The LLB Honours (International Legal Studies) takes a rigorous approach to the study of law in which you will develop a detailed understanding of the content of law; skills of critical analysis and practical application of laws. The Programme enables you to explore the complexity of law as a practice by considering social, political and historical contexts of the law as well as the relationship between legal concepts and how the law applies to resolve practical legal problems. The Programme has been specifically designed to fulfil the needs of those going into the legal professions and who require a Qualifying Laws Degree (QLD) but the Programme also provides a firm foundation for careers in other areas. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to study law at one of our international host universities, providing you with unique educational and professional opportunities to learn at leading law schools around the world.
Learning and teaching
The Core modules are delivered in lectures and tutorials. Lectures provide the opportunity for academic staff to present, explore, analyse and discuss key legal doctrines, principles, policies and ideas with the whole class. Tutorials are conducted in smaller groups in order to facilitate discussion and debate about specific topics led by a tutor. You may also be taught by seminar, particularly in optional modules. A seminar provides a structured opportunity to explore, in detail, texts and materials with a tutor and through class discussion.
Assessment
Each module that you study is assessed to ensure you have met each of the learning outcomes; this is termed summative assessment. For Semester 1 modules, exam based assessment will take place in January and for Semester 2, and full year, modules in May/June. Normally by November of each year you will be informed of the summative assessment deadlines for each module. Each module will also provide you with one formative assessment before you complete your summative assessment. This is intended to provide you with an understanding about your progress in that module. Formative assessment does not count towards your final mark in the module. Your degree result will be calculated by reference to the modules that you study in the Part 2 (2nd Year) and Part 3 (4th Year) of your study. In order to obtain the degree title LLB (Hons) Bachelor of Laws (International Legal Studies), you must meet certain requirements in the year abroad (3rd year) - see the details below.
We use a variety of different summative assessment methods; the precise approach depends on the individual module. For the core subjects most modules assess by examination, some by essay, or a combination. There is a degree of variation in the examination method adopted, with some using seen and open-book examinations instead of the traditional unseen examinations. Optional modules are also predominantly assessed by various forms of examination and essay, although a number employ different forms of assessment such as small group presentation, blog entry, portfolio, law reform project or oral presentation.
Please note: As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this programme may be revised during a student’s period of registration; however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.
Programmes and major changes to programmes are approved through the University’s programme validation process which is described in the University’s Quality handbook.
To Apply
All applications from UK, EU and International students to the Law School must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Contact UCAS on +44 (0)870 112211 or go to www.ucas.ac.uk
Please ensure that all questions on the UCAS application form are answered fully, and remember to include your personal statement explaining why you wish to study law.
Please ensure that your reference is from an Academic Referee, who is a person who has taught you in the last three years, and that you include all your academic results on the form.
All UK and EU applications are considered by the Undergraduate Admissions Tutor and all international undergraduate applications are considered by the International Undergraduate Tutor and Admissions Selectors.
International applicants may send their qualifications as attachments to email to the International Undergraduate Admissions Tutor if there is insufficient space on the UCAS form.
Accreditation
Our LLB programmes are formally accredited by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council of England and Wales as qualifying law degrees (QLD) for students wishing to undertake further professional training to become solicitors or barristers.
Programme Structure
Upon successful completion of the Programme you will obtain a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) accredited by the Law Society and Bar Council. As part of the QLD you must study seven foundational law subjects which are covered in Part 1 (1st Year) and Part 2 (2nd Year) of the Programme. Additionally, you must study Legal System and Reasoning in Semester 1 of Part 1 (1st Year) as a core module. This module is designed to give you an introduction to the features of the legal system and also how to read and interpret legal materials/sources. The connection between different subjects is emphasised throughout the programme.
To develop the skills to enable successful study throughout your degree programme, in Part 1 (1st Year) you will take the Compulsory module 'Legal Skills’. This module will enable you to develop your key research, legal analytical and writing skills which are essential for every module. To do so ‘Legal Skills’ will utilise and develop your ability in case analysis and statutory interpretation, using examples from a range of areas. Part 1 (1st Year) also offers you choice between two further optional modules, ‘Historical Development of the Common Law’ and ‘Philosophical Perspectives on the Common Law’. These modules are designed to develop your critical analytical skills, your understanding of the contested nature of law and legal principle, and to broaden and deepen your capacity to construct and communicate persuasive argument.
In Part 2 (2nd Year) of the Programme, in addition to the core modules to be undertaken, you will select two optional modules, one in each semester. The options offered reflect the research strength of the school, and the diversity of contemporary legal scholarship and practice. Each option is worth 7.5ECTS/15CATS. Alternatively, you may choose as your options a language option when the language is appropriate for the country that you intend to study in in your Year Abroad.
The Year Abroad is spent studying at a host University outside the EU. The progression to your Year Abroad is conditional on: a) the successful completion of Part 2 (2nd Year) and b) the acceptance of your application by your host university. Please note that host universities retain the final decision on admission of students to their courses. The academic content of Year 3 is determined by your host University and will be appropriate to the learning and teaching needs of the jurisdiction being studied, however, we expect you to take modules adding up to approximately 60/ECTS/120CATS or equivalent for the full year equivalent to the ECTS that you would study at a year at Southampton. If your host University permit it you may take up to 10ECTS/20CATS of non-Law modules. You must satisfy the examiners in your host University during your year abroad to obtain your degree title, but your degree is otherwise classified on the basis of your performance in Part 2 (2nd Year) and Part 3 (4th Year) of your study at the University of Southampton.
Part 3 (4th Year) of the Programme comprises the compulsory full year Legal and Research and Writing Module and a selection of optional modules (three undertaken in each semester). The range of options will build, extend and deepen the knowledge and skills that you have developed in Parts 1 and 2 of the Programme. Additionally, in Part 3 you will have the option to select one Curriculum Innovation Module offered by another academic unit within the University. You will also be able to choose up to 15 ECTS/30 CATS from language modules. These must be at an appropriate level for final year study, which is at Level 6. You are only permitted to ‘backtrack’ a maximum of 15ECTS/30CATS, i.e. Part 2 (2nd Year) modules which are taught at Level 5, and only language or CIP modules.
Key Facts
Study law in a jurisdiction outside the European Union and experience a completely different culture.
Spend a full academic year in Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore or Australia.
The School constantly reviews its module offerings and regularly develops exciting and dynamic new options to reflect the results of the vibrant research being carried out in the School.
Typical entry requirements
A Levels:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| GCE A-level | AAA or for students taking the Extended Project Qualification in the same year as their A2 exams, AAB at A level plus A in the EPQ. Applicants should offer at least two traditional, academic subjects.
Dance, General Studies, Photography, Moving Images, Physical Education, Practical Art, Practical Music, Sports Studies and Textiles are not accepted subjects. |
IB:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points overall (18 at higher level)
An equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University is considered, so please contact us if you require advice on equivalency.
LNAT (Law National Admissions Test) is not required.
|
Other qualifications
We welcome students with other qualifications eg European or Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and Irish Leaving Certificates.
We also welcome applications from overseas students offering foundation programmes with a substantial amount of academic study. Less than half the programme should be English language tuition and you will be expected to reach a high standard in your programme comparable to our A level requirements.
For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Admissions Team at UGapply.FBL@southampton.ac.uk.
English Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will be required to pass an approved test prior to joining the University in October. The University’s English Language entry requirement for the Law School programme is;
An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.5 in each component, or equivalent
The link below takes you to a complete list of the other English language qualifications accepted.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissionspolicies/language/
Test results should be less than two years old at the time of expected registration at the University of Southampton and must be verified before admission.
If you do not meet the University’s English Language entry requirements for direct entry onto our programmes, you may be eligible to study on one of the University’s pre-sessional English language courses. For further information on these pre-sessional programmes, please visit the Centre for Language Studies website.
Returners to Learning
We welcome applications from returners to learning who are over 23 years of age at the start of your proposed degree programme. You will be required to provide evidence of having completed recent serious and successful study (e.g. Access, Return to Education, Open University Foundation Courses). You will be required to undertake a test and interview to determine your academic suitability to pursue the programme.
Selection process:
Decisions are made on the basis of your UCAS application form, taking into account:
- past academic performance
- your predicted grades
- academic reference
- your personal statement.
No application is rejected unless two assessors have independently reached that decision.
Candidates are not normally interviewed. We select those who demonstrate the potential and commitment to study Law at degree level.
If you have professional experience, or credit through prior learning at another institution, you may be eligible to use this experience against some of the programme requirements for period of study. You will need to present evidence that you have met the learning outcomes of the programme. Full details can be found in the University’s Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning.
Contextual Offers
The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who flagged in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme
A typical contextual offer is AAB from three A levels or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University (the excluded subjects above will still apply).
Please see our contextual admissions pages for more information.
This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about
equivalent
entry requirements and qualifications for your country.
Typical course content
Core modules are required to be passed within all Qualifying Law Degrees, for progression to professional training.
Innovation modules outside of your subject area
Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area in semester 1 in your final year. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from "Living and working on the web" to "Business skills for employability".
View the Curriculum Innovation modules for this course
Learn a language
Students on this programme are permitted to take an 'appropriate' language to their country of study.
View the language modules on offer for this course
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Tuition fees
Course fees for 2017/18 full-time UK and EU undergraduate students are typically
£9,250 per year.
Tuition fees for international students differ between each course. Most
part-time courses cost 50% of the full-time fee.
Funding
Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your
course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Costs associated with this course
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Stationery | You will be expected to provide your own day‐to‐day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile. |
| Books | Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module. |
| Printing and copying | In most cases, written coursework such as essays, projects and dissertations is submitted online and by hard copy. The costs of printing a hard copy for submission of such coursework will be the responsibility of the student.
The cost of photocopying will also be the responsibility of the student.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing |
| Placements | There will be costs associated with the year abroad placement. |
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
