Keele University

What you'll study

The Graduate Entry LLB delivers the core modules required of a Qualifying Law Degree alongside practical and skills-based teaching. In an intensive programme you can expect to study foundational subjects such as Contract Law, Tort, Criminal Law, Public/Constitutional Law, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and EU/International Law. Modules will also cover Commercial/Company Law, Evidence and Procedure, and Professional Ethics.

Teaching typically combines lectures with seminars, small-group tutorials, workshops and skills sessions. Practical elements include legal research and writing, client interviewing, advocacy and mooting, and the use of legal databases. Students also undertake a substantial research project or dissertation or a major skills-based assessment in the final stage.

Optional modules and electives allow you to specialise or broaden your knowledge in areas such as Family Law, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Human Rights Law, and International Law. The degree is structured to ensure you meet the academic requirements for progression to vocational training routes such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) preparation, Bar training, or legal apprenticeships.

Entry requirements

The programme is aimed at graduates who already hold a recognised bachelor's degree, usually with a lower second-class honours (2:2) or above, although competition may mean a higher classification is preferred in practice. Keele considers applicants with a range of qualifications and relevant experience; admissions may take into account degree subject, academic references and a personal statement demonstrating motivation for legal study.

International applicants will normally need to demonstrate proficiency in English through an accepted qualification (for example an appropriate IELTS score or equivalent). Applicants with non-standard backgrounds are assessed on the strength of prior learning and experience; portable professional qualifications or relevant work experience can be taken into consideration.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Graduate Entry LLB pursue a broad range of careers in law and related fields. Common routes include training as a solicitor or barrister (progressing to vocational training such as the SQE or Bar training), roles as paralegals or legal executives, and in-house legal positions. The degree also provides a strong foundation for work in compliance, public policy, civil service, non-governmental organisations, banking and finance, human resources, and consultancy.

Many students use the course as a launchpad for further study (LLM, PhD) or professional qualifications. Keele's employability support and links with employers help students secure vacation schemes, placements and early-career roles in legal practice and corporate legal departments.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus-based learning environment with a focus on small-group teaching, personalised academic support and interdisciplinary study. The Law School emphasises practical skills and employability through mooting, advocacy training, clinical-style legal advice activities and opportunities for placements with local legal organisations.

Students benefit from dedicated law tutors, access to legal resources and careers support tailored to aspiring lawyers. Keele's student support services, research-informed teaching and an active student law society contribute to a structured route from academic study to professional practice.