LLB Law with Professional Placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The LLB Law with Professional Placement at the University of Exeter combines a qualifying law degree with a dedicated year of professional experience, helping students develop both strong legal knowledge and practical workplace skills. This programme is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in law or related fields, offering a comprehensive study of legal principles along with the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a professional placement with a law firm, legal team, or organisation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of law and helps build the essential skills needed for legal study. Students explore key areas through modules such as Legal Foundations, Criminal Law, The Law of Contract, and Constitutional and Administrative Law, developing an understanding of legal systems, reasoning, and how laws are applied in society.

Year 2
In the second year, students build on their legal foundation by studying important areas of private and public law while developing deeper analytical skills. Modules such as The Law of Torts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and European Union Law allow students to explore complex legal principles, while optional modules provide opportunities to specialise in areas of personal interest.

Placement Year
The third year focuses on professional development through a dedicated placement experience. Students complete the Law Placement module and spend a year working in a professional environment, such as a law firm, in-house legal department, or organisation, where they can apply their legal knowledge, develop practical skills, and gain valuable insight into the legal profession.

Final Year
In the final year, students explore advanced areas of law and have the flexibility to choose modules that align with their career goals. Options may include subjects such as Gender, Sexuality and Law, Family Law, and Public International Law, while students can also undertake independent research through a dissertation to strengthen their analytical and research abilities.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Criminal law, Contract law, Constitutional law, Administrative law, Tort law, Land law, Equity and trusts, European Union law, Human rights, Public international law, Legal research, Advocacy, Professional skills.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Develop a strong understanding of legal principles, analyse and solve complex legal problems, apply legal reasoning to practical situations, conduct independent legal research, improve advocacy and communication skills, develop teamwork and negotiation abilities, gain professional workplace experience, understand legal practice environments, and prepare for careers in law and related sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The LLB Law with Professional Placement provides the academic foundation required for students who wish to progress towards professional legal careers. The programme covers the Foundations of Legal Knowledge required for progression towards qualification as a barrister and supports students who wish to continue towards solicitor or barrister training.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter Law School has a strong reputation for preparing students for professional careers through practical learning opportunities, employer engagement, mooting activities, and placement experiences. The Professional Placement year gives students valuable industry experience that can strengthen their employability and provide a competitive advantage when applying for graduate roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The LLB Law with Professional Placement at the University of Exeter is designed to help students connect legal theory with practical experience, preparing them for the realities of professional legal work. Through advocacy exercises, legal research activities, placement opportunities, and engagement with legal professionals, students develop important skills in communication, analysis, negotiation, teamwork, and problem-solving. The programme also provides access to specialist law facilities, digital research resources, and professional development opportunities that help students build confidence and career readiness.

Students gain practical experience through:

Professional placement year: Students complete a dedicated Law Placement year, gaining valuable experience in a law firm, in-house legal team, business, or other professional organisation. This allows students to apply their legal knowledge in real workplace situations while developing commercial awareness, professional skills, and industry connections.
Placement preparation and career support: Students receive guidance to prepare for their placement through support with CV writing, applications, interview preparation, and professional skills development. These activities help students identify suitable opportunities and make the most of their placement experience.
Mooting and advocacy practice: Students can take part in mooting activities where they practise presenting legal arguments, analysing cases, and developing courtroom communication skills. The University’s Moot Court provides a professional environment with modern facilities, including video conferencing technology for simulated legal proceedings.
Legal research tools and digital resources: Students use specialist legal research platforms and resources, including Lexis and Justis, to support case analysis, legal research, and preparation for assessments and practical activities. Library specialists also provide guidance on effective legal research methods.
Practical legal projects and pro bono opportunities: Through initiatives such as the Legal Assistance Programme, students can gain hands-on experience by working on projects including the Community Law Clinic, Student Appeals Project, charity-based legal support activities, and judicial shadowing opportunities.
Collaborative learning activities: Students develop teamwork and communication skills through seminars, workshops, group discussions, presentations, and legal problem-solving exercises. These activities encourage students to analyse legal issues from different perspectives and work effectively with others.
Professional engagement opportunities: Students have opportunities to interact with legal professionals, employers, alumni, and practitioners through networking events, guest sessions, mentoring, and career activities. These experiences provide insight into different legal careers and help students build professional networks.
Specialist law facilities and library resources: Students benefit from access to Exeter Law School facilities, including dedicated study spaces, legal research materials, specialist law collections, and resources that support independent study, mooting preparation, and professional skills development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the LLB Law with Professional Placement at the University of Exeter develop a strong foundation in legal knowledge along with valuable workplace experience, preparing them for careers in law, business, government, and other professional sectors. The programme’s dedicated placement year allows students to gain practical experience, strengthen their professional skills, and build a clearer understanding of their future career direction. Graduates can pursue roles such as Trainee Solicitor, Paralegal, Legal Adviser, Compliance Analyst, Management Consultant, Public Sector Professional, or Policy Officer.

The programme supports students in achieving their career goals through professional experience, employer engagement, and dedicated employability support:

Career development and employability support: Students have access to Exeter’s Career Zone and Law School employability services, which provide career guidance, application support, interview preparation, skills workshops, mentoring opportunities, employer events, and networking activities. These services help students build confidence and prepare effectively for graduate opportunities.
Professional placement opportunities: The programme includes a dedicated Professional Placement year, allowing students to gain experience in a law firm, in-house legal team, business, or other professional organisation. This year enables students to apply their legal knowledge in real workplace situations while developing communication, teamwork, research, and problem-solving skills.
Industry links and professional networks: Exeter Law School maintains connections with legal professionals, employers, alumni, and organisations, providing students with opportunities to attend employer sessions, participate in networking events, gain professional insights, and explore different career pathways within the legal sector.
Professional qualification value: The LLB provides the academic foundation required for students who wish to progress towards becoming solicitors or barristers. The degree develops essential legal knowledge and transferable skills that are also valuable in careers across business, finance, consulting, government, and public organisations.
Graduate outcomes and career destinations: Graduates of Exeter Law have progressed into roles such as Trainee Solicitor, Paralegal, Legal Team Trainee, Legal Adviser, Management Consultant, Investment Consultant, Compliance Analyst, Probation Officer, HR Assistant, Marketing Assistant, and Business Management Assistant. The combination of legal education and professional placement experience gives graduates a competitive advantage when entering the job market.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the LLB Law with Professional Placement, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as an LLM Master of Laws or specialist master’s degrees in areas including commercial law, international law, human rights law, public law, or related fields. Students who wish to become qualified legal professionals can also continue with the required professional training pathway to become solicitors or barristers.