About LLB

The University of London

Established in 1836, the prestigious University of London is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. As a federation of 20 Colleges and a number of smaller specialist Institutes, it is recognized nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence. Through its internationally renowned External System, the University also has a long history of providing educational opportunities for students unable to attend the University full time. There are currently more than 34,000 registered students in over 180 countries. The degree you receive is of an identical standard to that received by a student who has studied at one of the University’s Institutes or Colleges. The University maintains robust and effective quality assurance mechanisms for all its qualifications.

External Laws Programme

Why study law with the University of London? You may have your own special reason but certain general factors stand out. First, a law degree is now the usual entry requirement for those who wish to enter into the practice of law. In the common law world there are thousands of lawyers who have obtained their law degree by studying as an External student of the University of London. The University is proud of the pioneering and continuing role its provision for External students has played in widening access to legal education – upon graduation you will be joining a distinguished group.

There are strong reasons to study law with the University of London irrespective of whether you wish to practice. You may want a qualification to help you gain promotion in your current employment, change career or simply because it offers academic stimulation and challenge. A legal qualification can also lead to many other careers. Some may be law-related but for many key positions in the world of finance and business, law degrees are also valued very highly. This is not only because of the legal knowledge and understanding that you will command but also because of the analytical abilities and mental dexterity that comes with study of law. Embarking on External study is a challenging enterprise. You will need self-discipline and courage and you will need to think carefully about what is involved in finding the time and the space to study systematically. But we provide many ways of supporting you in your studies through both printed and online materials. Whatever your reason for study I can guarantee you that applying yourself to studies in law will provide a stimulating challenge.

Why study law?

Over the last 100 years, the LLB has provided the first step on a career route for many thousands of practicing lawyers around the world. But this is not the only reason for studying for a legal qualification. Typically, External students following the University's Laws programmes include individuals:

:: who wish to practice as solicitors or barristers.

:: who are magistrates' court clerks, police officers, legal executives, social workers etc.,

seeking further knowledge of the law and enhancement of their qualifications.

:: whose career paths lie in the commercial or financial sectors, where legal qualifications are highly valued not only for specific knowledge of aw but also associated analytical and problem solving skills.

:: who have an academic interest in the nature and function of the law in society and who may wish to go onto pursue higher degrees.

:: who simply want to know more about how the law works, whether for private interest or to enhance their knowledge.

Features of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB):

:: From the time that London became the first university to offer a degree in English Law (the LLB) in the 1890s, the LLB has been available to External students worldwide.

:: You have between three and eight years to complete the LLB.

:: If you are a graduate, you can complete the LLB in a minimum of two years.

:: Our LLB is recognized by the Law Society and Bar Council of England & Wales as a Qualifying Law degree.

:: Successful completion of the LLB allows you to progress to the Master of Laws (LLM) or related Masters programme.

:: Graduates go on to pursue careers in a wide variety of areas, not only legal practice but also government, journalism, the financial sector and business.

:: You can secure a widely recognized law qualification in the core legal subjects without committing to the full LLB, but with the option to go on to the full LLB programme.

:: You can complete the Diploma in a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.

:: The Diploma is examined to the same standard as the first year of the LLB

:: You must register with a Diploma-teaching institution; you cannot study the Diploma independently.

Entry Requirement

To be eligible to register for the LLB you must be at least 17 years of age at the time of registration and have passes in:

either two subjects at GCE 'A' level and at least three further subjects at GCSE or GCE

'O' level at grade C or above

or three subjects at GCE 'A' level and one further subject at GCSE or GCE 'O' level at

grade C or above

or two subjects at GCE 'A' level and two further subjects at 'AS' level.