LLB (Hons) Law with American Law
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Laws
- UCAS Course Code
- M123
- Typical Offer
- AAA
- Contextual Offer
- ABB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
This four-year course offers an exciting opportunity to combine a law degree with a broader educational and cultural experience through a year abroad at one of our partner law schools in the US.
UEA Law School provides an engaging and student-focused learning environment where our dedicated lecturers hold expertise in various legal fields, ensuring a rich and diverse educational experience. You will be welcomed into a collegiate community and will be part of a vibrant student body with an active law society.
Your studies at UEA will combine the foundation subjects of a law degree with a wealth of free choice. Each module is taught for one semester, allowing you to tailor your degree around subjects that stimulate your curiosity. You will receive guidance and constructive feedback to help you to improve your work and develop important skills, such as research, writing, and constructing reasoned arguments.
You will also have many opportunities to build your practical skills, confidence, and professional CV through the School’s unique employability programme and extra-curricular activities such as mooting (“mock trials”), negotiation, client interviewing, and mediation. During your year abroad, you will gain increased independence and adaptability.
Through this degree, you will acquire the skills and confidence you need to excel within or beyond the legal profession. Our careers events with law firms, barrister chambers, and alumni create great opportunities to network and discover options after graduation. You can make a difference in the local community by volunteering with our award-winning UEA Law Clinic.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Please note that the universities to which UEA is able to send students may vary from year to year. Places may be dependent on certain criteria, such as academic performance. Please visit our Study Abroad pages for more information.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you will establish a solid grounding in the subjects necessary for further legal studies. You will take three modules per semester, six in total, which cover basic legal skills and knowledge. You will also begin to cultivate legal reasoning, research and writing, as well as career management skills.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You can generally expect to have two hours of lectures per week for each module. During lectures, the lecturer will outline the subject's structure, highlight key issues, and encourage critical thinking.
Additionally, each module typically includes a two-hour seminar (or tutorial) every other week. In these sessions, you'll be assigned readings and guiding questions to ponder and prepare for ahead of class. Seminars provide a great chance to delve deeper into the subject through critical discussions and debates. Since seminars are conducted in small groups, everyone gets an opportunity to participate and interact with the scholar leading the session.
Assessment
In the Autumn semester, modules typically assess through coursework, while in the Spring semester, exams are more common. This approach ensures a good balance of assessment methods. Plus, during the semester, you will have opportunities to submit non-assessed assignments to improve your academic writing skills and receive feedback.
Structure
In your second year, you will continue to take subjects which are essential building blocks of a legal education. You will also begin to focus your degree as you choose two subjects that suit your interests, selecting from a list of optional modules. You will take three modules per semester, six in total.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your second-year modules will adopt a comparable structure to those in your first year. Lectures will provide an overview of the subject, while seminars will enable you to delve deeper into concepts through discussions with academics and peers.
Assessment
In Law School, your second-year modules in the Autumn semester will usually be assessed via coursework, and exams will remain the main assessment in the Spring semester. This arrangement is all about having a balanced mix of assessment methods. Plus, you will have chances during the semester to hand in assignments that are not graded, giving you a chance to work on your academic writing skills and get feedback. If you are taking modules outside of Law School, you might come across different ways of being assessed.
Structure
You will spend your third year studying at one of our partner law schools in the US, where you will take classes from those offered by the host law school. Currently, students attend either Cumberland Law School at Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama) or South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas).
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You will spend your third year at one of our partner law schools in the US. All teaching during the year abroad will be delivered by the host law school.
Assessment
You will take assessments in your chosen subjects at the host law school. While you must pass the year abroad, the grades obtained do not count towards degree classification.
Structure
In your fourth year, you will choose modules from a wide range of optional modules, giving you the option to explore subjects which will support your interests and career aspirations. You will take three modules per semester, six in total.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 100, Max Credits: 120)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, your modules will be delivered in a similar format as your first two years. Lectures will provide you with the main points of the subject, while seminars will give you the chance to delve deeper into concepts through discussions with academics and your classmates. As you take modules which more closely follow your interests, you will find that your class sizes are smaller and filled with more like-minded people, allowing you to get even deeper into the subjects presented.
Independent Study
For every seminar, you will need to do about 10-12 hours of preparation. This involves researching, reading, and looking into other materials like videos to shape your thoughts, arguments, and ideas for class discussions. It is a crucial part of university learning, helping you transition from school to a professional setting after graduation, where you'll need to handle tasks independently.
Assessment
In your final year, courses within the Law School will be assessed with a mix of coursework and exams. As you delve into more advanced subjects, your assessments will challenge you further, reflecting your academic growth. If you choose modules from other Schools within UEA, they may have different assessment methods.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAA
Contextual offer: ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD plus A at A level.
Contextual Offer: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AA at A level.
Contextual Offer: D plus AB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Not accepted.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H2
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBB
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAA
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in related subject, Applied Science, Business, Applied Law, Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Health and Social Care.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD plus A at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AA at A level.
We accept BTECs in related subject, Applied Science, Business, Applied Law, Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Health and Social Care.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee pages.
Extra costs, related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to embark on your chosen career path, having acquired a diverse set of transferable skills. If you are aiming for a legal career, you will proceed to the next stage of training to qualify as a barrister or solicitor. Alternatively, you will have the capacity to pursue various other paths, including business, banking, accountancy, civil or diplomatic service, charitable sector, management and human resources, teaching, journalism, or academia.
Many of our graduates have gone on to build careers as solicitors in leading firms in London and internationally, such as Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringers, Clyde & Co, Herbert Smith Freehills, Baker McKenzie, and Eversheds Sutherlands, and at a wide variety of other firms of all sizes and types.
Some alumni find roles as in-house counsel within companies, public authorities, and the Government Legal Service. Additionally, we boast a substantial number of alumni who pursue careers as barristers, with several attaining the prestigious status of King’s Counsel and others securing appointments as judges.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Legal Practice (solicitor, barrister)
- Other law-related careers (NGOs, international organisations, in-house compliance, legal researchers, police)
- Public Sector (civil service, local government, politics, education)
- Financial Services (tax, banking, insurance, investment, accountancy)
- Management and human resources (typically through graduate recruitment schemes)
- Media / journalism
Discover more on our Careers webpages.