Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The Foundation in Law programme introduces core concepts of the UK legal system and develops the academic skills required for undergraduate study. Teaching combines lectures, seminars and workshops with formative feedback and assessed coursework.

• Introduction to the UK Legal System: structure of courts, sources of law and legal institutions.
• Foundations of Criminal Law: basic principles, actus reus and mens rea, and key offences.
• Foundations of Contract and Tort: essential contract law concepts, negligence and liability.
• Legal Research and Study Skills: legal reasoning, referencing, essay writing and use of primary and secondary sources.
• Academic English for Law: discipline-specific reading, writing, vocabulary and oral presentation skills.
• Critical Thinking and Argumentation: reasoning, analysis of cases and constructing legal arguments.
• Skills Workshops: mooting, advocacy basics, group work and employability sessions.

Assessment typically combines coursework, written exams, presentations and practical assignments. Successful completion normally provides a pathway into the undergraduate LLB at Oxford Brookes or qualification for entry to law degrees at other universities, subject to meeting progression conditions.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Foundation in Law is aimed at applicants who have completed secondary education but do not yet meet direct undergraduate entry requirements. Typical expectations include:

• Completion of secondary school qualifications appropriate to your country (for example, high-school diploma or equivalent).
• GCSE-level passes in mathematics and English or recognised equivalents for applicants from the UK system.
• Evidence of ability to study at tertiary level, such as school transcripts and a personal statement.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English language proficiency. The programme accepts standard international English qualifications at a level that prepares students for degree study.
• Applicants may be invited to a short interview or assessment to confirm suitability for the pathway.

Specific entry requirements and acceptable qualifications vary by country and applicant background; prospective students should consult the university's admissions guidance for precise equivalencies and any pre-sessional English options.

Career prospects

The Foundation in Law is a preparatory year rather than a vocational qualification in itself, so primary career outcomes follow progression to an undergraduate law degree. Typical next steps and career routes for students who continue into and complete an LLB include:

• Further academic study (LLB leading to Legal Practice Course, Bar training or postgraduate conversion courses).
• Paralegal and legal support roles in private firms and in-house legal teams.
• Compliance, risk and governance roles in financial services and other regulated industries.
• Public sector, policy, charity or advocacy roles where legal knowledge is valuable.
• Business, HR and consultancy roles that value analytical thinking and strong research and communication skills.

Throughout the foundation year students also develop transferable skills — research, critical thinking, written and oral communication — that are attractive to a wide range of graduate employers.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a supportive pathway environment with experienced law tutors and small-group teaching designed to bridge the gap between school and undergraduate study. The university provides dedicated student support services, English-language assistance and academic skills coaching tailored to pathway students.

• Clear progression routes into the LLB and other undergraduate programmes, with advice on module choices and degree planning.
• Opportunities to experience practical legal exercises such as mooting and legal research workshops that mirror undergraduate law teaching.
• Access to university careers services, local legal networks and events in Oxford, helping students explore routes into legal and professional work.
• A campus environment in close proximity to the legal, cultural and academic resources of Oxford, providing enrichment and extracurricular options.

The Foundation in Law at Oxford Brookes is designed to equip students with the knowledge, language ability and study skills needed to succeed on a law degree and in early legal careers.