LLB Law (part-time)

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Our LLB programme is ranked in the top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2019

This programme is designed to offer a unique method of study. It combines the advantage of motivational, productive feedback at our regular Wednesday evening seminars with the convenience of flexible learning around full-time work, home/care responsibilities or other commitments. These weekly sessions offer a stimulating and enlightening interaction with tutors, who will help consolidate your understanding as your legal knowledge and confidence grow. At these seminars, you will receive guidance and support from enthusiastic staff who are experienced in helping students develop the analytical and research skills necessary for an understanding of the law.

Three subjects are studied each year over three terms (October to June) and you will complete your degree in four years.

We welcome students from a wide variety of backgrounds, from those who are looking for a change of career to those who are returning to education after a long absence or those simply looking for the challenge of studying, and would like to gain a degree in law. Our experience shows that all students bring their own valuable contribution to the programme and all can be equally successful in gaining an LLB provided they demonstrate sufficient commitment and motivation.

For students that start studying the part-time LLB, there is also the opportunity to switch to the full-time LLB programme at set times during the 4 year degree, allowing you to complete the degree in less time.

Applications are welcomed from students of all ages. There are no formal entry requirements for mature students on this programme. However, all candidates are interviewed and motivation and work experience are taken into consideration. Younger students will normally be expected to have gained the equivalent of three grade Cs at A-level, but all applications will be fully considered and weight is given to experience and potential.

The programme is fully recognised as a qualifying law degree by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board. As such, it enables our graduates to proceed to take the professional examinations that lead to qualification as a solicitor or a barrister.

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook

There are no formal entry requirements for mature students. Younger students will normally be expected to have gained the equivalent of three grade Cs at A-level. However, all applications are fully considered and all candidates are interviewed. Motivation, work experience and most importantly potential are always taken into consideration.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Programme Director for an informal interview. He would also be happy to answer any questions you may have:

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our contact form.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Teaching methods

The LLB (Part-time) programme follows a traditional three term academic year starting in October with examinations each June and you will complete your degree in four years. Unlike the full-time students, your summers are free. Teaching takes place on Wednesday evenings during term time for two 90-minute sessions, and attendance is compulsory. During each evening two subjects will be covered with the subjects rotating on a pre-set timetable. During these sessions there is ample opportunity to explore any areas of difficulty with your tutor.

In addition to the once-a-week contact teaching hours, you will also have to make a substantial commitment to private study and seminar preparation. Rather like a distance learning programme you will be provided with a comprehensive range of materials at the beginning of each year. This will include recommended textbooks for each subject and a comprehensive Study Pack containing seminar study notes and materials, exercises, revision guidance notes and relevant cases and articles. It is a unique feature of our course that you will be able to study at home at a time convenient to yourself allowing time for discussion and exploration of more complex areas of law during the weekly seminars.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods for this course are 30% coursework and 70% exam for all subjects. with the exception of Introduction to Legal Studies. The exams are taken in June of each year of study.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment.

See the Law Curriculum Handbook for further course details.

Graduate employment

Graduates from the Part-time LLB programme at Buckingham have used their law degree as a springboard to many different forms of professional success. Some use the degree to progress their careers in a wide range of professions, including management, human resources and the police force. Others use the degree to switch to a career in the law. To illustrate, those graduates who now work as solicitors do so in a wide range of law firms and areas of practice, including Latham and Watkins (City of London), EMW Law (Milton Keynes) and McKeag and Co (Newcastle). Others still have started their own law firms, such as Pauline Purcell of Purcell solicitors in Milton Keynes.

What our students and alumni say

The following are insights into the experience, both on and then after the degree, of some our part-time LLB graduates. They can be read in more detail by following this link: Students’ views (part-time LLB).

• Marcos Kauffman (LLB 2016)
  The subject of law, and its impact on societies and businesses, has always fascinated me. However, due to entering the job market very young and focusing my studies on professional development around business, manufacturing and supply chain, I was unable to study law until later in my career, which brought me to the part-time LLB at Buckingham. Read more >>
• Lisa Buckridge (LLB 2010)
  Although originally intending to go to university immediately after school, life and health got in the way. I was lucky enough to be taken on in a law firm as a paralegal and never lost sight of my dream of being a solicitor. It was my employer who suggested that I consider the University of Buckingham’s part-time Law degree as this offered the qualification I wanted with exceptionally high quality teaching. Read more >>
• Matt Boddington (LLB 2007)
  The early course lectures start by addressing basic study skills, and pretty soon you find your feet. Once up and running you find that you have pet subjects (perhaps not the ones you might have guessed you would enjoy) and favourite tutors who just seem to explain things in a way that makes the penny drop. Hopefully something extra-curricular will grab you too – for me it was mooting which satisfied my argumentative streak! Read more >>

Read more about what our current students and graduates think of the programme

Tuition fees

Buckingham students from UK/EU can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. Those eligible to receive the tuition fee loan are likely to receive a loan to cover the full tuition fee for this programme^.Tuition fees are inclusive of all study materials, textbooks and examination fees.

^ Buckingham students’ eligibility for the tuition fee loan and the amount of that loan are subject to confirmation from the Student Loan Company.

Fee increases

*The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.

However, if you require short-term accommodation in Buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Alternatively, please contact our Accommodation Office for advice.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.

Help and support

If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.

You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.

If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact us using the form below.