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LLB|Undergraduate

Law

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
AAA
Duration
3 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
M100

Law looks at the relationships, interactions and transactions between individuals, government and state at a local, regional, national and international level. With a broad focus and application, the law degree encompasses private and public law alongside wider socio-legal perspectives. You will study key aspects of the law and develop a wide range of transferable skills, relevant to your future career trajectory. Our links with the professions, the wide range of additional opportunities within the school and the development of a highly nuanced skill set helps to create highly sought-after graduates.

The Law School at QUB is ranked 10th in the UK for Law (Complete University Guide, 2024), and ranked 5th in the UK for Law Graduate prospects (Complete University Guide, 2024).

Law highlights

Professional Accreditations

The degree offers students the opportunity to study the modules required for the academic stage of legal qualification. In addition, students are offered the opportunity to explore their interests in final year with modules offered that allow them to specialise in a particular area, or simply receive a more rounded sense of what ‘Law’ is. Many of these modules consider law and law-like interactions on a local, national and international level.

Industry Links

Law students have the unique opportunity of working with industry leaders through commercial awareness events and other negotiation exercises that offer insight into the legal practice (and services) world but also providing an enhanced skills development experience.

Global Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to take part in overseas exchanges with partner universities in Europe, North America and China.

World Class Facilities

The £20m School at Queen’s offers students access to world-class facilities such as a fully interactive Moot Court room, a One Button Recording Studio, bookable study rooms and a wellbeing room.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Students in the School of Law are taught by world leading experts in the areas of Law, Human Rights, Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies. Our staff have close research links with the professions, government and Civil Society.

Student Experience

Students can join a number of student led initiatives within the school including the Law Society, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, the Women in Law group and the Street Law project. Other initiatives include the Global Skills Project, LawPod, Queen’s Student Law Journal, Lawyers without Borders, the student magazine ‘The Verdict’ and the Mooting Society.

Career Development

Although a large percentage of our students are interested in pursuing careers in Law, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of sectors. Typical career destinations of Law graduates include Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Analyst, Compliance Officer, Business Analyst, Research and Policy Officer.

Belfast has been identified as one of the top 10 global emerging lawtech scenes alongside London, San Francisco, Singapore and Tel Aviv (Law Society England and Wales, 2019). Graduate employers who are recognised globally and have offices in Belfast include Allen & Overy, Baker McKenzie, Herbert Smith Freehills, A&L Goodbody, CitiGroup, Deloitte, PwC and Eversheds Sutherland.

Industry Links

The Law School at Queen's has a well-established tradition of regular consultation with legal professional bodies and top international law firms that is very beneficial for students.

Further Study Opportunities

Further study is also an option open to Law graduates. Students can choose to progress to a vocational course (Solicitor or Barrister course) or can choose from a wide range of Master’s programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics (see the Law School website).
http://www.law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/undergraduate/

Career Development

Past students have gained work placement with organisations such as the Council of the EU, European Commission, European Parliament, United Nations (UN), Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe, and Thomson Reuters.

Global Opportunities

There are opportunities to study or work abroad, supported by schemes such as Erasmus and Study USA. This can significantly enhance the employability of students and the global opportunities open to them.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Course Content

The degree offers students the opportunity to study the modules required for the academic stage of legal qualification. In addition, students are offered the opportunity to explore their interests in final year with modules offered that allow them to specialise in a particular area, or simply receive a more rounded sense of what ‘law’ is. Many of these modules consider law and law-like interactions on a local, national and international level.

People teaching you

Programme Director for LLB (Single Honours)

School of Law
E: paulina.wilson@qub.ac.uk T: +44 (0)28 9097 3147 www.qub.ac.uk/law

Contact Teaching Hours

Personal Study

30 (hours maximum)
24-30 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including guided study using handouts, online activities and group study opportunities.

Large Group Teaching

6 (hours maximum)
hours of lectures

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

4 (hours maximum)
3-4 hours of tutorials per week

Learning and Teaching

The Law School at Queen's is ranked as one of the top Schools in the UK and Ireland. There are approximately 1000 undergraduate students enrolled in the School, 230 postgraduates, 70 PhD students and almost 70 members of academic staff. You will be taught by scholars from all over the world, many of whom have international reputations in their fields and all are committed teachers and researchers. Students will also have access to an excellent law section in the new library and extensive IT facilities. In addition, the School has active relationships with universities in China, North America and throughout Europe through which opportunities for study abroad and staff exchanges are fostered.

The School operates a proactive system of student support. Advisers of Studies are allocated to each degree programme tasked to guide and support you throughout your time with us, together with the School's experienced and helpful administrative staff. In addition, students are allocated a Personal Tutor for their time in the School. We place considerable emphasis on facilitating good communication between staff and students. To this end, a Student Voice Committee, comprised of elected student representatives, the Director of Education, LLB Programme Director and other members of academic staff, meets at regular intervals throughout the academic year. This Committee provides students with a forum in which to raise matters of concern to them and also enables the School to keep students informed about matters affecting the School and wider university.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

On the LLB programmes we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enables our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, life-long learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • E-Learning technologies

    Information associated with lectures and assignments is communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; use of MS Teams; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in project- based work etc.

  • Lectures

    Provide information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  • Personal Tutor

    Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during their time in the School. Tutors meet with their students on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

  • Self-directed study

    This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s Law student when important private reading and research, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

  • Seminars/tutorials

    Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. Students should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

  • Supervised projects

    In final year, Single Honours students may carry out a significant piece of research on a chosen topic. They will receive support from a supervisor who will guide them in terms of how to carry out the research and provide feedback.

  • Work placements

    In conjunction with the Careers, Employability and Skills Department, there are opportunities for a number of summer internships. These provide significant learning and employability enhancement opportunities.

    An optional Careers and Placement module is available to final year students which involves spending a minimum of 100 hours in an appropriate placement with a relevant organisation in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of year examinations. Details of how each module (and module family) is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Summative feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Formative feedback opportunities such as face-to-face comment. This may include occasions when students make use of the lecturers’ advertised “feedback and guidance hours” to help address a specific query.
  • Placement employer comments or references.
  • Online or emailed comment.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.

Facilities

In 2016 the School of Law moved into a £20m facility. This provides a variety of innovative teaching spaces to support a pioneering culture of learning, central to which is the Moot Court Room interactive teaching space.
https://vimeo.com/189337628

What our academics say

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Contract Law (20 credits)
    Criminal Law (20 credits)
    Tort (20 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Land Law (20 credits)
    Equity & Trusts (20 credits)
    Family Law (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Equity & Trusts (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Competition Law (20 credits)
    Legal Theory (20 credits)
    Research Project (20 credits)
    Law and Technology (20 credits)
    Criminal Liability (20 credits)
    Dissertation (40 credits)
    Clinical Law (20 credits)
    Law & Psychology (20 credits)
    Employment Law (20 credits)
    Gender and the Law (20 credits)
    Sentencing (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

AAA

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2

Access/Foundation Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 75%.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall, including 6,6,6 at Higher Level. If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in English would be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with overall grade D*D*D*

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with overall grade D*D*D*

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:1 Honours Degree

All applicants

There are no specific subject requirements to study Law.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS. These decisions can only be made on the basis of the information given and applicants must show due care and diligence when completing their applications. In particular, full details must be included about qualifications completed or still to be completed.

Demand for places differs from course to course and for Law, past performance at GCSE is taken into account when deciding whether or not to make conditional offers. For entry last year, we initially made offers to applicants offering A-Level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications, who had achieved 2 grade A/7 and 4 grade B/6 at GCSE. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled. This threshold may be lowered as the cycle progresses depending upon the number and quality of applications. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial threshold. GCSE English Language grade C is also required.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. Last year the initial Junior Certificate profile to qualify to be made an offer was 2A/2 Distinctions and 4B/4 Higher Merit grades. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied. This threshold may be lowered as the cycle progresses depending upon the number and quality of applications. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial threshold.

Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants is set in terms of 3 A-Levels only and is normally the same as that asked from the first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. Subject specific requirements must also be satisfied. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as, International Baccalaureate will also be considered, provided that subject specific requirements can be met. Access courses, BTEC Extended/National Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas can be considered.

For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 4 Distinctions and remainder Merits. For applicants offering a HND, to be eligible for an offer, must have a minimum of 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits in Year 1. The current entry requirements for applicants offering an HND is successful completion of the HND with 4 Distinctions and remainder Merits in final year. Any consideration would be for stage 1 entry only.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted however, these are not the final deciding factors as to whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview, though there are some exceptions and specific information is provided with the relevant subject areas.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Open Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Although a large percentage of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Law, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course

Typical career destinations of graduates include:
Solicitor
Barrister
Legal Professional
Para Legal
Legal Executive
Legal Analyst
Compliance Officer
Accountant
Financial Engineer
Business Analyst
Management
Audit Associate

Employment Links

Graduate Employers include: A& L Goodbody, Allen & Overy, Arthur Cox, Baker McKenzie, Carson McDowell, Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Eversheds Sutherland, Factor, Herbert Smith Freehills, Mills Selig, Phoenix Law, Pinsent Masons, PwC, TLT LLP, Tughans – and a wide range of small firms/high-street practices.

Professional Opportunities

The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
• Management Consultancy
• Corporate Banking
• Purchasing Officer
• Fast Stream Civil Service
• Publishing, Media and Performing Arts
• Export Marketing
• Advertising
• Finance
• Law Enforcement and Public Prosecution
• Varied graduate programmes (Times Top 100 UK Graduate Recruiters/ AGR Association of Graduate Recruiters UK)

What employers say

Prizes and Awards

A wide range of prizes and scholarships are awarded to top performing students. A number of these are sponsored by leading law firms and organisations.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £20,800
International £20,800

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus