Law (Graduate Programme) LLB

Course overview

Ready for a career change? This two‑year course transforms an undergraduate degree background into a strong foundation in law.

This two‑year course is for graduates from non‑law backgrounds who want to transition into a legal career. You’ll learn about how and why law is created and changed, and how it operates as a social institution. You’ll develop your understanding in core legal subjects, and choose optional modules in areas such as company, healthcare, cyber, environmental, media, or family law, as well as topics in criminal justice and criminology.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop key skills in analysis, research, and argument — useful both within and beyond the legal profession. You’ll learn from experts linked to our research centres in Business Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Education, and Social Justice. You’ll also have opportunities to gain practical experience through our award‑winning pro bono work.

The course meets the academic requirements for those aiming to qualify as a barrister in England and Wales. You can visit the Bar Standards Board website for more information. 

If you plan to become a solicitor in England and Wales, you will need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and have two years of full-time equivalent work experience. You can find out more from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. While a law degree isn’t required for qualification, it is one of the most effective ways to gain the knowledge and skills needed for SQE1 and for professional practice.

“I really enjoy the seminars for all the modules I am taking. The prep work for each seminar has helped me tremendously in grasping topics discussed in class and for examination preparation.”

Dayna Myers, Law LLB (Graduate programme)

Why study at Leeds:

• Accelerate your legal career: Take on a two‑year course designed specifically for graduates from non‑law backgrounds.
• Learn from experts: Connect with four world‑leading research centres in Business Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Education and Social Justice.
• Tailor your studies: Choose specialist optional modules in areas like cyberlaw, environmental law, media law, family law, company law and more.
• Build valuable, transferable skills: Sharpen your analysis, research, communication and critical thinking — useful across a wide range of careers.
• Gain real-world experience: Learn through Leeds’ award‑winning Community Engagement (pro bono) opportunities.
• Meet professional requirements: Depending on your preferred career pathway, prepare for qualification as a barrister and develop strong foundations for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).
• Join a supportive academic community: Teaching is informed by cutting‑edge research and real‑world practice.

Studying in the School of Law

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Accreditation

If you want to qualify as a barrister, all our law courses satisfy the degree requirements set by the Bar Standards Board in England and Wales. You can visit the Bar Standards Board website for more information. 

If you want to become a solicitor in England and Wales, you will need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and have two years of full-time equivalent work experience. The Solicitors Regulation Authority website provides more details. 

Although you no longer require a law degree or a diploma in order to qualify as a solicitor, a law degree will be particularly effective in allowing you to gain the knowledge and skills required for SQE1 (the first stage of the SQE, set by the SRA). 

Course details and modules

This degree has been specially formulated for graduates in a non-law subject, who wish to acquire foundational legal knowledge necessary, traditionally, for the practise of law. It enables progression to the vocational stage of legal education in several other jurisdictions.

Year 1 covers many of the foundational topics in English law. Alongside these, our Legal Skills module equips you with the necessary skills and attributes to study law at undergraduate level, and the Professions, Reflections, Identities, Motivations and Ethics (PRIME) module will  give you the opportunity to reflect upon important issues such as your personal and professional goals, your identity and how to protect your wellbeing on a personal and professional level.

In Year 2 you will build on your legal knowledge and skills, including through optional modules, which will allow you to focus on topics that suit your particular interests.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Contract Law (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the underlying principles of contract law. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate, with appropriate reference to case law and statute, a basic understanding of the general principles governing the formation, modification, performance, discharge and enforcement of contracts under English law. 

Constitutional and Administrative Law (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the underlying principles and major sources of British constitutional law. In addition, you’ll learn about two fields of relevant public law: the law relating to police powers and public order, and the English law relating to judicial review. 

Criminal Law (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to core criminal law concepts and to the criminal justice system within which the criminal law is applied. This module will provide you with the opportunity to learn about key criminal law principles, cases and legislation, and to recognise the different political and cultural contexts in which criminal law operates at national and international level. 

Foundations of Law (20 credits)

This module is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge necessary to study law at degree level, including the foundations of the English legal system, legal theory, and legal ethics. The module will contextualise foundational legal principles within societal, political and economic contexts, encouraging you to develop as reflexive learners.

This module will prepare you for the successful study of law as an academic discipline by developing you from a passive recipient of research materials and teaching content to a proactive, engaged, and reflexive participant able to discuss legal content whilst recognising the value of research and problem solving.

Legal Skills (20 credits) - This module will introduce you to the fundamental study and legal skills required to thrive on your degree. It offers basic teaching on these skills and provides directions for further development for you to pursue independently. This module aims to help you adapt to the learning, teaching and assessment demands of university. It will also help you develop an independent, reflective and rigorous approach to your studies.

PRIME: (Professions, Reflections, Identities, Motivations & Ethics) (20 credits)

PRIME (Professions, Reflections, Identities, Motivations & Ethics) will provide you with space to learn about and explore strategies for, and approaches to, challenging issues you’re likely to encounter as a student, and within your future personal and working life. The module will include reflective practices; personal and professional values, ethics, identities and self-care (including how those relate to employability decisions); managing relationships on an individual and larger group basis, including through challenging conversations; and emotional intelligence, including notions of failure/success and strategies for responding to ‘challenges’ such as failure and unexpected change.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Torts (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the underlying principles, mechanisms, and objectives of the law of torts. You’ll gain knowledge of the key issues, legal principles, case law, and statutory provisions relating to several key torts, including the tort of negligence. You’ll also learn to recognise the influence of public policy on the development and content of the law in this area.

Land Law (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the core concepts, principles, rules and aims of land law and you’ll learn to recognise the influence of political, economic and social contexts on its development. You’ll gain knowledge of key issues relating to land law, such as the nature and effect of property rights, lawful protest, privacy and public access.

EU Law (20 credits)

This module considers the history and structure of the EU and the development of EU law and the role that law has played in the process of integration, by means of doctrinal development by the Court of Justice of the European Union. Particular attention is given to the constitutionalisation of the EU through case law, treaty reforms and other mechanisms.

The module also focuses on substantive law and the provisions which form the basis of the internal market. It explores free movement of persons, of goods, and of services. It provides the opportunity to study the constitutional and institutional structures of the EU, the way in which EU law impacts upon national law, and law-making in the internal market.

Law of Trusts (20 credits)

This module examines the English Law of Trusts. It provides you with an understanding of what a trust is, how it is created, what the trustee’s duties are and what remedies the beneficiary has for their breach. It also explores personal and proprietary claims against third parties.

Optional modules

You will choose 40 credits of optional modules from a range of related topics, typically including:

Company Law (20 credits)

This module explores the main features of company law in the United Kingdom. Company law governs the formation, management, and dissolution of companies, which are foundational to modern economic activity. By examining the legal responsibilities of companies, including directors’ duties, shareholder rights and remedies, and creditor protections, you will gain insight into how businesses balance profit motives with ethical and legal obligations. The module also addresses issues of accountability and corporate governance, which are increasingly important in today’s world where stakeholders expect companies to act responsibly in areas like sustainability and social impact. While the module focuses on UK company law, it will equip you with key legal concepts, principles and rules that shape corporate behaviour in a globalised economy and introduce you to similar legal and policy debates in other jurisdictions.

Competition Law (20 credits)

Competition laws are adopted in over 100 jurisdictions around the world and affect the day-to-day business of all significant businesses globally. This module is designed to provide a sound understanding of both the substantive and procedural rules of competition law, as well as the underlying basic economic concepts of competition. It focuses on the main principles of competition law and investigates the means by which competition laws tackle such problems as cartels and abuses of monopolies. The module will help to place the UK competition regime within its European and international contexts.

Family Law (20 credits)

This module examines the legal rules and broader social values and concepts that govern intimate and family relationships. Learning activities will enable you to identify and apply the relevant legal rules for a range of topics. These rules are largely statutory, so you will gain skills in employing statute law to relevant scenarios. The module also takes a socio-legal approach, and you will learn to examine and evaluate these rules in their historical, social, political, and demographic context.

Health Care Law (20 credits)

This module takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the legal regulation of health care services and decision-making – including consent, mental capacity, and specific areas of health care law. You will consider a range of contemporary issues where health care and the law intersect, and how this affects both patients and health care professionals. The interdisciplinary and comparative approach that the module takes provides you with opportunities to engage with and analyse multiple perspectives on these issues, promoting a critical and reflective approach to the role of law in this socio-legal context.

Environmental Law (20 credits)

Environmental problems – a warming planet, growing rubbish piles, the destruction of habitats – are amongst the most complex faced by today’s societies. These problems also pose multiple challenges for legal control and regulation. Ecosystems are understood only subject to significant scientific uncertainty, whereas environmental impacts cross jurisdictional and disciplinary boundaries. How does the law respond to these challenges?

This module explores the struggle to tackle environmental problems through a variety of forms of environmental law, regulation and governance. Whether you are a committed environmentalist, a climate sceptic, or perhaps more in the middle, studying the use of law to tackle pressing social, economic and environmental challenges should be of universal appeal. We think critically about, and actively debate, what law can achieve (and what it can’t) in the face of complex global problems. Understanding the limitations of legal control also leads us to consider the role of a range of government and non-government actors – from corporations, to lawyers, to activists, and even ourselves as consumers and citizens – in seeking solutions to problems like air pollution, climate change, waste, and land use.

Penology (20 credits)

This module examines the use of custodial and community sentences in contemporary society. The aim of the module is to provide detailed knowledge and understanding of issues relating to imprisonment in England and Wales and various ways in which offenders are punished and/or supervised in the community.

Commercial Law: Domestic and International Sales (20 credits)

This module covers the sale of goods in relation to business-to-business transactions. The broader emphasis is on domestic commercial transactions, providing knowledge regarding domestic commercial contracts, including, among other relevant matters, the classification of goods, issues of passing property, risk, the use of retention of titles clauses, contractual terms, and remedies available for breach of commercial contracts. The module will also examine some basic aspects of international commercial sales under English law, exclusively, namely standard trade terms such as Cif and Fob, the role of the bill of lading, and payments methods in international transactions such as the letter of credit.

Privacy and Media Law (20 credits)

This module will provide you with an understanding of some of the key laws that regulate the media. The module will cover laws regulating both traditional media (in particular, the press) and new digital media (e.g. social networking sites). You’ll consider the extent to which these media laws uphold fundamental human rights, specifically Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (freedom of expression) and Article 8 (family and private life).

Cyberlaw: Law and the Regulation of the Information Society (20 credits)

This module examines the impact of the internet, AI, and cyberspace on the development of the contemporary 'information society'. It provides detailed knowledge and understanding of the role technology plays in shaping the creation, distribution, and regulation of information on a global scale. It also discusses the challenges posed by state jurisdiction in a digital world without borders and conducts an evaluation of current policy and regulatory issues. It looks at the dynamic relationship between technology, society, and governance in the context of networked technologies, analysing how these elements influence modern regulatory practices.

Criminal Evidence (20 credits)

This module introduces you to the core principles of criminal evidence and the legal frameworks within which evidentiary rules are applied in criminal trials. You’ll explore key evidentiary concepts, cases and legislation, including confession evidence, hearsay, character and sexual behaviour evidence, and the treatment of vulnerable witnesses and suspects. The module also examines contemporary issues such as digital and identification evidence and improperly obtained evidence. You will have the opportunity to develop practical legal skills through workshops focused on case analysis and written advocacy, and to engage with the real-world application of evidentiary rules through guest input from criminal justice professionals.

Transnational and Comparative Criminology (20 credits)

This module focuses upon the challenges posed by the transnational dynamics of crime and crime control. It critically examines both specific crime phenomena that manifest transnational reach and global ambition, as well as those criminal justice policies and security ‘solutions’ that seek to address them. This includes focused analysis of specific transnational and criminal phenomena, including comparative perspectives.

Final Year Project (40 credits)

You’ll design and undertake an extended independent project in an area or topic relevant to law. You will use knowledge and skills gained previously in your course, create new knowledge and understanding, and develop new research and employability skills yourself. On completion, you will communicate the outcomes or outputs of your project in different ways to relevant audiences. It will be the pinnacle of your degree programme, the culminating experience which brings everything you have learnt together. It gives you the opportunity to apply your learning to a real-world problem and, in so doing, bring reflection, focus and purpose to the whole of your degree experience.

Learning and teaching

This is a demanding course that is geared towards self-motivated, independent learners. Independent study (including research and preparatory reading) is a large part of the course, and you will be aided by our excellent library resources.

We will help you develop skills which can be used within the legal professions and elsewhere. Our teaching methods include lectures, workshops and seminars, supplemented by our online platform Minerva and the Virtual Learning Environment.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

This course is designed to provide you with an inclusive and authentic, course-level package of assessment and feedback activities that will effectively scaffold learning and cultivate the knowledge and skills that you need to fulfil your aspirations for yourself and for your community. We prioritise assessment for learning by investing in practice (formative) assessment activities and providing individual feedback to help you to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in readiness for your end of module (summative) assessments.

Assessments are designed to align with the programme’s learning outcomes, providing a comprehensive and authentic evaluation of your skills and knowledge. Written assignments play a central role, but you will also encounter other assessment methods, designed to foster the development of a broad spectrum of skills and capabilities. Across your assessments you will have opportunities to demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research, critically analyse information, and articulate complex ideas.

Entry requirements

A-level: No specific A-level requirements. A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a non-law subject.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our admissions guidance for common queries, information on how we will process your application, and advice on personal statements.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Law

Contact us

School of Law Admissions Team

Email: uglaw@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this course, you’ll open the door to a wide range of exciting careers – both within and beyond the legal profession. Whether you see yourself qualifying as a lawyer or diving deeper into a specialist legal field at postgraduate level, this degree gives you the foundation to take your next step with confidence.

Where this degree could take you

Here’s an insight into the legal areas some of our Law (Graduate Programme) graduates have found work in:

• Major international firms
• High‑street practices
• In‑house legal teams
• Chambers across the UK and abroad

But the possibilities don’t stop there. Thanks to the highly transferable skills you’ll develop, many alumni build successful careers in business, government, education, the third sector, finance, the civil service, and more.

If you’re exploring different paths, our dedicated employability team is here to support you – helping you shape a future that fits your ambitions.

I love visiting the careers service whenever I have to write an application or if I need some help preparing for an interview. The staff are friendly and provide me with useful tips that have helped me secure work experience opportunities.

Nelly Tutu, LLB Law (Graduate Programme)

Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read our alumni student profiles.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University's Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Dedicated Employability Officer — gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated Employability Officer is on hand to help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
• Employability and networking events — we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. 
• Employability skills training – to support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers such as research and data analysis in all our programmes.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Placements

Make connections, practice skills and build future confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:

• The Walt Disney Company
• Unilever
• L’Oreal
• Nestlé
• Primark
• Metropolitan Police
• National Grid
• Warner Bros
• Co-op
• Mercedes Benz Grand Prix
• Barbour
• Next
• Department of Work and Pensions
• Virgin Media O2
• EDF Energy Customers

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.