Law with Integrated Foundation Year LLB (Hons)

Overview

This Law course will set you on track for a successful career in law and help you develop valuable skills employers look for, including commercial awareness, personal integrity, and an ethical approach. During the course, you’ll study modules such as ‘Higher Education Skills and Competencies’, ‘Criminal Law and Procedure’, ‘Public Law and the Law of the European Union’, and ‘Practical Tort Law’. By the end of the course, you’ll have the intellectual tools and knowledge to tackle real-world issues within the legal sector or within legal departments of organisations.

Why us?

• At Sunderland Law School, you'll be taught by experts in a friendly and supportive environment.
• We are a university that's nationally recognised for supporting learners particularly from non-traditional backgrounds and many students come to us with no formal qualifications, but with valuable work experience.
• Provides students with the opportunity to study a wide range of optional modules to suit their research interests and career aspirations.

Course structure

A typical week for you will include lectures, seminars, group work, and e-learning. We encourage you to develop study skills and carry out independent legal research. You'll also have opportunities to present ideas to other students and develop concepts within groups. A number of modules incorporate court/tribunal visits, video presentations, and visiting speakers.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are ongoing assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include research assignments, case studies, problem questions, practical activities, reports, and exams.

Course modules

Foundation Year:

The Law Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

• Foundations of Law (40 credits)
• Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Law (20 credits)
• Essential Study Skills (20 credits)
• Foundation Project (20 credits)
• Practical Numeracy Skills (20 credits)

Year 1 (national level 4):

• English Legal System (20 credits)
• Practical Contract Law (20 credits)
• Criminal Law (20 credits)
• Public Law and the Law of the European Union (20 credits)
• Fundamental Legal Skills (20 credits)
• Criminal Procedure (20 credits)

Year 2 (national level 5):

• Core modules:
  • Practical Tort Law (20 credits)
  • Land Law (20 credits)
• Optional modules (choose 80 credits):
  • Dispute Resolution and Civil Litigation (20 credits)
  • Law of Evidence (20 credits)
  • Placement (20 credits)
  • Family Law and Practice (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Professional Practice (20 credits)
  • Law in Society (20 credits)

Optional placement:

• Applied Professional Practice (120 credits)

Year 3 (national level 6):

• Core module:
  • Trusts Law (20 credits)
• Optional modules (choose 100 credits):
  • Law Research Dissertation (20 credits)
  • Medical Law (20 credits)
  • Commercial Law (20 credits)
  • Employment and Labour Law (20 credits)
  • Public International Law (20 credits)
  • Counter-Terrorism Law (20 credits)
  • Crime, Justice and Society (20 credits)
  • Property Law and Conveyancing (20 credits)
  • Wills and the Administration of Estates (20 credits)
  • Business Law and practice (20 credits)
  • Sunderland Student Law Clinic (40 credits)

Facilities

You’ll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The Reg Vardy Centre is a modern building with views of the river, and just a short walk from both the coast and Sunderland town centre.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only and we may offer you an entrance interview which will help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree. This enables us to consider making you an offer if you're perhaps a mature student who's been out of education for a period of time, or you've gained significant knowledge and skills through employment rather than traditional education.

Eligible entry qualifications:

If you're unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £5,760 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £5,760. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan.

Please note, this course isn't available to international students.

Career ready

A law degree provides you with the foundation subjects that are required for entry into the legal professions, but the understanding of legal implications and obligations, combined with the ability to combine this knowledge in practice, is valuable in many parts of the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Employers from different sectors value the skills of clear thinking, logical argument and effective writing, and sectors where a degree in law will be beneficial include property development, banking and finance, HR or Civil Services.

Sunderland Student Law Clinic

Sunderland Student Law Clinic provides quality, free legal advice and assistance to local members of the public and start-up businesses. All work is carried out by students who are supervised by nine qualified solicitors. Students can choose to study in Sunderland Student Law Clinic in their final year of their undergraduate studies and all students studying to become a solicitor on our LLM Legal Practice LPC spend at least half a day each week in clinic, meaning that some of our students leave us with two years' live client work experience. Students can work voluntarily for work experience in Sunderland Student Law Clinic each summer, regardless of their stage of study.

Sunderland Student Law Clinic offers advice and assistance in relation to business matters, consumer disputes, civil disputes, housing, landlord and tenant, intellectual property, wills, powers of attorney and court of protection work. It's not all hard work: each year there is a 'Great Clinic Bake Off', legal walk and charity quiz night to raise money for good causes and, as a reward for all our hard work, we have the office Christmas party, which is not to be missed!

Salaries with a law career

Paralegals' starting salaries when entering at graduate level can be between £18,000 and £25,000 a year. With three to five years' experience, this can then rise to between £30,000 and £40,000 a year.

Salaries for qualified solicitors range from £28,000 to £100,000. Partners in large firms or heads of in-house legal departments can earn in excess of £100,000.

Guest speakers

Our invitations to guest speakers allow you to listen to people who are already progressing in their legal careers. Examples of past speakers include graduates of our course who are undertaking their Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course and others who have now progressed to their training contract. It’s a useful way to broaden your learning so that you’re prepared not just for exams but for life.

Practical experience

To enhance your experience of standing up in front of people and delivering a clear argument, we encourage competitions run by the Mooting and Debating Group. In Year 2 there is an optional ‘Mooting’ module. It includes an outdoor performance workshop at the coast to engage in activities around voice projection and the power of oral argument.

Degree Overview

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Overview:

• This law course at the University of Sunderland is a four-year version of their popular LLB (Hons) Law course, with an integrated foundation year.
• The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in law, including commercial awareness, personal integrity, and an ethical approach.
• Students will study modules such as ‘Higher Education Skills and Competencies’, ‘Criminal Law and Procedure’, ‘Public Law and the Law of the European Union’, and ‘Practical Tort Law’.
• Graduates will have the intellectual tools and knowledge to tackle real-world issues within the legal sector or within legal departments of organizations.

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Objectives:

• Develop a thorough understanding of the law and legal systems
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills
• Hone effective communication and research skills
• Cultivate professional and ethical principles
• Prepare for further study or a career in law

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Program Description:

• The program integrates a Foundation Year, providing a strong academic foundation before entering legal studies.
• Students will benefit from studying a wide range of optional modules across various legal areas.
• The Law Clinic offers real-world experience through applying legal knowledge to actual cases.
• Extracurricular activities, including mooting, debating, and client interviewing, enhance practical skills.
• LLB graduates can directly pursue the LLM Legal Practice (LPC) to qualify with two internationally recognized degrees.
## Outline

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Program Content:

• Foundation Year:
Focuses on law basics, study skills, and academic development.
• Year 1:
Covers English Legal System, Practical Contract Law, Criminal Law, Public Law and the Law of the European Union, Fundamental Legal Skills, and Criminal Procedure.
• Year 2:
Includes core modules like Practical Tort Law and Land Law, and offers a selection of optional modules to personalize the learning experience.
• Year 3:
Features a core module, Trusts Law, and a broad range of optional modules covering specialized areas like medical law, commercial law, and public international law.

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Structure:

• A typical week includes lectures, seminars, group work, and independent study.
• Students actively participate in discussions, presentations, and group projects.
• The program incorporates site visits, guest speakers, and video presentations to enrich learning.

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Modules:

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Foundation Year

• Foundations of Law
• Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Law
• Essential Study Skills
• Foundation Project
• Practical Numeracy Skills

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Year 1

• English Legal System
• Practical Contract Law
• Criminal Law
• Public Law and the Law of the European Union
• Fundamental Legal Skills
• Criminal Procedure

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Year 2

• Practical Tort Law
• Land Law

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Optional Modules (Year 2)

• Dispute Resolution and Civil Litigation
• Law of Evidence
• Placement
• Family Law and Practice
• Introduction to Professional Practice
• Law in Society

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Optional Placement

• Applied Professional Practice

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Year 3

• Trusts Law

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Optional Modules (Year 3)

• Law Research Dissertation
• Medical Law
• Commercial Law
• Employment and Labour Law
• Public International Law
• Counter-Terrorism Law
• Crime, Justice and Society
• Property Law and Conveyancing
• Wills and the Administration of Estates
• Business Law and Practice
• Sunderland Student Law Clinic
## Assessment
• Assessment methods vary depending on the module and learning objectives.
• Common assessments include research assignments, case studies, problem questions, practical activities, reports, and exams.
• Formative assessments provide feedback throughout the course to support learning.
## Teaching
• The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:
• Interactive lectures to introduce key concepts and principles.
• Engaging seminars to encourage discussion and analysis.
• Group projects to promote collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Workshops to develop practical legal skills.
• Tutorials to provide individual guidance and support.
• Students are taught by experienced legal professionals with expertise in their respective fields.
## Faculty
• The Law School comprises a team of dedicated and passionate academics with extensive expertise in various legal fields.
• The program benefits from input from practicing lawyers, ensuring students gain insights into real-world legal practice.
## Careers
• Graduates are equipped with diverse career options in the legal sector, including:
• Barrister
• Solicitor
• Legal researcher
• Policy advisor
• Compliance officer
• The program prepares students for further study, such as the LLM Legal Practice (LPC) or a postgraduate research degree.
## Other
• The program emphasizes the development of essential skills for legal professionals, including research, writing, advocacy, and teamwork.
• Students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities such as mooting and debating to enhance their practical skills and build connections.
• The Law Clinic offers valuable experience in handling real-world cases, providing students with a competitive edge.

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Note:

• This information is based on the provided context.
If there is more information available, the extractions can be further refined and expanded.
• The program details may vary over time, so it is crucial to consult the University of Sunderland's official website for the most current information.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.