Law LLB (Hons) sandwich with work placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

This 4-year LLB (Hons) Law programme with a sandwich placement is designed to give you a complete legal education while integrating real-world professional experience. It’s perfect for students who want to combine rigorous academic learning with practical exposure, preparing them to confidently enter legal practice or related careers after graduation.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in legal principles and systems. Core modules include the English Legal System, Contract Law, and Criminal Law, equipping you with a thorough understanding of the law and how it operates in real-life contexts.

Year 2
The second year expands your legal knowledge and introduces practical business insights. Modules like Tort Law, Land Law, and Equity & Trusts help you understand more complex areas of law, while Business Law and Financial Management give context to how law interacts with commercial environments.

Year 3 (Placement Year)
During your sandwich placement year, you’ll gain hands-on experience working in a law firm, corporate organisation, or related legal setting. This immersive experience allows you to apply your learning in a professional environment, develop practical skills, and build a network that will support your career.

Year 4
In the final year, you’ll study advanced modules such as Commercial Law and International Business Law, along with optional specialised modules. This year focuses on integrating your placement experience with academic knowledge through case studies, projects, and applied research, ensuring you graduate career-ready.

Focus areas:
English legal system, contract law, criminal law, tort law, land law, equity and trusts, commercial law, international business law, business law, financial management.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse complex legal issues, advise clients, draft professional legal documents, apply business knowledge in legal contexts, and work effectively in professional settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme covers the core legal knowledge required for qualification as a solicitor or barrister and provides practical experience valued by employers in law firms, corporate organisations, and consultancy roles.

Reputation:
Portsmouth’s LLB with Sandwich Placement is recognised for combining strong academic training with practical experience, producing graduates who are confident, employable, and ready for a variety of legal careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, studying law goes far beyond reading cases and statutes. From early on, you’ll have opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and see how legal theory applies in real-world contexts. The sandwich placement year gives you a unique chance to step into a professional setting, while workshops, group projects, and interactive learning throughout the course ensure you graduate with both confidence and practical expertise.

Here’s how practical learning is built into your degree:

Replica courtroom and mooting trials: Practise courtroom procedures, advocacy, and public speaking in realistic court settings, helping you build confidence and communication skills.
Legal Advice Clinic & community engagement: Work with real clients under supervision, draft legal documents, and apply your knowledge to solve practical legal problems.
Group projects and business simulations: Collaborate on case studies and scenarios that combine legal and business challenges, enhancing teamwork and analytical skills.
Full-year sandwich placement: Gain professional experience in law firms, corporate organisations, or regulatory bodies, putting theory into practice and building a professional network.
Guest lectures and networking events: Meet practising lawyers and industry experts, learning from their experience and insights into legal careers.
Digital tools and learning resources: Use legal databases, research software, and online platforms to support case preparation, project work, and independent study.
Libraries and study facilities: Access law-focused resources, collaborative study spaces, and specialist libraries to enhance learning and research capabilities.

This hands-on approach ensures that every year of your degree contributes to both academic and professional growth, leaving you well-prepared for a career in law.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave with a solid foundation in law and practical experience gained during their sandwich placement, making them highly employable and ready to step into professional roles. This combination of academic knowledge and real-world exposure prepares you for diverse career paths. Typical roles include solicitor, legal adviser, compliance officer, and business consultant.

To support your career journey, Portsmouth provides a range of targeted services and opportunities:

Career support services: Tailored guidance through workshops, mock interviews, CV building, and one-to-one coaching specifically for law students.
Industry connections and partnerships: Collaborations with local and national law firms, corporate organisations, and professional bodies provide networking opportunities, guest lectures, and potential placement positions.
Hands-on sandwich placement: Apply your learning in a real-world professional environment, gain valuable experience, and build a network of industry contacts.
Graduate outcomes: Many students secure roles in law firms, corporate governance, public sector organisations, and consultancy, often with competitive starting salaries.
Accreditation and long-term value: The degree equips you with the legal knowledge needed for solicitor or barrister training while developing transferable skills applicable across business and regulatory sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the LLB, students can continue their studies with postgraduate options such as an LLM (Master’s in Law) or specialise in areas like Corporate Law, International Law, or Human Rights Law. Students may also pursue professional legal training routes, including the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar training, opening doors to legal practice and advanced consultancy careers.