LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Salford

Program Overview

The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology with Foundation Year at the University of Salford is a great fit if you want to study law but feel you’d benefit from extra support before starting the full degree. This four-year pathway gives you the confidence, skills and subject knowledge you need, gradually building you up to succeed in a professional law career.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

Your Foundation Year sets you up with the essentials. You’ll explore modules like Introduction to English Law, English Legal Systems, Academic and Personal Skills, and Introduction to Legal Skills and Attributes. It’s a supportive year designed to strengthen your writing, research and critical thinking, while giving you an early understanding of areas such as human rights, cyber law and public international law.

Year One (Level 4)

In your first year of the main degree, you’ll dive into the core building blocks of law. You’ll study Contract Law, Tort Law and Criminal Law, while also developing practical abilities through Legal Systems & Digital Legal Skills and Legal Writing & Analytical Skills. This year gives you a solid grasp of how law works and how to think, analyse and communicate like a legal professional.

Year Two (Level 5)

As you progress, your studies become more specialised. You’ll take modules like Land Law, Public Law, and EU Law & the UK, exploring real constitutional and post-Brexit legal issues. You can also choose optional modules such as Media Law, Intellectual Property Law or Commercial & Consumer Law, allowing you to shape your degree around your interests.

Year Three (Level 6)

Your final year brings everything together with advanced topics such as Equity & Trusts, Civil & Criminal Litigation and Company Law. You also get the chance to work with real clients through the University’s legal clinic (SILKS) as part of the Law in Action module — a fantastic opportunity to gain genuine, hands-on experience. You can also tailor your final year through optional modules like Family Law, Employment Law, International Law, Environmental Law or even AI & Law.

You can also choose an optional placement year between Year 2 and Year 3 to gain work experience or study abroad.

Focus areas:

“Core UK legal principles, legal systems, specialised law areas, practical legal skills, and professional client-based experience.”

Learning outcomes:

“Graduate with strong legal reasoning, research, problem-solving and analytical skills, plus the practical confidence needed for professional legal training or careers beyond law.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This degree meets the Bar Standards Board academic requirements, meaning it can serve as a recognized Qualifying Law Degree for further legal training.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Salford places a strong focus on real-world employability, offering placements, pro-bono legal work, and digital legal skills training using tools like Westlaw and AI research technologies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

⚖️ 1. SILKS Law Clinic (Salford Information and Legal Knowledge Scheme)

The SILKS Law Clinic provides free legal advice to the public in areas such as housing, family, and employment law. Undergraduate law students participate by assisting qualified solicitors and barristers, gaining hands-on experience in client interviewing, legal research, and drafting under professional supervision. This initiative not only enhances students' practical skills but also serves the local community.

🎤 2. Mooting and Advocacy Competitions

Salford Law School actively promotes mooting to develop students' advocacy and public speaking skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in internal mooting competitions and represent the university in national contests. Notably, a Salford team reached the finals of the ESU-Essex Court Chambers National Mooting Competition, outperforming several prestigious institutions.

🧠 3. Internships and Work-Based Learning

While specific details on internships are limited, Salford Law School encourages students to engage in work-based learning opportunities. These may include placements with local law firms, legal aid organizations, or community legal services, providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities.

🏆 4. SILKS Pro Bono Awards

To recognize exceptional student contributions, Salford Law School awards the SILKS Pro Bono Awards to outstanding final-year students who have actively participated in pro bono projects. This accolade highlights the value placed on community service and practical engagement within the legal field.

📚 5. Curriculum Integration

The LLB program at Salford integrates experiential learning through modules that emphasize practical skills, including legal research, drafting, and the use of legal databases like Westlaw. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of legal practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

⚖️ Legal Career Pathways:

Solicitor: Graduates can pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as solicitors. Salford's offers SQE-aligned support and practical legal training.
Barrister: Those aiming for the Bar can undertake a Bar Training Course (BTC) and apply for pupillage.
Other roles include paralegal, legal executive, advocate, or tribunal officer.

📚 Further Study & Specialisation:

LLM (Master of Laws) in areas like Criminal Justice, Human Rights, or International Law
Postgraduate diplomas in legal practice, dispute resolution, or compliance
PhD or MPhil for research or academic careers

💼 Careers Outside the Traditional Legal Route:

Public sector and civil service roles, including local government and policy-making
Regulatory and compliance roles in finance, healthcare, and corporations
Charity, advocacy, and NGO work, especially in legal aid, immigration, or social justice
Careers in education, human resources, and corporate governance

🧠 Transferable Skills Developed: