LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Solent University

Program Overview

The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology with Foundation Year at Solent University is designed for students who want a supportive, confidence-building start before stepping into a full law degree. It’s a great choice if you’re eager to study law but need an extra year to strengthen your academic skills, explore the basics of legal thinking and prepare for university-level study with expert guidance.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year – Preparing for Degree-Level Success

Your foundation year helps you build essential academic and professional skills that set you up for success throughout your degree. You’ll explore modules such as Academic and Professional Skills, Understanding Law, and Society, Risk and Crime, giving you an early insight into legal systems and the social issues that shape them. This year ensures you feel confident, supported and ready to progress into the main LLB programme.

Year 1 – Core Principles of Law

Once you move into the first year of the degree, you’ll explore fundamental legal concepts. Modules like Contract Law, Criminal Law and Legal Skills, Research and Reasoning help you understand how the legal system works, how cases are constructed and how lawyers analyse problems. You begin building the academic discipline and practical skills needed to work in legal settings.

Year 2 – Expanding Your Legal Knowledge

In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding through modules such as Tort Law, Public Law and Land Law. These subjects challenge you to apply legal rules to real-world scenarios and think critically about the role of law in society. You’ll also take part in practical workshops and case-based learning that strengthen your confidence and reasoning skills.

Year 3 – Professional Readiness and Specialisation

Your final year allows you to focus on the areas of law that interest you most. You can explore modules like Commercial Law, Family Law, International Human Rights, or Criminal Litigation, depending on your aspirations. You’ll also complete a dissertation or major research project, giving you the chance to investigate a topic you’re passionate about and show your ability to think independently and professionally.

Focus areas (in a string):

Contract law, criminal law, tort law, public law, land law, commercial law, human rights, legal research, academic skills development, professional preparation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop legal reasoning, apply legal principles, communicate clearly, conduct independent research, build foundational academic skills and prepare for professional legal training.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Provides the academic foundation for solicitor or barrister training, supporting progression into legal practice, corporate roles, public service and justice-related careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Known for its practical, industry-focused approach and strong student support, Solent University helps graduates enter the workforce with confidence and job-ready skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Solent University, this programme is designed to help you learn by doing, giving you practical legal experience from the very beginning. You’ll work with real case materials, practise legal reasoning in professional-style environments and take part in activities that mirror the demands of modern legal workplaces. Whether you're developing academic foundations during your foundation year or stepping into specialist modules later on, you’ll be supported with hands-on opportunities and industry-standard facilities that build your confidence and prepare you for your future career.

Here’s how your learning comes to life throughout the programme:

Replica Courtroom: Practise courtroom advocacy, legal argument and case presentation in Solent’s on-campus mock courtroom, designed to reflect real trial environments.
The Solent Law Clinic: Work with genuine clients and community organisations under supervision, gaining valuable experience in client interviewing, legal research and case preparation.
Client Interviewing & Negotiation Training: Engage in structured simulations that build your ability to communicate professionally, negotiate effectively and advise clients with clarity.
Mooting & Advocacy Competitions: Develop your public speaking and legal reasoning skills by taking part in moots, debates and advocacy exercises.
Digital Legal Tools: Use online legal research databases and digital case-law platforms to practise the research methods used in professional law firms and chambers.
Collaborative Projects: Work alongside your peers on group assignments that mirror the teamwork and problem-solving required in legal practice.
Learning Resource Centre: Access a well-equipped law library with curated legal texts, journals and research materials to support your academic development.
Academic Skills Support: During your foundation year, you’ll receive targeted support in academic writing, analysis and presentation skills to ease your transition into degree-level study.

Solent University Facilities: Solent University offers a wide range of modern, career-focused learning spaces that support legal education, from its courtroom and clinic to digital learning labs and dedicated study areas.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme leave Solent with a strong understanding of legal principles, practical experience from real casework, and the transferable skills valued across the legal and business sectors. This degree can open the door to a wide range of careers, from legal services to public administration and commercial roles. Common career pathways include positions such as paralegal, legal assistant, compliance officer and court support officer, with many graduates also progressing toward solicitor or barrister training.

To help you make the most of these opportunities, Solent provides a range of targeted support and real-world connections:

Expert employability services: Access career coaching, CV support, interview practice and personalised guidance from the Solent Futures careers team throughout your degree.
Professional networking: Benefit from industry guest speakers, employer events and practitioner-led workshops that strengthen your understanding of legal careers.
Practical experience through the Solent Law Clinic: Build a portfolio of real client work, which adds credibility and confidence when applying for law roles or further training.
Long-term career value: The programme provides the academic foundation needed for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, keeping your options open for future professional qualification.
Strong graduate outcomes: Solent graduates progress into roles across legal practice, local government, business compliance and community justice organisations.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their professional development by moving on to solicitor or barrister training through the SQE pathway or Bar vocational courses. Others pursue postgraduate study such as an LLM, a specialist master’s degree in areas like international law or human rights, or further qualifications in business and governance to widen their career options even more.