LLB (Hons) Law with European Legal Systems
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Laws
- UCAS Course Code
- M120
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
This four-year course offers an exciting chance to blend a law degree with a broader educational and cultural adventure as you spend a year abroad at a European law school.
At UEA Law School, you will encounter a stimulating, student-centred learning environment. Our dedicated lecturers bring expertise in various legal fields, ensuring a diverse educational experience. You will be welcomed into a close-knit community and become part of a lively student body with an active law society.
Your studies at UEA will combine the foundational subjects of a law degree with a range of elective options. Each module runs for one semester, allowing you to shape your degree around subjects that pique your interest. You will receive guidance and constructive feedback to enhance your work and develop essential skills like research, writing, and constructing arguments.
Moreover, you will have numerous opportunities to enhance your practical skills, confidence, and professional CV through our unique employability programme and extracurricular activities such as mooting (mock trials), negotiation, client interviewing, and mediation. During your year abroad, you will gain increased independence and adaptability.
Throughout this degree, you will gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed within or beyond the legal profession. Our career events with law firms, barrister chambers, and alumni offer fantastic networking opportunities and insights into post-graduation options. You can also contribute to the local community by volunteering with our award-winning UEA Law Clinic.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You will spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner law schools in Europe. The year abroad is a compulsory element of this four-year degree.
The subjects taken will vary depending on the host university but will typically allow students to develop their understanding of aspects of European and International Law, and law in a comparative perspective.
You do not need a foreign language to take part as you can study at one of our partners which offer law subjects taught in English. If you have French or Spanish at A level (or equivalent), you can take language tuition in Years 1 and 2 to spend your third year at a French or Spanish university.
Through this opportunity you will develop your intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and adaptability. It is also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers.
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 section for more information.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your studies at UEA combine the seven foundation subjects of a traditional law degree with a wealth of free choices which allow you to tailor your degree around the subjects that interest you and stimulate your curiosity. Since each course is only a semester long, you will have plenty of opportunities to take classes that interest you alongside your required modules.
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. You will begin to cultivate important legal skills such as reasoning, research and writing, as well as career management skills.
If you are on the Spanish or French pathway, you will take two law modules and one language module per semester. The language modules are taught in the Language and Communication Studies Department. (The two law modules taken by other law students are moved to your second year.)
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 typically expect two hours of lectures per week for each module. Lecturers will outline the subject's structure, identify key issues, and encourage critical thinking.
Additionally, each module usually includes a two-hour seminar (or tutorial) every fortnight. During these sessions, you'll receive reading materials and guiding questions to consider and prepare before class. Seminars provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the subject through critical discussions and debates. Since seminars are conducted in small groups, everyone gets a chance to contribute and engage with the scholar leading the session.
(The format of Spanish and French modules will differ somewhat to accommodate language learning teaching methods.)
Assessment
During the Autumn semester, modules typically assess through coursework, while exams are more common in the Spring semester, ensuring a balanced mix of assessment methods. Additionally, you will have opportunities throughout the semester to submit non-assessed assignments to enhance your academic writing skills and receive feedback.
Structure
In your second year, you will cover the remaining subjects that form the foundation of a legal education. Alongside this, you will start customising your degree by selecting two subjects that align with your interests from a diverse range of optional modules. If you are following the Spanish or French pathway, each semester you will study two law modules and one language module. (The core law modules that other students take in the second year will be moved to your final year.)
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.
Again, Spanish and French modules may differ in structure as they are not housed in the Law School.
Assessment
In Law School, your second-year modules in the Autumn semester will usually be assessed via coursework, with exams remaining the primary assessment method in the Spring semester, maintaining a balanced assessment approach. Furthermore, you will have opportunities during the semester to submit ungraded assignments, allowing you to refine your academic writing skills and receive feedback. If you are taking modules outside of Law School, you may encounter different assessment methods.
Structure
You will spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner law schools in Europe.
The subjects taken will vary depending on the host university but will typically allow students to develop their understanding of aspects of European and International Law, and law in a comparative perspective.
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
All teaching during your year abroad will be delivered by the host university, allowing you to get a taste for legal education in a different cultural context.
Assessment
During your year abroad, you will undergo assessments in your chosen subjects at the host law school. While passing this year is essential, the grades obtained won't contribute to your degree classification.
Structure
In your final year, you can choose from a variety of optional modules to round out your legal education. If on the French or Spanish pathway, you will have a few core modules to finish here, but either way you will have plenty of room to study what interests you.
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 follow a structure akin to your first two years. Lectures will cover the core aspects of the subject, while seminars will offer opportunities for in-depth exploration through discussions with academics and peers. As you select modules aligned with your interests, you will notice smaller class sizes with like-minded individuals, facilitating deeper engagement with the subjects.
Independent Study
For every seminar, you will need to dedicate roughly 10-12 hours to prep work. This involves researching, reading, and exploring different sources like videos to develop thoughts, arguments, and ideas for class discussions. This is a vital aspect of university study, helping you transition from school to a professional setting after graduation, where independence in task completion is key.
Additional Support
The UEA Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Services department, are there to help you acquire various study skills, including revising, writing and research. If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties, please talk to our Student Services Department about how they can support you in your course.
Assessment
In your final year, Law School courses will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. As you tackle more advanced subjects, your assessments will become more challenging, reflecting your academic progression. If you opt for modules from other Schools within UEA, you might encounter varied 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
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD, plus B at A level.
Contextual Offer: DD, plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A level.
Contextual Offer: D plus BB 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 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
T levels
Not accepted
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC. 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
AAB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma:
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
33 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, equipped with a range of transferable skills. If you are considering the legal profession, you will advance to the next stage of training to qualify as a barrister or solicitor. Alternatively, you will have the capability to pursue various other paths, including business, banking, accountancy, civil or diplomatic service, charitable sector, management, human resources, teaching, journalism, or academia, among others.
Many of our graduates have forged successful careers as solicitors in leading firms in London and internationally, such as Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Clyde & Co, Herbert Smith Freehills, Baker McKenzie, and Eversheds Sutherland, as well as in a diverse array of other firms of varying sizes and types.
Others find roles as in-house counsel in companies, public authorities, and the Government Legal Service. Additionally, we boast a significant number of alumni who have pursued careers as barristers, including several King’s Counsel, and have been appointed as judges.
Furthermore, this course is recognised by the following professional regulatory bodies outside England and Wales:
Institute of Professional Legal Studies of Northern Ireland - please note the requirements regarding Law of Evidence.
Careers
Career destinations related to your degree 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.