical foundations with practical application, preparing graduates for a broad range of careers within the legal sector and beyond. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide array of legal topics, including constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, EU law, property law, and tort law, alongside emerging fields such as human rights and environmental law.

Designed with both academic rigor and professional relevance in mind, the programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Students benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops, which foster interactive learning and real-world problem-solving. The University of Sheffield’s strong links with legal practitioners and institutions provide valuable networking opportunities, placements, and guest lectures, enhancing students’ employability and understanding of the legal profession.

The LLB programme also offers flexibility through optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations. For example, students can choose to specialise in areas such as International Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, or Environmental Law. The course also emphasizes legal research and writing skills, preparing students for postgraduate study or legal practice.

Students on this programme are supported by experienced faculty members committed to academic excellence and professional development. The University’s state-of-the-art facilities, including access to extensive legal databases and moot courtrooms, provide an ideal environment for learning and practical application. Moreover, the course is accredited by relevant legal bodies, ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards required for a career in law.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be well-equipped to pursue careers as solicitors, barristers, legal advisors, or roles in governmental, non-governmental, or international organizations. Many alumni also choose to undertake further legal training, such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), to qualify for legal practice. Additionally, the skills developed through the LLB, including critical analysis, negotiation, and ethical reasoning, are highly valued in diverse sectors outside law, such as business, politics, and public service.

Overall, the University of Sheffield’s Law programme fosters a challenging and stimulating learning environment that prepares students for successful careers in law and related fields, while also developing a deeper understanding of the role law plays in society.

Our main areas of research

Centre for Criminological Research

Criminology and criminal justice; Desistance; The informal economy; Comparative criminal justice; Restorative justice; Socio-spatial/environmental criminology; Internet crime; Media and crime; Victimology and victimisation; Community penalties and offender management; Policing and police custody; Policing drugs and drugs policy; Prisons and penal policy; Penal history and theory; Colonial and post-colonial law and justice.

Centre for the Study of Law in Society

Constitutional and administrative law; EU law and society; Human rights law; Crime and popular culture; Medical and healthcare law; Socio-legal approaches to property; Administrative justice, ombudsman and dispute resolution; Legal theory.

Sheffield Institute of Corporate and Commercial Law

Many aspects of Corporate and Commercial law, including Corporate governance; Corporate social responsibility; Aspects of intellectual property including trade marks and copyright; Finance and banking; Theories of money; Law and economics; Regulation; Relational contract; E-commerce; Commercial property; Internet privacy; Financial Markets.

Sheffield Centre for International and European Law

International law; European Union law; Human rights law; The use of force in international law; International humanitarian law; International criminal law; Refugee and migration law; Law of international organisations; International legal theory; United Nations law; Cyber security; EU foreign, security and defence policies; International economic law; Transnational corporations and social responsibility; Private security and military companies; Fragile and post conflict states.

Sheffield Institute of Biotechnology, Law and Ethics

International bioethics and human rights; UK and EU regulation of the life sciences; Data protection, genetic privacy and biobanking; Patient Confidentiality and Public Interest Access to Medical Records; Medical law; Reproductive technologies; Global health law; Comparative health law; European Patent Law, Intellectual Property and Human Rights; EU regulation of stem cell research and patents; International Biomedical Law; Information Governance; Health Information and Genetic Data; Relationship between Law and Morality; Pharmaceutical Law; Regulating New Health Technology; Property Ownership in the Human Body (Commercial & IP); Health Law and policy in trans-national contexts; Discrimination Law and social rights; aspects of medical law and the tort of negligence.

Requirements

• You will normally need a first degree that is equivalent in standard to a UK classification of Upper Second-Class Honours or better, as well as a good Masters level qualification or equivalent experience. Your studies at Masters level must include a dissertation.
• In certain circumstances, we will consider students with other qualifications where these provide reassurance of the capacity to undertake high quality research.
• Professional qualifications, such as exceptional PG Dip or LPC results, can be influential in our decision-making but will rarely be considered an adequate substitute for a Masters degree because they do not ordinarily provide evidence of research skills.
• If your first language is not English and you have not studied at degree level in English before, we will require a qualification in English such as IELTS minimum of 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).
• The decision to offer an award takes into account the quality of the research proposal, the applicant's qualifications, references and, importantly, the availability of two supervisors with relevant expertise, interest and capacity to supervise
• Develop your research proposal
• Proof of your previous qualifications.
• Academic references (Two).
• English language certificate (EU and Overseas applicants).
• A supporting statement.
• Curriculum vitae/Resume.

Scholarships

• University Prize Scholarships
• University of Sheffield Research Resource Scholarships

The Law program at The University of Sheffield is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, legal principles, and the role of law in society. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers within the legal sector and beyond. The program covers core areas of law such as criminal law, civil law, constitutional law, contract law, and property law, as well as specialized fields like human rights, international law, and environmental law. Students engage with real-world legal issues through case studies, moot courts, and internships, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for effective legal practice. The university prides itself on its supportive learning environment, which includes access to modern facilities, expert faculty members, and a diverse student community. The program is structured to progressively develop students' understanding, starting from foundational legal concepts to more complex legal reasoning and research skills. Additionally, Sheffield Law School emphasizes employability, offering a range of career development opportunities, including placements, networking events, and career advice tailored specifically for law students. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue career paths in legal practice, academia, policy-making, or further postgraduate study. The university's strong links with law firms, courts, and legal organizations enhance practical learning and employment prospects for students. The Law program at Sheffield also encourages critical engagement with current legal challenges and ethical issues, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to legal and societal development. Overall, this program aims to produce competent, confident, and responsible legal professionals ready to meet the demands of the evolving legal landscape.