LLB (Hons) International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

This four-year LLB program at the University of Kent offers a unique opportunity to study law with a strong international perspective, combining English law with global legal systems. It is ideal for students who want a career in international law, diplomacy, or multinational legal practice, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin by building a solid foundation in English law, covering core modules like Contract Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Legal Skills & Reasoning. These modules are designed to sharpen your analytical thinking, research abilities, and legal argumentation skills.

Year 2: In your second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge of criminal law, tort, and land law, while being introduced to comparative and international legal perspectives. This combination allows you to see how legal systems differ across borders and prepares you for your year abroad.

Year 3 (Year Abroad): This is the highlight of the program — you’ll spend a full year at a partner university abroad, immersing yourself in a different legal system. You’ll study alongside local students, experiencing international legal education firsthand and developing skills in cross-border legal practice.

Year 4: Returning to Kent, you’ll complete advanced modules in areas such as International Commercial Law, Human Rights, or Intellectual Property Law, alongside your remaining core modules. You also have the flexibility to select optional modules that suit your career ambitions, helping you tailor your degree to your personal interests.

Focus Areas: International law, comparative legal systems, cross-border legal practice, foundational English law, practical legal skills.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will gain a thorough understanding of both English and international legal systems, strong research and analytical skills, and the confidence to work in legal environments globally.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This LLB is a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) in England and Wales, meeting academic requirements for legal training and professional practice in the UK.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings): Kent Law School is recognised for its supportive and research-active environment, with strong links to international law firms, public-sector organisations, and global legal networks. Graduate outcomes are excellent, with a high percentage of students moving into law-related employment or further study shortly after graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent Law School, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. From the very first year, you’ll have opportunities to put theory into practice, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for a real legal career. Through immersive projects, placements, and global exposure, you’ll develop essential skills such as legal research, advocacy, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication, all while building a professional network that supports your career aspirations. The Year Abroad is a standout feature of this program, allowing you to study at a partner law school overseas, experience a new legal system, and understand international legal practice firsthand.

Some of the practical experiences and facilities you can take advantage of include:

Kent Law Clinic: Volunteer as a student adviser, work on real legal cases, and gain experience in areas like employment, housing, and human rights law.
Year Abroad Placement: Study at a partner university abroad, attend seminars, and engage with local students to develop a transnational understanding of law.
Mooting and Mock Trials: Participate in simulated court proceedings, client interviews, negotiation exercises, and advocacy competitions organized by the Kent Law Society.
Employability Workshops & Career Mentoring: Receive guidance from the Law School’s careers team, including CV clinics, interview preparation, and one-on-one mentoring with legal professionals and alumni.
Internships & Work Placements: Opportunities to work with law firms, public sector organisations, and international legal bodies to gain practical work experience.
Community Legal Projects: Engage in outreach programs and Street Law projects to teach legal awareness in schools and local communities.
Specialist Libraries and Online Resources: Access the Templeman Library, law databases, and digital research tools to support your studies and professional preparation.
Group Projects & Collaborative Learning: Work with peers on research projects, policy briefs, and case studies, honing teamwork and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts.

This combination of practical experience, international exposure, and professional support ensures that you graduate not just with knowledge of international law, but with the confidence, skills, and connections to thrive in a global legal career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave Kent with a truly global perspective on law, ready to pursue careers in both domestic and international legal environments. The combination of English law with international legal studies and a year abroad gives you the skills, confidence, and professional experience to stand out in law firms, multinational corporations, and public-sector organisations:

University employability support: Kent’s Careers and Employability Service provides one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, interview preparation, and connects students with internships, placements, and networking opportunities with solicitors and barristers.
Employment stats & salaries: A strong track record shows a high proportion of Kent law graduates enter professional legal roles within months of graduating, with competitive starting salaries for solicitors, barristers, and corporate legal advisors.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with international law firms, public-sector legal organisations, and NGOs offer practical experience and global exposure.
Long-term accreditation value: Completing the LLB gives you a Qualifying Law Degree under the UK system, fulfilling the academic requirements for legal practice in England and Wales.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni go on to become solicitors, barristers, corporate lawyers, policy advisors, and work in international organisations, consultancy, or further legal research.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can pursue postgraduate studies such as the LLM, Masters in International Law, or specialised legal qualifications to enhance your expertise. Some graduates also choose professional training courses like the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in the UK or equivalent international legal certifications, opening doors to careers worldwide.