Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This three‑year honours degree develops understanding of the central building blocks of English and international law alongside practical skills in legal research, advocacy and client work. In your first years you study foundational subjects such as Contract Law, Tort, Criminal Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and the Law of Property. You will also cover Legal Research and Skills modules that introduce legal reasoning, writing and citation.

As you progress you study more specialist and applied topics such as Equity and Trusts, EU/International Law, Evidence, Commercial Law, and Professional Ethics. Practical learning is embedded through seminars and skills workshops in mooting, negotiation, interviewing and drafting. Optional modules allow you to tailor study to interests like family law, employment law, human rights law, and commercial dispute resolution.

Assessment combines written examinations, coursework essays, practical assessments (for example simulated client interviews and advocacy), and a final research project or dissertation option. The programme offers the opportunity for an optional placement year or shorter work placements arranged through the University's employability team to give real‑world experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school leaving qualification equivalent to successful completion of A‑levels, or an equivalent further education qualification. Typical entrants present three A‑level subjects (or an equivalent tariff score) with grades in the mid‑range band; accepted qualifications and exact offers vary by applicant background.

GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and mathematics are usually required at a pass level commonly accepted by UK universities. International applicants should hold an appropriate equivalent qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency; commonly accepted evidence includes recognised tests such as IELTS or equivalent university‑accepted qualifications.

Bournemouth University welcomes mature applicants and those with vocational or work experience; such applicants are considered on an individual basis and may be interviewed or asked to provide a personal statement demonstrating motivation for legal study.

Career prospects

Graduates use the LLB as a route into legal practice (progressing to further vocational training such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the Bar training pathways, or legal apprenticeships), or into roles that value legal analysis and regulatory knowledge. Typical career destinations include solicitor or barrister (after vocational training), paralegal, legal executive, in‑house compliance or contracts roles, policy and legislative advisory positions, civil service and local government posts, and roles in the charity and not‑for‑profit sectors.

Many graduates also move into related commercial careers such as human resources, banking and insurance, dispute resolution, or continue with postgraduate study (LLM or specialized legal masters) to deepen expertise in areas such as international law, commercial law or human rights.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises applied learning and employability. The law programme integrates practical skills teaching, mooting and negotiation exercises, and opportunities for work placements to prepare you for the workplace. The University's student services provide dedicated careers and placement support to help secure internships and graduate roles.

The law course benefits from close links with local and regional legal firms and organisations, and provides opportunities for pro bono activity, clinics and simulated client work that develop professional conduct and client management skills. Small‑group teaching, accessible academic staff and a focus on transferable skills make the degree suitable for students aiming for either professional legal qualification or a broader career that requires legal competence and critical thinking.