University of Leicester

What you'll study

This programme integrates core English law subjects—such as contract, tort, criminal law, public law and property—with modules on French and broader civil law concepts, comparative law and legal language skills in French. You will study legal foundations and develop practical skills in legal research, argument, drafting and advocacy. Typical topics include the English law of obligations, administrative law, commercial law, family law, and selected areas of French private and public law (for example civil obligations, property law and commercial law under the Civil Code).

Language training in legal French is a key element: work on legal terminology, translation, and drafting in French alongside substantive French law modules. The programme commonly offers a period of study or placement in a French-speaking institution or partner university to consolidate language competence and first-hand experience of the civil law system. Comparative and international law modules allow you to situate English and French law within EU, international and transnational contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent and demonstrate strong academic ability. You will need competence in the French language: applicants who have studied French to a substantial standard at secondary level or who can demonstrate equivalent ability (for example through recognised language diplomas) are preferred. Mature and international applicants are considered on the strength of prior qualifications, language ability and motivation.

The admissions process typically takes account of academic record, references and a personal statement outlining your interest in both legal study and bilingual or comparative work. If English is not your first language, a recognised English language qualification will be required. Specific professional routes (such as progression to professional legal training) may have additional requirements after graduation.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of careers where a blend of legal knowledge and French language skills is valued. Typical destinations include legal practice (after further professional training), in-house legal roles for multinational companies, international business and commercial practice, government and diplomatic services, European and international organisations, and NGOs.

Other career paths include translation and legal drafting, compliance and regulatory roles, consulting, academia and teaching. The comparative and bilingual emphasis particularly suits roles that require cross-border negotiation, contract work, dispute resolution and advising on both common law and civil law issues.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers a supportive law school environment with experienced staff who teach both common law and comparative law subjects. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary study means you can combine legal instruction with rigorous language tuition from specialist modern languages staff.

Students benefit from practical learning opportunities such as mooting, pro bono projects and clinical-style experiences that develop employability. The university’s international partnerships facilitate study-abroad or placement opportunities in French-speaking institutions, giving practical exposure to civil law systems and improving language fluency. Careers and employability services provide tailored guidance for graduates pursuing legal professional qualifications or international careers.