LLB Bachelor of Laws

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Dating back to the 1890s, the University of London LLB is internationally regarded as the ‘gold standard’. You'll develop essential skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking and self-discipline, which are highly sought after by top law firms and employers worldwide.
Key features
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A name that's respected worldwide
The University of London was the first to offer a degree in English law in the 1890s, and we've been a trusted provider of distance learning for over 160 years. When you study with us, you can be confident that your LLB will be valued by employers around the world.
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Study flexibly at your own pace
The LLB can be studied from anywhere in the world, meaning you can fit your studies around your work and other commitments. It can be studied in a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years, so there's no need to put your life on hold.
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Learn from world-leading legal experts
The LLB is developed by academics from six outstanding University of London law schools, known collectively as the Laws Consortium. Our distance learning students are marked to the same high standards as those on campus, so you can be confident of the academic quality of your degree.
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Unparalleled learning resources at your fingertips
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) gives you access to all the study materials you need, including audio lectures for some modules, module guides and past exam papers. The Online Library contains millions of academic publications for you to explore, and you'll benefit from free access to professional legal databases.
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Choose how you study
Choose between independent learning using our online resources or enrolling at a Recognised Teaching Centre in your home country for face-to-face tuition support. Our Recognised Teaching Centres give you the benefits of an on-campus experience with the flexibility of an online degree.
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Join a distinguished global alumni community
The University of London LLB has been the first step in the careers of thousands of successful legal professionals. Upon graduating, you'll become part of our alumni network of lawyers, solicitors, barristers and judges from around the world.
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Teaching Centre Support
General entry requirements
Course overview
Our LLB has two routes, Standard Entry and Graduate Entry (see below), and your choice will depend upon whether you have a degree or not.
Do you hold a degree that makes you eligible for Graduate Entry? (Study nine modules to complete, instead of the usual 12).
If you are not eligible for the LLB, can you access an approved local teaching centre? This may allow you to study the CertHE Common Law and progress to the LLB.
We recommend that you check the requirements of the professional body in the jurisdiction in which you wish to practise before committing to the degree.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what modules you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
*These modules are the seven foundations of legal knowledge which are required to satisfy the academic component of legal training for intending barristers.
Contract law* | Criminal law* | Equity and Trusts*
EU law* | Property law* | Public law* | Tort law*
Level 4 - Four compulsory modules
(LA1040)
(LA1010)
(LA1031)
(LA1020)
Level 5 - One compulsory module
(LA2001)
Level 5 - Three optional modules from:
(LA2008)
(LA2015)
(LA2024)
(LA2019)
(LA2029)
(LA2003)
Level 6 - One compulsory module
(LA3005)
Level 6 - Three optional modules from:
(LA3021)
(LA3014)
(LA3025)
(LA3200)
(LA3002)
(LA3007)
(LA3026)
(LA3028)
(LA3013)
For Graduate Entry you will need an undergraduate degree.
*These modules are the seven foundations of legal knowledge which are required to satisfy the academic component of legal training for intending barristers.
Contract law* | Criminal law* | Equity and Trusts*
EU law* | Property law* | Public law* | Tort law*
Level 4 - Three compulsory modules
(LA1040)
(LA1010)
(LA1020)
Level 5 - One compulsory module
(LA2001)
Level 5 - Two optional modules from:
(LA2008)
(LA2015)
(LA2024)
(LA2019)
(LA2029)
(LA2003)
Level 6 - One compulsory module
(LA3005)
Level 6 - Two optional modules from:
(LA3021)
(LA3014)
(LA3025)
(LA3200)
(LA3002)
(LA3007)
(LA3026)
(LA3028)
(LA3013)
Our programmes are designed to be studied:
- as an independent student where you control the pace and time of your learning. Independent students have access to our online resources on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) but will not receive online tutorial support, live lectures or tutor contact;
OR
- if you would like to attend classes, you can enrol at one of our approved local teaching centres around the world and benefit from local study support and the facilities of a campus-style environment. To receive teaching support, you must apply directly to an approved teaching centre. Teaching centres may set earlier deadlines than the programme deadlines listed above.
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a teaching centre.
Study materials
The University of London student materials are the same regardless of which mode of study you follow.
We will provide you with study materials developed by academics from the Laws Consortium. These include:
- Module guides
- Statute books (for all modules where they are permitted in the examination).
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Laws Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to programme resources.
- An Online Induction offering live Q&A sessions on the VLE, study skills, the Online Library and Level 4 modules.
- Discussion forums for each module, where you can share perspectives with fellow students from all over the world.
- Online Library: As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require. Access more than 10 legal databases, including Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw and other valued materials.
- Tutor Feedback Activity: for a limited number of modules, you have an opportunity to receive feedback on how you are performing against the criteria applied by examiners.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Study events
- The Study Support Event provides you with academic guidance from a University of London-approved tutor. Usually held in November, the event focuses on the core content of the first half of each module guide. Each day includes an overview of key topics, learning activities and guidance on planning your studies. There is a separate fee to attend this event.
- The Revision Event typically takes place in March and focuses on revision for your examinations. Each day includes an overview of core topics and guidance on what examiners are looking for in an examination answer. There is a separate fee to attend this event.
Student support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a teaching centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Assessment
All modules (except the Dissertation) are assessed entirely by written/typed examination. These are held in May/June and October. Information on the format of the exams will be made available on the Virtual Learning Environment. You can sit a maximum of two modules in the October session.
Our examinations are set and marked by academics appointed as examiners. They reflect the same standards as those who study on-campus at the University of London Law Schools.
The academic direction of the LLB is provided by a Consortium of outstanding University of London Law Schools: Birkbeck, King's, LSE, Queen Mary, SOAS and UCL.
Three of these (UCL, King’s and LSE) are ranked in the top 15 worldwide for Law (QS World University Rankings 2023) and in the UK's top 10 (The Complete University Guide 2023).
Key dates
Applications open | |
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Applications close | |
Registration deadline | |
Programme starts | November 2023 |
Applications open | |
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Applications close | |
Registration deadline | |
Programme starts | May 2024 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
To register for the LLB, you will usually be aged 17+ by the date of registration and satisfy the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Each application is considered on an individual basis. If you do not have the standard requirements, our Admissions Panel will consider factors such as alternative or incomplete qualifications (e.g. diplomas/degrees) and relevant work experience.
If you are not eligible for the LLB, you may be able to study the CertHE Common Law and progress to the LLB. This programme must be studied at an approved local teaching centre.
Alternatively, you might be interested in our International Foundation Programme. This pre-university programme is equivalent in standard to qualifications studied in Year 13 (i.e. A levels) and must also be studied at an approved local teaching centre.
Graduate entry route
For graduate entry, you will need an acceptable undergraduate degree rather than a professional qualification.
English Language requirements
You need to demonstrate a good level of English to be admitted to our programmes. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you don’t have evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may consider your case.
Do I meet the language requirements?
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this degree, you will also need Adobe Flash Player to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.
Entrance requirements for Standard Entry LLB applicants who wish to study independently (without the support of a Recognised Teaching Centre)
Standard Entry LLB applicants who wish to study independently must have the following:
- a minimum of three UK GCE A Levels at grade A* - C or an acceptable equivalent; and
- (IELTS) International English Language Testing System: overall score of at least 7.0, with at least 6.5 in Writing and 5.5 in sub-tests Reading, Listening and Speaking (Academic or General or IELTS Indicator Online Test), awarded in the past three years.
Other school or post school qualifications not listed below may still be acceptable. You can contact us before submitting an application if you would like further clarification.
Please note: this list is for guidance purposes. We reserve the right to amend it at any time.
The following entries are for our Standard Entry Route:
International Qualifications
- 3 Cambridge Advanced level passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved.
- 3 Edexcel International Advanced levels passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved.
- International Baccalaureate (the Diploma): successful completion
Australia
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score of 85 or above or an acceptable equivalent
- AQF Diploma
Austria
- Reifeprüfung / Matura: pass with distinction
Bahamas
- 3 Bahamian GCE A Level passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved
Cameroon
- 3 Cameroon Advanced level in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved
Canada
- High School Graduation Diploma awarded by appropriate province: five acceptable Grade 12 Courses. Each passed at 79% or above
- 2 year full time Diploma or Associate degree awarded by an acceptable postsecondary
Caribbean, the
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination Diploma (CAPE): Provided six units including two double-unit courses are passed at grade 1 – 3
China
- Gaokao (Chinese University / College Entrance Examination): provided the applicants overall score is/was sufficient for entry into a Tier 2 institution in China in the year that it was taken
England, Northern Ireland and Wales
- 3 UK GCE Advanced level passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved
- Access to HE Diploma: provided it is recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
- International Foundation Programme or Foundation Programme that provides admission onto a UK degree
- Postgraduate / Undergraduate programmes, successfully completed and awarded by an acceptable institution
France
- Baccalauréat: provided an overall average of 13 or above is achieved from all subjects taken
Germany
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife / Abitur: provided an overall grade of 1 – 3 is achieved
Ghana
- Diploma (University Programme)
Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): provided 3 Category A subjects are passed at level 4 - 5 and 2 further Category A subjects are passed at level 2 – 5.
- Associate degree / Advanced Diploma / Higher Certificate / Higher Diploma, provided this is accredited by The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications at the point of award and is listed on the Qualifications Register
Hungary
- Erettsegi / Matura: this must include at least 3 final examinations passed at grade 4 or 5
Iran
- Pre-University Certificate: provided an overall grade of 13 - 20 is achieved
Italy
- Diploma di Esame di Stato / Diploma di Maturita: provided an overall mark of 80 – 100 is achieved
Malaysia
- (In and after 2003) 3 STPM passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade BBB or above is achieved
- Matrikulasi / Matriculation Certificate, provided a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) is achieved.
- Foundation Programmes – to be looked at on an individual basis
- A MQF level 4 Diploma which is at least 1 year full time in duration, is accredited at the point of award and is listed on the Malaysian Qualifications Register.
Malta
- (from 1997) Matriculation certificate
Netherlands
- Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Ouderwijs (VWO): provided an overall average of 7.5 or above is achieved from all subjects taken
New Zealand
- University Entrance Certificates with National Certificates in Educational Achievement Level 3 (80 credits) with a majority of Excellences in subjects to be studied at Higher Education Institutions expressed on the Record of Learning
Nigeria
- National Diploma awarded by an institution acceptable to the University of London, provided Upper Credit or above is achieved.
Norway
- Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole / Examen Artium: provided an overall average of 4 or above is achieved from all subjects taken
Poland
- Swiadectwo Dojrzałości: provided acceptable performance has been achieved within the Maturity Examination
Portugal
- Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundários /Certidão do Décimo Segundo Ano: provided an overall average of at least 16 (out of 20) is achieved
Romania
- Diplomã de Bacalaureat: : provided an overall average of at least 7 is achieved
Scotland
- Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Level, provided five subjects are obtained at BBBBB or above
Serbia
- Matura (Secondary School Leaving Diploma): provided an average of at least 3.5 is achieved within the Graduation Examination
Singapore
- 3 Singapore/Cambridge H2 level passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved
- Polytechnic Diploma / Advanced Diploma / Specialist Diploma awarded by one of the following: Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic or Temasek Polytechnic
Slovakia
- Maturitná Skúška / Maturita: provided an average of at least 2.5 – 1.0 is achieved in 4 separate subjects
Slovenia
- Maturitná Skúška / Maturita: provided an overall average of 3.5 or above is achieved from all subjects taken
Spain
- Curso de Orientación Universitaria (COU) / Prueba de Acceso Universidad (PAU) / Selectividad / Título de Bachiller: provided an overall average of at least 7.5 (out of 10) is achieved
Sweden
- Hogskoleforberedende Examen: provided an overall average of 13 or above is achieved from all subjects taken
Switzerland
- Maturitatzeugnis / Certificat de Maturité / Attestato de Maturita: provided 5.0 (or the equivalent) or above is achieved in at least 4 separate subjects
Tanzania
- 3 ACSE Principle Passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved
Uganda
- 3 UACE Principle Passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved.
USA
- Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of the American College Board, provided at least two full, non-overlapping, subjects are passed at grades 4 or 5 (with the exception of Studio Art). Please note Microeconomics and Macroeconomics are valued as half a full subject each
- At least 30 credits from a Regionally Accredited Institution, with a CGPA of at least 2.5 / 4.0#
Zimbabwe
3 ZCSE AL passes in non-overlapping subjects where grade CCC or above is achieved
Entrance requirements for Graduate Entry LLB applicants who wish to study independently
Graduate Entry LLB applicants who wish to study independently (without the support of a Recognised Teaching Centre) must have the following:
- an Upper Second Class Honours from an acceptable undergraduate degree; and
- (IELTS) International English Language Testing System: overall score of at least 7.0, with at least 6.5 in Writing and 5.5 in sub-tests Reading, Listening and Speaking (Academic or General or IELTS Indicator Online Test), awarded in the past three years.
What do I need for Graduate Entry?
The following entries are for our Graduate Entry Route:
Australia
- Bachelor (Honours) degree: provided at least Second Class (Upper Division) or the equivalent is achieved
Austria
- Bachelor degree: provided at least ‘Gut’ or the equivalent is achieved
Bahamas
- Bachelor degree: provided this is awarded by the University of the West Indies with at least an Upper Second Class Honours
Cameroon
- Bachelor degree plus a Masters degree: provided at least 14 or the equivalent is achieved within the Masters
Canada
- Bachelor Honours Degree: depends on the grading scale and duration of degree.
- 4 year degree, require at least: grade B or 3.1/4.0 or 73% or 8.0/12.0 from the CGPA
- 3 year degree, require at least: grade B+ or 3.5/4.0 or 80% or 10/12.0 from the CGPA
Caribbean, the
- Bachelor degree: provided this is awarded by the University of the West Indies with at least an Upper Second Class Honours
China
- Bachelor degree: provided at least 80% or 3.3/4.0 or the equivalent is achieved
If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content, level and standard to our Bachelor of Laws (LLB) modules, you might be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemption. You will not need to study or be assessed in the module(s) to complete your award.
To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying online. Alternatively, this can be done through an online enquiry once you have submitted your application.
You must satisfy the entrance requirements for the Standard Entry LLB and have successfully completed studies at an appropriate level to be considered. We do not consider credit transfer or RPL for any module of the Graduate Diploma Commercial Law or Graduate Entry LLB.
RPL can only be granted for a maximum of four of our LLB modules at FHEQ Level 4.
Your prior learning must be from whole modules equivalent to FHEQ Level 4 (or above).
RPL can only be awarded for modules successfully completed within three years prior to the date of application and you must:
- have passed all the necessary assessments and examinations in any full year of study
- have not failed any part of the degree programme.
To award RPL is at the discretion of the University. A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable (currently £125 per module). The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised.
Note: The application/request for Discretionary RPL and all required supporting evidence must be received before the deadlines stated, for the intake that you apply, to be processed.
Deadline for November 2023 intake
Submit RPL application by | 22 September 2023 |
Submit supporting evidence by | 16 October 2023 |
Deadline for May 2024 intake
Submit RPL application by | 24 March 2024 |
Submit supporting evidence by | 14 April 2024 |
Further information on rules regarding RPL is covered in the Recognition of Prior Learning section of the appropriate Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2023-2024 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
Academic year | 2023-2024 |
Application fee (non-refundable) | £107 |
Registration fee | £607 |
Module fee | £189 |
Examination fee (per 30-credit module) | £230 |
Online examination fee* | £10 |
Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning fee (per module) (non-refundable) | £125 |
Dissertation | £501 |
Indicative Cost: Standard Entry LLB [excluding dissertation] | £6118 |
Indicative Cost: Graduate Entry LLB [excluding dissertation] | £4680 |
*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions. This fee will be charged at the point of exam entry and is in addition to the exam entry fee listed above.
You pay as you progress rather than in a single payment. The indicative costs are a guide to what you would pay if you allow for average fee increases and complete your qualification within the minimum time (with no resits).
See the Programme Regulations for more details.
Additional Costs
You may also need to budget for:
- Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year);
- tuition costs (if you choose to study at an approved local teaching centre); and
- examination centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your examinations.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
UK-based students may be entitled to apply for an undergraduate Student Loan or the City’s Business School Scholarship. Equally, some of our approved local teaching centres around the world offer discounts or scholarships for the face-to-face tuition they provide. (Check with your teaching centre for details.)
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
The University of London was the first to offer a degree in English Law in the 1890s, and continues to offer the security of an internationally respected qualification.
Upon graduation, you will join a distinguished network of solicitors, barristers and judges from all over the world who began their careers with a University of London LLB.
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching centre.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
More on the University of London Careers Service
Tailored support for careers in the refugee and humanitarian fields is available through regular programme events, webinars and careers resources.