Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Diploma in Law
How you study
You receive specially designed learning materials and have access to a significant array of online resources. The cost of your materials is included in your initial and continuing registration fees.
The study materials are designed to guide you through the syllabus for each subject and direct your reading of the prescribed textbooks, study packs and Online Library resources. Although all study materials are specially produced for self-directed learning, many students choose to pay for additional educational support through independent teaching institutions.
You are strongly advised to apply to us and wait for confirmation that you are eligible to register before enroling with an institution. Enrolment with an institution does not mean that a student is automatically registered with the University. Contact details for institutions, plus a list of useful questions that we think potential students should ask prior to enroling with one, can be found in the 'Study with Us' section of our website.
Diploma in Law students must be registered at an independent teaching institution granted ‘Permission to teach’ the Diploma in Law.
Study materials include:
- Studying English law with the University of London. An introductory guide to the basics of common law legal systems. This is sent to all students who receive an offer letter.
- Subject guides for each law subject studied that take you systematically through the course topics, with instructions on reading, learning activities (with feedback) and guidance on answering sample examination questions.
- Textbooks. You will receive one copy of the textbook for each of the four Intermediate/Diploma in Law Subjects and for the compulsory Part I subjects.
- Study packs. Key recommended readings in the subject guides are sent directly to students (and are available online) for all the compulsory subjects and selected options.
- Learning skills for law guide contains advice on study skills, developing English language and legal English skills, reading cases and statutes, guidance on exam technique and performing skills activities.
- Student handbook contains a wealth of specific advice and information on navigating your way through the programme and the University of London International Programmes, with key dates and contact details for further support.
- Regulations. Students need to be fully informed of the formal rules about syllabuses, programme structures, fees, how to enter for examinations, marking schemes, transfers, exemptions etc., so updated Regulations are sent to all our students every year.
- Skills portfolio guide supplied to final-year students, relevant if you are pursuing a Qualifying Law Degree.
Online resources
From September 2008, there will be a common portal with a single ‘sign-in’. Online access is now a requirement for registration to the LLB and the Diploma in Law.
- The Undergraduate Laws students area includes Examiners’ reports, past exam papers and reading lists.
- A dedicated Laws VLE with discussion forums.
- Pre-course exercises.
- Online legal research exercises.
- Online Library (external link) offering access to professional legal databases, plus key legal journals and multidisciplinary databases.
- Computer-marked assessments.
Courses at the University of London
Induction day A one-day induction is held in London in late September each year to introduce new students to studying for the Diploma in Law and LLB. Prospective students are welcome to attend in order to find out more about the programme.
Weekend courses There are four weekend courses held in London each year in November/December, February, March and April. Tuition is given by experienced law lecturers. These courses are intensive, with up to eight hours of lectures and tutorials each day. Each weekend covers different topics and students are encouraged to attend all four. The courses concentrate on important areas of each subject and new developments and recent legislation.
For further information about the induction day and weekend courses please visit the Undergraduate Laws student area.
Gisela Stuart
LLB graduate, UK.
MP for Birmingham Edgbaston and Member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
"Studying, revising, looking after a family and staying sane is no easy task! I was lucky; I had a tolerant and supportive spouse, children who respond to a flexible routine, and the stamina and determination needed of success. I was thrilled when I actually completed the degree: the presentation ceremony at the Barbican Centre was one of the most moving and magnificent experiences of my life. I am now MP for Birmingham Edgbaston. This is due in no small part to the skills I acquired as an External student at the University of London."