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The LLB (Hons) degree at the University of Sunderland Law School equips you with the knowledge and skills essential for a career in the legal sector. Our course not only covers the core areas of legal knowledge required for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) but also incorporates SQE-style practice questions into your studies, ensuring you gain practical experience alongside academic learning.
For those aspiring to become barristers, the course integrates the foundations of legal knowledge necessary for further professional training. Additionally, it provides a strong academic grounding for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies, such as a master’s degree or a doctorate.
You will benefit from learning under the guidance of experienced legal practitioners and research-active academics, who offer engaging teaching methods and dedicated student support to help you succeed.
Beyond core and optional modules, our course offers valuable extracurricular activities that enhance your CV. You can take part in client interviewing, negotiation, and mooting competitions, or contribute to the Sunderland Student Law Journal, a peer-reviewed academic publication. Our annual student trip to London, where you visit Parliament, the Royal Courts of Justice, and the Supreme Court, brings your study of public law to life.
Gain real-world legal experience by working in our Law Clinic or enrolling in our placement module. You will also have opportunities to network with local legal professionals through career events embedded in our employability programme. Additionally, you can develop leadership and organisational skills by joining the Student Law Society, further preparing you for a successful legal career.
🏛️ Legal Clinics & Pro Bono Work
Sunderland Student Law Clinic
The Sunderland Student Law Clinic provides free legal services to the public, focusing on areas such as family law, housing, and employment disputes. Operated by final-year LLB (Hons) Law students under professional supervision, the clinic allows students to gain hands-on experience by interviewing clients, conducting legal research, and drafting advice letters. In 2024, the clinic received a Gold Award in the LawWorks Law School Challenge for its outstanding pro bono contributions .LawWorks+1YouTube+1University of SunderlandUniversity of Sunderland
🧠 Mooting & Mock Trials
Mock Courtroom Facilities
The university boasts state-of-the-art mock courtroom facilities, enabling students to practice advocacy skills in a realistic environment. These facilities are integral to the curriculum, providing students with opportunities to engage in mock trials and develop their legal reasoning and public speaking abilities .University of Sunderland
💼 Internships and Work Placements
Work Placement Opportunities
The university has established partnerships with local law firms, such as Longden, Walker & Renney Solicitors, to offer work placement opportunities to law students. These placements allow students to gain practical experience in client interviewing, case management, and legal research, enhancing their employability upon graduation .Longdens
🌍 International Opportunities
Study Abroad Programme
The University of Sunderland offers study abroad programmes that focus on cultural integration and experiential learning. These programmes provide students with the opportunity to experience different legal systems and cultures, broadening their academic and professional perspectives .
Progression:
After the LLB, you can qualify as a solicitor (via SQE) or barrister (via Bar Training Course).
Further study options include LLM, postgraduate diplomas, or PhD.
Immediate roles: paralegal, legal assistant, compliance officer, or entry into public sector graduate schemes.
Future Opportunities:
Traditional careers: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Advisor, Judge.
Alternative careers: Politics, Business, Human Rights, Journalism, Academia, International Organisations.
Global prospects: Recognised internationally, with possible additional exams for practice abroad.
Law graduates can specialise through an LLM or postgraduate studies in fields like International Law, Human Rights Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, Tax Law, Health Law, and Maritime Law. Interdisciplinary options include an MBA, MPP, IR, Criminology, or Human Rights, expanding career opportunities. Applying for an LLB in the UK requires strong A-levels (AAB–BBB) or equivalent, a UCAS personal statement, a reference, and possibly the LNAT. IELTS 6.5–7.0 is needed for international students.Qualifying Law Degree: The LLB (Hons) Law program is a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), meeting the academic requirements for legal practice as set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB). Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers essential areas of law, including Contract Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, EU Law, Tort Law, Land Law, and Equity & Trusts, providing a robust foundation in legal principles.Practical Experience: Students have the opportunity to participate in the Student Law Clinic, offering free legal advice to the local community under the supervision of qualified professionals, thereby gaining hands-on legal experience.Specialist Facilities: The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including an immersive mock courtroom and access to legal databases such as Lexis and Westlaw, enhancing the practical learning experience. Career Support: The program prepares students for various legal careers, including roles as solicitors or barristers, with dedicated career services offering guidance and support throughout their studies. Extracurricular Activities: Students can engage in activities such as client interviewing and mooting competitions, as well as participate in the Law Society, which organizes social, educational, and networking events.Global Perspective: The University of Sunderland is a globally connected institution with campuses in Hong Kong, Sunderland, and London, and partnerships worldwide, offering students a broad international perspective.Flexible Entry Options: For those needing additional preparation, the university offers a Law with Integrated Foundation Year program, providing a pathway to the LLB (Hons) Law degree.Solicitor – Requires passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and a two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)Barrister – Requires completing the Bar Course (BTC/BPC) and a one-year pupillage in chambersLegal Executive – Qualify via CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)Paralegal – Assisting lawyers without full solicitor/barrister qualificationJudge – Requires years of legal practice before applying to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Lawyer – Prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the governmentIn-House Legal Counsel – Providing legal advice to businesses banks or NGOsGovernment Legal Service (GLS) Lawyer – Advising UK government departmentsHuman Rights Lawyer – Specializing in cases related to justice equality and freedomCriminal Lawyer – Defending or prosecuting in criminal casesCorporate Lawyer – Handling mergers & acquisitions and company law mattersIntellectual Property Lawyer – Advising on trademarks patents and copyrightsFamily Lawyer – Specializing in divorce or child custody and domestic disputesEmployment Lawyer – Advising on workplace disputes and contractsImmigration Lawyer – Helping clients with visas or asylum and citizenship issuesReal Estate Lawyer – Handling property transactions and disputes
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University of Sunderland
