Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons)

Kickstart your career with our award-winning law clinic, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic team of practising lawyers. Develop critical legal thinking whilst improving your skills in our full-size replica Crown Court.

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Typical offer: 120−128
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: M100
Course length: Various
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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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1st in the East of England for social policy (Complete University Guide, 2025)

Full-scale replica Crown Court where you'll gain real-life experience

Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic (LawWorks Pro Bono Awards, 2022)

Law at Herts

Course overview

The LLB degree at Herts will immerse you in the practical aspects of law, preparing you for real-world challenges and societal change. You'll gain hands-on experience as you engage in Pro Bono work, moot courts, and real case studies. The skills and understanding you will develop throughout your law degree will empower you to excel in the legal field and transform society.

From day one you will present cases in a replica Crown Court, argue with confidence, and engage in diverse assessments like case studies, reports, essays, presentations, and practical assignments. You'll feel the thrill of real-world application with our Pro Bono work, and develop the practical skills needed to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. At the University of Hertfordshire, we equip you with the expertise to transform your passion for law into meaningful societal impact.

The LLB (Hons) isn’t just a qualification; it’s your gateway to diverse career opportunities. With practical insights into our legal system, you'll be well-prepared to excel in various fields. At Herts, your education meets real-world application, empowering you to make a tangible impact on society.

Why choose this course?

In choosing the LLB law degree at Herts, you will be joining a vibrant, supportive, and forward-thinking legal community dedicated to your success.

You will gain immersive, hands-on experience and real-world legal skills to make a societal impact: Develop critical legal thinking and core professional skills through practical exercises and hone your legal skills in our full-sized replica Crown Court. The Bachelor of Law LLB (Hons) lets you solve real problems alongside experienced lawyers in our renowned Pro Bono Law Clinic, making a difference from day one. You will be future-proofing your degree by acquiring essential skills and qualifications in areas like mooting, trial advocacy, and client interviewing.

The LLB course offers a practical curriculum designed for modern challenges: Delve into contemporary issues such as data protection, AI, copyright, human rights, IT law, business organisation, and cybercrime. Through our innovative flipped-classroom model, you can attend lectures live or stream them at your convenience - anytime, anywhere. Then engage in in-depth discussions during seminars with your tutors.

We offer flexible support through our Personal Tutor scheme: Our wellbeing services are tailored to help you balance intense study with other commitments, making it easier to manage a demanding full-time program.

Join a vibrant and culturally diverse legal community: Herts is dedicated to fostering success and achievement for everyone. Widen your network and meet like-minded people across the world on this law degree. We celebrate students’ diverse learning styles and believe that a rich variety of perspectives enhances the practical skills and societal impact of our graduates.

HLS Blog: A Hub for Multidisciplinary Research: The Hertfordshire Law School’s blog is a dynamic platform where students and academics can share insights, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with the academic communities to promote research, discussions, and societal impact.

Professional accreditations

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx’s)

The LLB programme has received an Institutional Exemption from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx’s) level 6 qualifications. Upon successful completion of the LLB (including completion of the following modules: Land Law, Company Law and Litigation) you will be eligible to apply for exemptions from CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice and CILEX Graduate Fast Track Diploma (CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Legal Practice).

You'll also be able to apply to CILEX to become a Graduate Member (for a fee). Graduate members will therefore not be required to undertake a Legal Practice Course or a Training Contract, and can instead enter the legal profession ahead of their peers. Find out further benefits of the CILEx membership.

Your future career

Prepare for a career where your skills will drive societal change. With practical experiences and professional development opportunities, LLB graduates are equipped to step confidently into the legal field and beyond, transforming your career aspirations into realities.

You may find employment in legal firms, local and national government, civil society organisations, and make a real difference. Law graduates typically find employment in the following roles:

solicitor
barrister
paralegal
in-house council
government and public sector roles
mediator/arbitrator.

With our pro bono activities, you will gain work experience as you get involved in offering real legal advice to people in need. Our students have worked with: Centre Point, Future Living Hertford, Red Kite, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, CDA Herts.

See what recent graduates are up to

What you'll study

Dive into a curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. While studying for your law degree, you'll engage with contemporary legal issues and gain hands-on experience, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference in society.

From the outset, you'll engage in a two-week connections-module, developing the skills and mindset necessary for excelling in legal studies.

In your first year, you’ll establish a robust foundation of legal knowledge and professional skills. Explore key areas such as Contract Law, Tort Actions, Justice Matters, and the Constitutional Principles of the UK and EU. Our innovative employability module, Life in the Law, integrates career development into the core of your LLB experience.

From day one, you'll get hands-on practice in our replica Crown Court, presenting client arguments in front of a judge.

Your second year delves into land law, criminal law, equity, and the law of trusts. The Life in the Law II module focuses on career and personal development, preparing you for the professional world. Participate in our mock assessment centre to develop real-world skills in a supportive environment.

As the year progresses you will begin to tailor your studies by selecting a 15-credit module from options such as Commercial Law, Street Law, Practical Legal Skills (introduction to SQE 2 skills), Law of Digital Economy, or Law of Local Government.

Participate in our award-winning Pro Bono Law Clinic, gaining practical experience while providing legal advice to the local community.

In your final year, with the foundational knowledge in place, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in the areas that ignite your passion. Choose from over 20 specialist subjects, ranging from international environmental law to cybercrime. Consider modules like Trial Advocacy or Clinical Legal Education to further hone your skills and expertise.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Connections HLS Induction	0 Credits	Compulsory
At Hertfordshire Law School we recognise the significant investment you are making in your future career and that starts from the moment you arrive at university. To that end the Connections induction module is designed to engage you in developing the essential skills of being able to access legal resources including statute, case law (and the doctrine of precedent) with a view to understanding how these will be applied in a moot setting using our Mock Court Building. You will begin to engage also in self"development with sessions dedicated to wellbeing and resilience and too working together as part of a group to establish a sense of community with your fellow peers travelling alongside you on your degree journey. The overarching aim is to use this two-week period to establish connections - those which will be especially important to creating a community amongst our students, as well as starting to form connections to the institution and to the subject matter of the degree from the outset and which will be taken forward across the three years.
Life in the Law: Career and Personal Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
At Hertfordshire Law School we recognise the significant investment you are making in your future career. We believe passionately in the importance of developing your practical professional skills and attributes, both alongside and intrinsically within your legal studies, to enhance your prospects of succeeding in your chosen career. This module enables and empowers you to take effective and proactive steps towards your goals, providing you with the opportunities and resources to self"reflect, develop the skills and attributes valued by graduate employers and the legal profession, and dedicate time and energy to ensuring that you are best-placed to make successful applications, demonstrate confidence and resilience, take ownership of your personal development and impress in your future workplace.
Justice Matters	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to introduce students to the basic parameters of law and to see it in the context of modern life. It establishes the foundations for successful undergraduate study within the School. The module provides a basis for understanding and conducting law and research and will provide an introduction to various common research methods and e-skills, along with more contemporary approaches such as the use of social media in legal research, both substantive and procedural. Various contexts within the legal profession will be utilised (such as ethics in society, creation of legislation, miscarriages of justice, Law Reform the workings of the justice system, access to justice) to introduce these skills throughout the course of the module. The theme underpinning the module will be human rights and discrimination.
Tort Actions	30 Credits	Compulsory
Torts Actions offers a modern approach to studying the Law of Torts that incorporates relevant practical skills for Torts litigation. As opposed to a purely doctrinal study of the sources of Torts Law, Torts Actions places the module topics in a real-life setting and asks students to assist hypothetical clients in achieving compensation and/or equitable remedies. This module covers a wider range of rights, obligations and remedies applied by the courts in civil proceedings. The largest area of Torts Law is undoubtedly the law of negligence, as reflected by the amount of time that will be spent on developing an understanding of negligence and its various legal requirements, defences, and policy considerations. Other topics include torts such as trespass (against persons and land), private nuisance, occupier s liability, product liability, vicarious liability, and the rule established by Rylands v Fletcher.
Constitutional Principles of the UK and EU	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines the foundations of Constitutional Law in relation to the UK and EU. In examining the pillars of the UK constitution, Separation of the Powers, Rule of Law, and Sovereignty of Parliament, student will gain an understanding of how constitutional law under pins almost every other aspect of the law, providing transparency and accountability in government. Further, constitutional principles will be examined including the interplay and impact of Human Rights on UK Constitutional Law. The module will consider the evolving relationship between UK and EU law, in doing so considering EU institutions, sources of retained EU Law, and how a member state participates in the formation and implementation of EU law. Finally considering, the impact of retained EU law on the UK
Contract Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will cover a variety of themes commencing with formation of a contract, including offer, acceptance, consideration and privity of contract. The contents of the contract will also be explored and will include examination of conditions, warranties, express and implied terms, standard form contracts, exclusion clauses. Students will also be introduced to various vitiating factors such as misrepresentation, mistake, undue influence, duress, unconscionable bargains and inequality of bargaining power. The module explores how a contract could end and include performance, agreement, frustration, breach. In the context of a breach of contract a variety of contractual remedies will be explored (including damages, specific performance, rescission and injunctions) along with an outline of the law of restitution.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Commercial Law	15 Credits	Optional
Building on your foundation knowledge of contract law, this module introduces you to key aspects of English Commercial law, with a focus on developing a commercial skill set as well as learning about legal issues in this area. There is a particular emphasis on laws relating to sale of goods contracts, including implied terms and remedies in both a commercial and consumer context. As part of the module you will learn how to draft key commercial contracts in areas including sale of goods, insurance, agency and health and safety. You will also learn how to anticipate when commercial disputes arise and the dispute resolution mechanisms open to parties both traditional and alternative such as Mediation. You will also study the use of business intermediaries such as commercial agents, and begin to explore issues of international commercial significance.
Law of Local Government	15 Credits	Optional
This module will examine the Law of Local Government, considering the practical challenges facing councils with regards to devolved legal matters. Students will examine issues such as outsourcing; tendering and public procurement; setting up a company; planning law and TUPE. The purpose of this module is to give students insight into the practical workings of local government.
Criminal Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module considers the general principles of criminal liability in England and Wales: actus reus; mens rea; denials of an offence, general defences; inchoate offences; parties to a crime; and some of the most serious criminal offences (such as murder, manslaughter, non-fatal offences against the person, sexual offences, drugs offences, and property offences). It also examines the social and legal constructions of crime and how these have varied historically and in different social contexts. The module will also outline the structure within which the criminal justice system operates and introduce key concepts and legal terminology.
Equity and the Law of Trusts	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine key equitable concepts from a theoretical and practical perspective to a comprehensive insight into the subject. The module will consist of the study of the history of Equity and equitable maxims, plus it's modern function in English law; the creation and administration of Express Trusts; trusts in a commercial context; Fiduciary Duties; Identifying the true owner of property through the tracing process; Claims against Third Parties, Trusts and taxation; and Charity Law. This module will also explore requirements for the creation of a will and aspects around probate. Family Law, Property Law and Commercial aspects of Equity will be explored, alongside related Human Rights issues.
Land Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of a range of real property law concepts and principles in England. This will allow students to develop an awareness and understanding of the areas of growth and reform in land law in England. Through the course of the module, students will examine the detailed provisions of property law statutes and use them to support their application and analysis of land law. They will also be able to identify and define the various property rights that exist in relation to land in England, and compare and classify estates and interests existing in the land system, their priorities, and dealings with third parties.
Streetlaw	15 Credits	Optional
This module gives students the opportunity to develop key employability skills by taking part in our Streetlaw pro bono project. Streetlaw is a legal education project aimed at improving access to justice by demystifying areas of law that affect the wider community. Students work in teams to prepare and deliver interactive presentations to school children and community groups about their legal rights and responsibilities on topics such as police powers. Students will be presented with an area of law and a target audience and will be asked to work in small teams to discuss the issue and design and deliver a piece of work which is engaging, informative and tailored to the needs of the audience. This could take the form of a recorded webinar, a podcast, or a live workshop. Students will be required to keep reflective journals and will be encouraged to learn by reflecting on their progress and feedback from their supervisors. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills including legal research, time management, professionalism, teamwork, organisational and communication skills.
Practical Legal Skills	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to develop and practise six key skills which will be assessed by the new SQE 2 assessment namely: Client interviewing and attendance notes, Advocacy, Case and matter analysis, Legal research, Legal writing, Legal drafting. The module is designed to provide practical, hands-on skills training and give students the opportunity to develop the key employability skills they will need for the workplace. This module will be useful preparation for students wishing to volunteer with Hertfordshire Law Clinic or other pro bono projects. Students will be required to keep reflective journals and will be encouraged to learn by reflecting on their progress and feedback from their lecturers. This module will also be a useful introduction for students planning to follow the SQE route to qualification as a solicitor.
Law of Digital Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module will examine a variety of Internet and emerging technologies law and policy principles. This will include the development of the Internet in terms of technology and governance. A part of the module will focus on consumer protection online and will explore rules relating to digital marketing, distance selling and e-payment. The module will explore how companies exist online and how they can ensure that terms and conditions are adequate and in accordance with the law. The module will also allow you to examine any emerging legal issue in the area of the Internet and digital economy.
Life in the Law: Career and Personal Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module runs in both your first and second years, and enables and empowers you to take effective and proactive steps towards your career goals, providing you with the opportunities and resources to self-reflect, develop the skills and attributes valued by graduate employers and the legal profession, and dedicate time and energy to ensuring that you are best-placed to make successful applications, demonstrate confidence and resilience, take ownership of your personal development and impress in your future workplace. At Level 5 you will build on the knowledge, skills and attributes developed during Level 4, refine your career and personal development goals, and make strategic choices about the opportunities and experiences you participate in. You will be well informed of the steps you will need to take in your chosen career path, if relevant, and the important milestones in the application process. You will also prepare for and participate in our Assessment Centre Experience, which will provide you with invaluable experience, feedback, support and guidance to increase your confidence when entering the graduate recruitment process.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
A Study Abroad year is an optional additional year that increases the length of the Honours degree award to a four-year fulltime degree. The additional year comprises an agreed programme of study in a partner institution abroad with whom the University of Hertfordshire has an institutional agreement. The programme of study will support, supplement and extend the more usual three-year programme. Success in the third year will be recognised in the title of the award but does not carry additional credit towards the Honours programme. A student would normally confirm the intention to study abroad during the first ten weeks of study at Level 5. This will enable a place to be negotiated at a host institution and the Study Programme and learning contract to be arranged and agreed.
Dissertation	30 Credits	Optional
The Dissertation module is an optional module of 30 Credit Points. It is a library-based research project. This module provides you with the opportunity to choose a research topic that you are especially interested in and work on your own initiative. It allows you the freedom of independent study under the guidance of your supervisor, to undertake research on a specific legal topic, and to enhance your ability to master appropriate primary and secondary legal materials.
Terrorism	15 Credits	Optional
Following the events of 11th September 2001, and 7th July 2005, public concerns surrounding terrorism, and its associated threats, have inevitably, perhaps irreversibly, deepened. Terrorism and security are, therefore, issues near at the top of the political agenda in countries from across the globe. This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the nature and impact of criminal offending within the specific context of terrorism. Additionally, students will gain appreciation of the complicated nature of dealing with the problems that arise in defining, preventing and detecting terrorist activities, which by its nature, transcends national borders. Students will also gain an awareness of the potential issues which face law enforcement bodies and Government, when implementing legislature, in order to attempting to deal with Terrorism offences.
State Crime	15 Credits	Optional
Long-standing debate within criminology about the scope and subject matter of state crime is reflected in the polarity of definitions of the concept, which locate breaches of the law by states at one end of the spectrum, and definitions based on non-statutory breaches of human rights at the other. How could the state be a criminal actor when legally it is the state itself that defines criminal behaviour by making and enforcing the law? Meaning, it could only be criminal on those rare occasions when it denounces itself for breaking its own laws. Yet, if criminology is to develop as a discipline that studies and analyses criminal, violent, abusive and deviant behaviours, then it is necessary to include state criminality in its field, on the grounds that the consequences of state crimes are more widespread and destructive than those of conventional crimes.
White Collar Crime	15 Credits	Optional
This module will equip students with an appreciation of the political, social and financial costs of white-collar crime, as well as the particular challenges that exist in its effective detection, measurement and interdiction. It will enable students to recognise and engage with the political, social and economic considerations that shape policies towards white-collar and corporate crime. The module will be wide-ranging and research-led providing a rounded introduction to key literature and debates in the field from an international comparative perspective.
Human Rights	15 Credits	Optional
This module will cover: The module examines the basis for the Human Rights discourse moving from the particular UK legal situation to the wider aspects of the European Convention, focusing on and establishing threads of similarities in order to establish a cohesive picture of Human Rights. The module focuses initially on the Human Rights Act 1998 and the effects on human rights in the UK since the Act came into force in 2000. This is followed by consideration of the European Convention on Human Rights machinery and its relationship with the UK's domestic legal order. The module explores the extent to which key European human rights concepts and principles are apt in maintaining a healthy relationship between the UK and the ECHR institutions. It pays particular attention to a number of fundamental rights and their interplay including the prohibition of torture, the right to life, aspects of fair trial, the right to private life, religious freedom, and freedom of expression.
Family Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will start by looking at marriage and cohabitation and will also provide opportunity for students to draft cohabitation agreements. It will also explore divorce - law and procedure and how to draft a petition along with the financial settlements. The module will also look at: nullity and forced marriage, domestic violence and pre - nuptial agreements. The rights of parents in relation to children and the medical treatment of children will be explored and will include disputes between parents relating to children. Finally matters relating to child protection and care proceedings and child abduction.
Jurisprudence	15 Credits	Optional
The module will consider the relationship between law, morality and political theory along with the nature of moral arguments and cultural influences on law and the influence of political arguments in judicial interpretation and its impact on legal theory.
Public International Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module introduces students to the role of international law in the conduct of international relations. It considers the peculiar nature of the international legal order through an analysis of its key principles, structures and institutions including the role of the State as a central actor of international relations as well as that of international organisations such as the United Nations and the growing role of individuals and non-state actors. It also investigates the specificities of dispute resolution including the pervasive role of private justice and the limitations of existing judicial dispute settlement mechanisms like the International Court of Justice. The module explores the impact of international law in the management of contemporary international issues such as the use of force, the conduct of war, international crimes, human rights, the protection of the global environment and the conduct of economic relations.
Medical Law	30 Credits	Optional
Medical Law is a contemporary and topical module which begins with an examination of medical negligence and how it can be proved. It then moves onto explore the area of consent to medical treatment; the development of both common law and the Mental Capacity Act, and how the law accommodates patients who lack capacity to consent. The course continues by exploring other issues in Medical Law which will be relevant to wider developing areas of the law generally. Thereafter, the course moves onto Bioethics (or more commonly referred to as Medical Ethics) and following an introduction to ethical theories, students will examine a wide ranging area of bioethical issues from 'birth to death'. This will include assisted reproductive technologies, followed by a close consideration of a range of global issues, such as but not limited to, end of life and organ transplantation.
International Commercial Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module will allow you to develop an ability to understand, apply, and analyse the law in respect of international trade. The module will examine international dispute resolution through identifying the applicable law to a contract and which jurisdiction's court will hear a dispute before considering the different types of international commercial contracts (i.e. CIF and FOB) and the respective implications for the parties involved. The module will also cover the carriage of goods under common law and the various international conventions applicable to international trade, including multi-modal and carriage of goods by sea conventions, as well as the varying forms of finance available to the parties. In addition, the role of documentation will be analysed, in particular bills of lading and marine insurance policies that are crucial for the expedience and facilitation of international trade.
Law of the European Union	30 Credits	Compulsory
The course starts by examining the EU institutions and how a member state like the UK participates in the formation and implementation of EU law. It then considers the substantive rules governing the internal market. This is the geographical area comprising the member states within which goods and workers can circulate freely without being impeded by unjustifiable obstacles in the same way as they would do so within a nation state. The rich case law considered illustrates the determination of the Court of Justice to secure free movement against the various ways employed by the Members States to protect their domestic goods against foreign competition and to restrict free movement more generally. Students are introduced to the special role played by the Court of Justice in developing European Law though the preliminary ruling procedure and enforcement procedures. The system of EU remedies delivered by national courts is also examined so as to evaluate the effectiveness of EU Law.
Employment Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will commence by considering the Employment status - the main types of working relationship and the terms and conditions of employment. It will then progress to explore how the law seeks to provide a balance between life and work and will also consider the rights and remedies surrounding discrimination legislation. The module will also look at how the law steps in when an employment relationship goes wrong and how the employment relationship can be ended. There will also be an introduction to the employment relationship - sources, policy and practice. The module will also consider TUPE rights and also how to bring a claim in an employment tribunal.
Cybercrime	15 Credits	Optional
The module will enable students to understand the development of cybercrime as a phenomenon, both domestically and internationally. Students will be able to appreciate the Internet architecture and landscape within which the novel types of crimes arise. The module will look at the existing and emerging types of crime online, inter alia: computer misuse and hacking, Cyber fraud, Online harassment and trolling, Online pornography and child pornography, Online piracy and Cyberwarfare. This list is, however, not exhaustive as the module will inevitably include and examine the emerging cybercrimes and regulation that aims to prevent and tackle these criminal behaviours.
Law of Tort	30 Credits	Optional
The module considers how the law of Torts seeks to balance the often incompatible rights of individuals such as the right to free speech versus another's right to protect their privacy or reputation; and how neighbours use their lands respectively. It also looks at how individual rights such as the right to sue the NHS, police or other public authority for negligently caused injuries can be reconciled with the competing interests of wider society. Actions covered include: • Misuse of Private Information • Defamation • Various types of negligence • Intentional harm to the person and property While theoretical, the module also includes a practical context consisting of you undertaking advocacy exercises in relation to different actions and quantifying the amount of compensation a claimant/pursuer can hope to achieve.
Land Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will focus on matters that are of fundamental importance to our society of the ownership of land, property, property rights and related obligations. You will study in depth the fundamental ideas and concepts of English Land law, focusing in particular on important rights which are connected to land, such as easements and leases. These rights will be evaluated and analysed in which the content requirements of each right have developed through judicial decisions. Further, the module will consider the different methods of gaining rights over land, and the impact that such rights can have on a purchaser of land. You will also have the opportunity to develop negotiation skills in workshop settings.
Study Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
A Study Abroad year is an optional additional year that increases the length of the Honours degree award to a four-year full-time degree. The additional year comprises an agreed programme of study in a partner institution abroad with whom the University of Hertfordshire has an institutional agreement. The programme of study will support, supplement and extend the more usual three-year programme. Success in the third year will be recognised in the title of the award, but does not carry additional credit towards the Honours programme. A student would normally confirm the intention to study abroad during the first ten weeks of study at Level 5. This will enable a place to be negotiated at a host institution and the Study Programme and learning contract to be arranged and agreed.
Law Placement Year	0 Credits	Optional
The Placement Year provides you with the opportunity to set your academic studies in a broader context and to utilise the intellectual skills you have gained through your degree in the workplace. You will also strengthen your time management, organisational and communication skills as well as develop employability skills. You will gain experience of applying for jobs and of working within a commercial, business or professional environment prior to graduating thus increasing employability skills such as teamwork, communication skills and commercial awareness. You will gain experience in a field that is often a destination for Law students such as PR, marketing, management and research. You will have developed valuable industry skills and experience, as well as being able to apply many of the intellectual skills you have learned through your degree to a real world situation.
Data Protection Law	15 Credits	Optional
This module will enable you to examine the development of data protection law as a distinct area of legal practice. You will explore the current data protection legislation in the European Union, and its reform in the face of continuous technological development. In particular, you will examine the key concepts at the heart of the European data protection framework, such as the notion of informed consent and the notion of "personal data". You will also consider in detail the obligations placed on data controllers, as well as the rights enjoyed by individual data subjects. In addition to this, the module also involves the analysis of various policy challenges posed by technological developments, such as the emergence of Big Data and the Internet of Things.
International Environmental Law	15 Credits	Optional
The module will introduce students to contemporary global environmental challenges and explore how the law responds to these issues. You will examine the specific features of international environmental law in terms of its historical development, its sources and core principles, and the options available for compliance control and enforcement. The module aims to help you develop a critical understanding of the complex political, economic and social context in which environmental issues are set. This will be explored through a number of case studies including e.g. atmosphere protection and climate change; the protection of biodiversity. Throughout, the relationship between environmental protection and economic development and the relevance of principles of sustainability will be emphasised and analysed.
Clinical Legal Education	30 Credits	Optional
This module gives students the opportunity to develop their ability to practically apply the law by working on cases in Hertfordshire legal advice centre. The module will look at the crucial skills needed for clinical work. Students will work in teams under supervision by a solicitor or barrister and will carry out case work tasks such as interviewing clients and witnesses, conducting legal research and drafting letters of advice. The module will also explore ethical issues and ensure that students are able to identify and act in accordance with the core duties of professional conduct and professional ethics. Students will be required to keep reflective journals and will be encouraged to learn by reflecting on their progress and feedback from their supervisors. Students will also strengthen their time management, team work, organisational and communication skills as well as develop employability skills.
The Law of Equity	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine the key concepts in relation to Equity. This will involve the study of the history of Equity and equitable maxims, the creation and administration of Express Trusts, trusts in a commercial context, Fiduciary Duties, Tracing of Property, Claims against Third Parties, Trusts and taxation; and Charity Law. This module will also explore requirements for the creation of a will and aspects around probate, which is required to meet the SRA's statement of legal knowledge. Family Law, Property Law and Commercial aspects of Equity will be explored, alongside related Human Rights issues.
Ethnic Minorities and the Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module constitutes a socio-legal study of how, and with what outcomes, ethnic minority presence and the formal national law interact, and considers the possibilities of managing inter-ethnic and inter-legal clashes. The module is organised in three parts, covering a range of topics which include immigration, marriage and criminal justice. Part 1 introduces the core themes in ethnic minority legal studies, parts 2 and 3 connect general themes and particular case studies and situations, involving either family or public law.
Digital Technologies, Law and Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores the body of legal frameworks that apply to the digital technologies that affect people's daily lives particularly following the emergence of the internet and ensuing developments including Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, etc. As these technologies are driven not only by the internet but also big data analytics, AI techniques and manipulative/persuasive methods to capture the attention of the users, the affected areas and issues of law are a quite a lot, incorporating intellectual property (IP), competition law, electronic communications law, data privacy. Not only basics of these legal areas but also related issues of digital economy, i.e. Digital Single Market, digital platforms, online intermediaries will be covered in the module, considering transformative effect of the digital technologies over the traditional economical concepts and transactions. On top of these, IoT and cloud based data constraints, issues of contractual liability and legal personhood regarding autonomous entities, ethical/legal concerns surrounded by AI and robotics will also be covered. In so doing, the focus will be on the UK and the EU legal systems whereas the best practices from across the world will also be examined as appropriate.
Application of Computer Technology to Legal Studies	15 Credits	Optional
This module will introduce students to the rudiments of coding using Python programming language. This will include providing students with simple-to-moderately-complex programming skills to be able to automate the process of researching, collecting and assembling text-based legal data. The module will also explore some of the ways in which computer technology can be effectively and efficiently employed in the legal field.
Law of Digital Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module will examine a variety of Internet and emerging technologies law and policy principles. This will include the development of the Internet in terms of technology and governance. A part of the module will focus on consumer protection online and will explore rules relating to digital marketing, distance selling and e-payment. The module will explore how companies exist online and how they can ensure that terms and conditions are adequate and in accordance with the law. The module will also allow students to examine any emerging legal issue in the area of the Internet and digital economy.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence (AI)	15 Credits	Optional
Copyright is an Intellectual Property right, which provides its owner with the exclusive right to use a creative work such as written, audio"visual, musical, or dramatic works, with some exceptions. Over the years, copyright law has gone through great changes to keep up with advances in technology and media. Current developments in Al technology raise new issues concerning the scope and purpose of copyright protection. Copyright is relevant to Al in multiple ways. Machine learning technology learns from data that might be protected by copyright. Moreover, some Al systems can also autonomously generate new works, which might be copyright protected. Additionally, Al technology is also used to identify and prevent online copyright infringement. By striking the right balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, copyright and Artificial Intelligence aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Intellectual Property Law	15 Credits	Optional
Intellectual Property can be defined as those products of the mind to which the law grants the author/creator legal protection and hence the enhanced ability to exploit. Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind - everything from works of art to inventions, computer programs to trademarks and other commercial signs. The purpose of the various fields of Intellectual Property Law is to deter others from copying or taking advantage of the works or reputations of another and provide remedies should this occur. Intellectual Property is protected in law by, for instance, trademarks, copyright and patents that allow individuals to gain financial benefit or recognition from what they create or invent. By striking a fair balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, Intellectual Property aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Trial Advocacy	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to improve their knowledge of criminal law and evidence whilst developing their advocacy skills by working on realistic case scenarios in a courtroom setting. Most of the classes take the form of workshops which are designed to develop in each student the self-confidence to be able to stand up to address the court in the role of either a prosecution or a defence advocate. The module will also introduce students to other useful skills such as case analysis and will explore ethical issues including the duties imposed by the rules of professional conduct. This module will not only be of great practical use to aspiring advocates but will also help students who simply want to improve their public"speaking skills.
Miscarriages of Justice	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about miscarriages of justice and will be of practical use to aspiring criminal defence lawyers. Students will study the historical context which led to the creation of the Criminal Cases Review and will also critically examine the current criminal appeals process and discuss the arguments in favour of reform. Students will work through authentic case studies in order to understand the key steps needed to investigate and advise on a potential miscarriages of justice case. Students will develop useful skills such as case analysis, legal research and drafting. The module will also explore ethical issues and ensure that students are able to identify and act in accordance with the core duties of professional conduct and professional ethics. Students will be required to keep reflective journals and will be encouraged to learn by reflecting on their progress and feedback.
Aspects of Human Rights in Britain	15 Credits	Optional
The module examines the basis for the Human Rights discourse moving from the particular UK legal situation to the wider aspects of the European Convention, focusing on and establishing threads of similarities in order to establish a cohesive picture of Human Rights. The module focuses initially on the Human Rights Act 1998 and the effects on human rights in the UK since the Act came into force in 2000. This is followed by consideration of the European Convention on Human Rights machinery and its relationship with the UK's domestic legal order. The module explores the extent to which key human rights concepts and principles are apt in maintaining a healthy relationship between the UK and the ECHR institutions. It pays attention to a number of fundamental rights and their interplay including (but not limited to), aspects of fair trial, the right to private life, religious freedom, and freedom of expression. Finally, the module considers the future of Human Rights in the UK.
Administrative Law	15 Credits	Optional
This module will consider the application of the Rule of Law to the misuse of governmental power, via the administrative courts and tribunals. It will examine from a theoretical and practical position the abuse and misuse of power by government institutions and other bodies exercising a public law function. The module will commence by considering the notion of Judicial Review, its place within holding governmental action to account, and the role of the courts. Students will further, examine the grounds for judicial review, both the traditional grounds and proportionality, before examining the practical aspects of an application for judicial review under section 31 Senior Courts Act 1981 and Part 54 of the Civil Procedure Rules. In doing this, students will consider the application of case law and undertake in depth analysis of some of the most controversial judgements of the last 20 years.
Civil Litigation, Drafting & Advocacy	15 Credits	Optional
On completion of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles and process of civil litigation. Students will be introduced to the Civil Procedure Rules and their importance to civil litigation. Students will undertake a variety of practical, skills"based exercises which will enable them to put their skills of advocacy and drafting into practice
Criminal Litigation, Evidence & Advocacy	30 Credits	Optional
The Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Advocacy module provides an opportunity to explore in detail criminal litigation, procedure and evidence through the lens of authentic case studies. The course is practical and will be invaluable to any student who is considering a future in legal practice. This module provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring advocates to get a head start on adversarial skills and covers how to manage litigation strategically and effectively, gives a solid grounding in the rules of evidence and provides practical experience
Business Organisations & Structures	30 Credits	Optional
The module considers the role of commercial organisations and their legal regulation. It analyses the structure and powers of companies, partnerships and sole traders and considers their relationship to organisations and individuals with whom they have dealings. The module will examine the structure of the modern-day company in both the public and private form under England & Wales Law. It will consider the constitution of the company, the right and duties of directors and shareholders and the interest of employees and creditors. The financing of companies will also be considered together with key areas of corporate governance, minority protection and current reform issues in Company law as a whole.
Immigration Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will commence by considering the Employment status the main types of working relationship and the terms and conditions of employment. It will then progress to explore how the law seeks to provide a balance between life and work and will also consider the rights and remedies surrounding discrimination legislation. The module will also look at how the law steps in when an employment relationship goes wrong and how the employment relationship can be ended. There will also be an introduction to the employment relationship" sources, policy and practice. The module will also consider TUPE rights and also how to bring a claim in an employment tribunal.
The General Principles of EU Law	15 Credits	Optional
In this module, students will examine how the judicial branch of the European Union has developed a catalogue of unwritten general principles of law which have been embedded in the EU legal system. In particular, an exploration of the 'sources of inspiration' for the elaboration of general principles will be examined, such as the constitutional traditions common to the Member States; international human rights instruments to which Member States are contracting parties; the European Convention on Human Rights 1950; and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Taking centre stage will be an inspection of the incorporation of fundamental rights into the general principles, with a specific focus on the case law of the Court of Justice, whereby it has adjudicated disputes that hinge on fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, human dignity, the right to property, data protection, and the right to a family life.
The Law of Chancery	15 Credits	Optional
The module explores areas of law dealt with by the Chancery Division of the High Court that are broader, more specialist and practical in nature than a traditional equity module. Alongside exploring theoretical perspectives of the law, the module will also give students a practical insight into conducting litigation between business. The module will consist of starting a claim in the Chancery Division and the procedure that must be followed during the litigation process. Substantive areas of law covered will include unjust enrichment; the liability of professionals; pensions; revenue and finance law; the passing of title in property and establishing the true ownership of property; restitution and advanced aspects of equitable remedies.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change	30 Credits	Optional
This module will trace the emergence of Sustainable Development and the implementation of sustainable development into UK law. It will elaborate on the criteria for effective implementation of sustainable development, looking at institutional and policy integration, the role of legislation, and the mechanisms for reporting, review, monitoring and accountability. While highlighting innovations in law and the need for policy to move further in order to effectively implement sustainable development in a national context, the module will highlight the seriousness of the need for ecological sustainability. It will focus on the difficulty of setting up a coherent international treaty approach, the importance of national and subnational legal action, the potential role of international and national courts, and the importance of human rights and environmental justice.
Company Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module will examine the structure of the modern-day company in both the public and private form under the laws of England & Wales. It will consider the constitution of the company, the rights and duties of directors and shareholders and the wider interests of other stakeholders. The financing of companies will also be considered together with an introduction to corporate governance, minority protection and insolvency. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their commercial awareness and to explore topical issues relating to company law and practice.
Information Technology and the Law	30 Credits	Optional

Law of Financial Crime	15 Credits	Optional
This module will equip students with an appreciation of the political, social and economic costs of financial crime in its variety of forms - fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering, criminal antitrust (cartels), and tax evasion - as well as the particular challenges that exist in its effective detection, prosecution and interdiction. It will enable students to recognise and engage with the political, social and economic considerations that shape policies towards financial crime. The module will be wide-ranging and research-led providing a rounded introduction to key concepts and debates in the field from an international comparative perspective.

What if I need support?

We are committed to your success. Our UH supportive environment ensures you have access to resources and assistance when needed, helping you balance the demands of your studies with your personal commitments and career goals.

You’ll have your own Academic Support Tutor throughout your time at Herts, ensuring personalised guidance and assistance. Our approachable course and cohort leaders are always ready to help you navigate your studies.

For personal support, the student Wellbeing Service and a team of academics trained in mental health first aid are available to provide additional care. Get access to our helpline and our convenient app ‘Wisdom: Learn, Grow, Thrive’ to access free counselling online or in person.

You will also have access to our extensive academic support services, including free workshops, one-on-one sessions, and online tutorials to improve your referencing, essay writing, and presentation skills. Both our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) offer drop-in study skills sessions to provide further assistance whenever you need it.

In partnership with Neurodiversity in Law, we are committed to promoting and supporting neurodiversity within the legal profession. We encourage students to disclose any learning differences and offer personalised support, such as tours of lecture and seminar rooms before classes start, online access to seminar materials, and suitable adjustments during exams.

Optional sandwich year

Enhance your learning with an optional work placement year, typically between your second and third year of study, where you can apply your legal skills in real-world settings, gain valuable experience, and make a direct impact in your field of interest. You will pay no tuition fee during this sandwich year.

Our Career and Employment service will support you in exploring your options and make valuable contacts for your future career.

Find out more about work placements

Broaden your horizons with an optional study abroad year, gaining international perspectives and diverse experiences that will enrich your legal education and prepare you to address global challenges.

Stand out from the crowd and experience living abroad. The University of Hertfordshire partners with over 150 universities around the world across all continents.

If you study abroad between your second and third year you will pay no tuition feed to the partner university or to us. We will ask you to make your decision in your second year, so you have plenty of time to think of where you want to go!

Find out more about study abroad options

Our Career and Employment service will support you in exploring your options and make valuable contacts for your future career.

Find out more about work placements

Stand out from the crowd and experience living abroad. The University of Hertfordshire partners with over 150 universities around the world across all continents.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

Experience a cutting-edge learning environment at our state-of-the-art facilities. Our dedicated Law Building, practical learning spaces, and realistic legal settings, are designed to immerse you in the real-world practice of law.

Our replica Crown Court, complete with a judge’s bench and viewing gallery offers a realistic setting for you to practice your legal skills and build your confidence in a professional environment.

Your main campus is de Havilland which you will share with students from business, sport, and education, creating a diverse and vibrant community. You will be able to network with like-minded people at the Enterprise Hub and have a coffee or lunch at the café. Enjoy the Sports Village, which includes a gym, swimming pool, and climbing wall and for days when you don’t feel like cooking, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at our on-campus restaurants or bar. If living on campus, relax and unwind in the common room, where you can play pool, video games, or hang out with friends.

Who you'll learn from

Learn from a diverse team ranging from practicing lawyers and experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom, to academics engaged in cutting edge research. Their insights and mentorship will guide you as you develop practical and critical skills to transform your future and society. Learn more about your tutors here.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120−128
Typical A Level offer	BBB−ABB
Typical IB offer	120−128
Typical BTEC offer	DDM
Accepted T Levels	Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
Access courses	An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3
Additional information	Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
January 2024	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
September 2024	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts
January 2025	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
September 2025	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts
January 2026	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Apply online and get an instant response

Click to call or dial 0300 303 6300

Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45, and Friday 09:00 – 15:45. To apply you will need your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
Law Degree (LLB)	Download PDF

Programme specifications
Law Degree (LLB)	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons)

Kickstart your career with our award-winning law clinic, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic team of practising lawyers. Develop critical legal thinking whilst improving your skills in our full-size replica Crown Court.

Typical offer: 120−128

Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)

UCAS code: M100

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

See what recent graduates are up to

Natalie Pringle

Chelsie Osborne

Anwar 'Ash' Khan

Natalie Pringle

Meet Natalie Pringle who has excelled in a varied career based across the UK and SE Asia. Natalie is listed in the 2021 TechWomen100 Awards and supports start-ups in the tech space through an accelerator programme run by international law firm, CMS.

Career Successes

Natalie’s memories of Herts

Chelsie Osborne

Meet Chelsie. Chelsie is using what she learnt on her course to help young people turn their lives around.

Makin an Impact

Her advice

Anwar 'Ash' Khan

Meet Anwar 'Ash' Khan who since graduating in 2010 has taken all of the opportunities presented to him.

Opportunities and experiences

Aspirations for the future

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional sandwich year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

Check out our student blogs

Nicole-Therese - Guide to law facilities

Temiladejesu - A week at a glance

Temiladejesu - Misconceptions about studying law and the legal system

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Student Blogs

Guide to the law facilities

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

Online Library

Mock courtroom

Career Hub / Hutton hub

Student Blogs

A week in the life of a law student

Monday:

Biweekly Monday Volunteering

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Student Blogs

Misconceptions about studying Law

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate degrees and courses

Student Life at Herts

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield