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At York St John Law School, our teaching and research are guided by principles of social justice, encouraging you to critique the law through the lens of equality and fairness. This approach fosters independent and ethical professionals who understand the cultural and social impact of legal frameworks. Graduates can progress to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or, with the required attainment, pursue the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).
A law degree equips you with essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, research, and effective communication—key attributes valued across various professional sectors. Our programs are designed to prepare you for success in a modern, digital workplace, regardless of your career path.
The curriculum covers fundamental areas of law while allowing you to tailor your studies with optional modules suited to your interests and aspirations. The first two years establish a strong foundation of legal knowledge and skills, supporting your chosen specialism as you advance in your studies.
A key feature of our program is the York St John Law Clinic, where all students gain hands-on experience by providing legal assistance to individuals and small businesses in need. Working alongside peers and faculty, you will handle real cases, reinforcing your legal knowledge while making a meaningful impact on the community.
Time spent at the clinic also contributes towards the required two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for solicitor qualification, potentially accelerating your path to professional practice.
🏛️ Legal Clinics & Pro Bono Work
a. Law Clinic
York St John University's Law Clinic provides students with the opportunity to offer free legal advice under the supervision of qualified solicitors. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their legal knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of legal practice.
🧠 Mooting & Mock Trials
a. Mooting Competitions
York St John University hosts internal mooting competitions, such as the Law Department Internal Mooting Competition and the Law Department Debating Cup, where students can showcase their advocacy skills. These competitions provide a platform for students to develop their public speaking and legal argumentation abilities.
💼 Internships and Work Placements
a. Work Placement Opportunities
York St John offers work placement modules that allow students to gain practical experience in legal settings. These placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their academic learning in professional environments, enhancing their employability and understanding of the legal profession.
🌍 International Opportunities
a. Study Abroad Programme
York St John provides opportunities for students to study abroad for a term or academic year, allowing them to experience university life in different cultural contexts and broaden their academic perspectives.
Professional Qualifications:
Qualify as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Train as a barrister through the Bar Training Course (BTC).
Further Studies:
Pursue an LLM (Master of Laws) or specialized postgraduate diplomas.
Study business, international relations, or public policy at postgraduate level.
Legal Careers:
Work in law firms, chambers, corporate legal teams, or public sector roles.
Opportunities in advocacy, litigation, corporate law, human rights, and more.
Non-Legal Careers:
Careers in banking, consulting, compliance, government, and NGOs.
Roles in risk management, policy advisory, journalism, and education.
Career Support:
Access to university career services, internships, pro bono work, and networking events.
Support for preparing for international legal careers (e.g., New York Bar).
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.Foundation in Social Justice: The curriculum is deeply rooted in principles of social justice, encouraging students to critically assess the law through lenses of equality and fairness. This approach fosters the development of independent and ethical professionals attuned to cultural and social contexts.Qualifying Law Degree: The LLB (Hons) program is accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB), ensuring that graduates are eligible to progress to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or, subject to attainment, the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).Development of Transferable Skills: Students cultivate critical thinking, analytical abilities, problem-solving, teamwork, research, and communication skills. These competencies are highly valued across various professional sectors, preparing graduates for diverse career pathsCustomizable Curriculum: The program covers essential legal areas while offering optional modules in the second and third years. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to align with personal interests and career aspirationsPractical Legal Experience: Through the York St John Law Clinic, students gain hands-on experience by providing legal assistance to individuals and small businesses in the local community. This practical involvement enhances learning and reflects the university's commitment to social justice.Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): Participation in the Law Clinic counts towards the two years of QWE required for solicitor qualification, potentially reducing the time between graduation and professional practice.Supportive Learning Environment: York St John University emphasizes personalized teaching and tailored student support, ensuring that each student receives the guidance needed to reach their potential.Postgraduate Opportunities: Alumni are eligible for a 10% reduction on postgraduate course fees, facilitating continuous academic and professional development.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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York St John University
