LLB (Hons) Law

Course outline

The unique structure of Buckingham’s LLB degree allows our students to become confident, competent lawyers, able to practise almost anywhere in the world after just two years (eight or nine terms) of study.

With an English ‘qualifying law degree’ from Buckingham you will be recognized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (formerly the Law Society) and the Bar Council as qualified to be exempt from the academic stage of training for entry into the legal profession. Every LLB programme at Buckingham (whether single honours or combined honours) provides our graduates with this qualification.

We can usually accommodate the additional requirements needed to practise in some countries and if you are an overseas student we are happy to discuss exactly what subjects you must take in order to qualify for your jurisdiction.

During your study for the Buckingham LLB you will become proficient in written and oral presentation, perfect your research techniques and learn to solve problems in a logical and structured way.

Students at Buckingham who gain a second class honours degree or higher are guaranteed a place on our LLM programme in International and Commercial Law. This opportunity greatly enhances specialist knowledge and enables our students to acquire two degrees in only three years.

Teaching methods

At undergraduate level, we believe a strong Student:Staff ratio is imperative to success and aim to have no more than five students in each tutorial. This allows Buckingham’s Law students to develop their skills in a welcoming and close-knit environment. Your teachers will get to know you personally and will always be on-hand to support you with your studies.

We provide:

• Experienced teaching staff, many of whom are Barristers, or Solicitors, holding PhDs and having published articles and books
• Masterclasses with world class advocates in which you can learn from, question and debate with guest speakers.
• An active, vibrant and ever-growing Student Law Society
• The chance to make a difference via our Amnesty International Student Society

The University of Buckingham’s distinctive style of small group teaching makes our Law School different from almost all others in the U.K. A profession in Law invariably requires intense discussion of the nature of problems, understanding different viewpoints and analysis to resolve them and we believe our teaching style provides outstanding preparation for these challenges. Mooting and negotiating are compulsory elements in our Legal Skills module and our students also have the opportunity of practical sessions and stimulating external competitions.

Buckingham also organizes an annual Legal Workshop, in partnership with current practitioners, allowing you to practise advising clients and to present short cases as though in court.

Combined Honours Law allows students to take the core foundation subjects and devote the remaining one-third (120 units) of the degree to another subject area. This might be a Modern Language, Computer Skills, Psychology, Business or a wide range of others.

What our students and alumni say

“The 2-year degree at Buckingham really appealed to me. I have friends who had studied here so I knew it would be hard work! The best thing is that I feel really well supported; the Law School staff are very dedicated. Working in small tutorial groups helps – we can discuss our work with our tutors and gain a real understanding of the subjects. The library is very modern with excellent facilities – there is everything here to help you succeed. I’m hoping to continue studying for an LLM after completing my LLB at Buckingham – two qualifications in less than three years.”
Nnenna Ukachukwu (Law, 2002)