BA (Hons) Law

The LLB (Hons) Scots Law at the University of the West of Scotland is designed for students who want a clear, practical understanding of how law works in Scotland and beyond. It suits students who enjoy critical thinking, debate, and problem-solving, and who are considering careers in law, public service, business, or any profession where legal knowledge is a real advantage.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Legal Foundation

In your first year, you are introduced to the legal system and how law shapes society. Through modules such as Foundations of Law and Foundations of Rights, you begin developing legal thinking and argument skills. You will also study Constitutional Law, Scots Criminal Law, and Voluntary Obligations, giving you early exposure to criminal responsibility and contract law while learning how legal rules are applied in real situations.

Year 2 – Core Scots Law and Practical Skills

The second year strengthens your understanding of essential areas required for professional legal training. You will study Involuntary Obligations and Property Law, Commercial Law 1, and Family Law with Succession and Trusts, covering topics that affect individuals, families, and businesses. Optional modules such as Roman Law, Legal Advocacy Skills 2, or Contemporary Issues in Law allow you to start shaping your interests while building confidence in legal communication.

Year 3 – Advanced Law and Specialisation

By the third year, the focus shifts to deeper legal analysis and research. You will take Legal Research Methods, preparing you for independent legal investigation, alongside key subjects such as EU Law, Evidence, and Commercial Law. Options including Human Rights Law, Public International Law, or Immigration Law let you explore areas that align with modern global legal challenges, while Tribunal Skills develops practical advocacy and presentation skills.

Year 4 – Honours and Independent Research

In your final year, you complete an honours dissertation, allowing you to research a legal topic you are passionate about under academic supervision. Alongside this, you choose advanced optional modules that match your career goals, helping you graduate with confidence, strong analytical ability, and readiness for professional training or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Scots law foundations, criminal and contract law, property and family law, commercial law, European and international law, human rights, legal research, and tribunal advocacy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong legal reasoning, research, and analytical skills, effective communication, and practical advocacy abilities that are transferable across legal and non-legal careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, meaning it meets the academic requirements for students who wish to progress toward becoming a solicitor or pursue other legal pathways in Scotland.

Reputation and Employability

The University of the West of Scotland is recognised internationally for its focus on impact-driven, career-focused education, including strong performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The programme emphasises practical skills, employability, and real-world legal understanding, preparing graduates for roles in law, business, public services, and beyond.