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The LLB (Hons) degree at Birmingham City University seamlessly blends academic study with practical training, ensuring you develop both legal knowledge and essential lawyering skills. While theoretical learning forms a crucial foundation, the application of legal principles is equally important. Our program provides numerous opportunities to refine your practical legal abilities and gain transferable skills that enhance employability.
With multiple pathways, including Law with American Legal Studies, Law with Business Law, and Law with Criminal Justice, you have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your career aspirations. Additionally, a diverse selection of optional modules allows you to explore both theoretical aspects of law and its real-world applications.
Hands-on experience is a key component of our course. You can engage with the legal profession through placements with organisations like Citizens Advice and legal aid charities or gain real-world insight through our on-campus Law Clinic, which serves the local community. Our long-standing US internship program also offers a unique opportunity to work alongside attorneys across the United States.
For further professional development, you can opt for a placement year between your second and third years, allowing you to apply your skills in a real legal setting and strengthen your CV.
We use innovative assessment methods that go beyond traditional academic writing, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of your skills. You’ll also have the chance to participate in extracurricular activities such as the highly successful Mooting Society. Additionally, our strong links with the Birmingham Law Society—the UK’s largest regional law society—provide valuable networking and professional engagement opportunities within the local legal community.
a. Student Research Collaborations
BCU's School of Law encourages students to collaborate on research projects, including co-designing mock juror experiments, drafting human rights reports for the United Nations, and preparing amicus briefs for U.S. courts in death penalty cases. Birmingham City University
b. Faculty Research Collaborations
Through the BLSS Student Researcher Scheme, selected students gain paid research experience by working closely with faculty members on various legal research projects. Birmingham City University
🏛️ Legal Clinics & Pro Bono Work
a. BCU Law Clinic
Established in 2019, the BCU Law Clinic provides students with the opportunity to offer free legal advice to the local community under professional supervision. The clinic has been recognized for its excellence, being shortlisted for the 'Pro-Bono Award' at the Birmingham Law Society Awards in 2024 and 2025. Birmingham City University+2Birmingham City University+2Birmingham City University+2Birmingham City University
b. Welfare Benefits Advice
The clinic offers specialized services in welfare benefits, including written advice, casework, representation, and assistance with forms, particularly focusing on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeals. LawWorks
🧠 Mooting & Mock Trials
a. Mooting Competitions
BCU organizes mooting competitions where students act as barristers, arguing fictitious legal appeal cases in front of judges, often practicing lawyers or lecturers. These competitions take place in BCU's replica courtrooms, providing a realistic environment for developing advocacy skills. Birmingham City University+1Huzzle+1
b. Mooting Society
The BCU Law Society hosts mooting competitions and debates, offering students additional platforms to practice and refine their legal arguments and public speaking skills. Huzzle
💼 Internships and Work Placements
a. American Internship Programme
BCU's Centre for American Legal Studies operates the UK's largest student internship programme in the USA. Since 1994, over 500 students have been placed in various legal settings across the U.S., including Federal and State Public Defender offices, private attorney offices, and law schools. Birmingham City University+1Birmingham City University+1
b. Professional Placement Year
The LLB (Hons) programme offers an optional professional placement year, allowing students to gain substantial workplace experience, enhancing their employability upon graduation. UCAS+1Birmingham City University+1
📁 Final-Year Legal Project / Dissertation
BCU supports students in undertaking dissertations, providing resources like "Law Dissertations: A Step-by-Step Guide" to assist in the research and writing process. BCU Library Search+1BCU Library Search+1
⚖️ Legal Career Pathways:
Solicitor: Graduates can progress to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, supported by BCU’s focus on practical legal skills and professional preparation.
Barrister: Students aiming to become barristers can take a Bar Training Course (BTC) and apply for pupillage.
Other legal roles include paralegal, legal assistant, caseworker, or court clerk.
📚 Further Study Options:
Postgraduate qualifications such as an LLM (e.g., International Human Rights Law, Business Law)
PhD in Law for those interested in academic or policy-related careers
Courses in criminology, international relations, or business
💼 Careers Beyond Law:
Public sector roles in civil service, local government, or legal aid
Compliance and risk management in financial or corporate sectors
Advocacy and policy work with NGOs, charities, or international bodies
Opportunities in media, human resources, or education
🧠 Transferable Skills Developed:
Legal research, analysis, and drafting
Verbal advocacy and negotiation
Ethical reasoning and problem-solving
Teamwork, leadership, and communication
Law graduates can specialise through an LLM or postgraduate studies in fields like International Law, Human Rights Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, Tax Law, Health Law, and Maritime Law. Interdisciplinary options include an MBA, MPP, IR, Criminology, or Human Rights, expanding career opportunities.Applying for an LLB in the UK requires strong A-levels (AAB–BBB) or equivalent, a UCAS personal statement, a reference, and possibly the LNAT. IELTS 6.5–7.0 is needed for international students.Balanced Academic and Practical Learning: BCU's LLB (Hons) program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical lawyering skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world legal challenges.Diverse Specialization Options: Students can tailor their studies through various pathways, including Law with American Legal Studies, Law with Business Law, and Law with Criminal Justice, along with a broad selection of optional modules.Hands-On Experience: Opportunities to work on real legal cases are available through BCU's on-campus Law Clinic, enhancing employability by allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.International Internships: BCU's Centre for American Legal Studies offers the UK's largest student internship program in the USA, providing placements in various legal settings across the country. Mooting and Advocacy: Participation in BCU's Mooting Society and practice in purpose-built courtrooms help students develop essential advocacy skills. Professional Connections: BCU maintains strong links with the Birmingham Law Society and the four Inns of Court, offering valuable networking opportunities for students.State-of-the-Art Facilities: With a £400 million investment in facilities, including a major expansion of the City Centre Campus, students benefit from modern learning environments.Commitment to Social Justice: BCU actively engages in pro bono work, focusing on breaking down barriers to social justice and human rights, allowing students to contribute meaningfully to the community. Solicitor – Requires passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and a two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)Barrister – Requires completing the Bar Course (BTC/BPC) and a one-year pupillage in chambersLegal Executive – Qualify via CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)Paralegal – Assisting lawyers without full solicitor/barrister qualificationJudge – Requires years of legal practice before applying to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Lawyer – Prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the governmentIn-House Legal Counsel – Providing legal advice to businesses banks or NGOsGovernment Legal Service (GLS) Lawyer – Advising UK government departmentsHuman Rights Lawyer – Specializing in cases related to justice equality and freedomCriminal Lawyer – Defending or prosecuting in criminal casesCorporate Lawyer – Handling mergers & acquisitions and company law mattersIntellectual Property Lawyer – Advising on trademarks patents and copyrightsFamily Lawyer – Specializing in divorce or child custody and domestic disputesEmployment Lawyer – Advising on workplace disputes and contractsImmigration Lawyer – Helping clients with visas or asylum and citizenship issuesReal Estate Lawyer – Handling property transactions and disputes
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Birmingham City University
