The Graduate Entry LLB, also known as the Senior Status LLB, Accelerated LLB or Fast-track LLB, is a two-year Bachelor of Law degree programme designed for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree in a different field but wish to pursue a career in law. This programme allows graduates from various disciplines to transition into the legal profession without having to complete an undergraduate law degree in three years.
Although the structure of the programme may vary depending on the institution, students typically study 8–10 modules instead of 12 modules required for the regular LLB programme. The Graduate Entry LLB can be a Qualifying Law Degree for entry into the Bar Training Course for intending barristers provided that the following seven foundation modules are covered in the LLB programme.
Contract Law deals with agreements between individuals, businesses, or other entities that create legally binding obligations. It encompasses the formation, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts. Students studying contract law will learn about the elements of a valid contract, the various types of contracts, how contracts can be terminated, and the remedies available when one party fails to fulfil their contractual obligations.
Criminal law focuses on offences committed against society or the state. It involves the study of crimes, their classifications, and the principles of criminal liability. Students will learn about the elements of different crimes, the mental states required for criminal liability, defences that may be raised, and the criminal justice system's procedures, including arrest, trial, and sentencing.
Public law, also known as Constitutional Law or Administrative Law, is concerned with the relationship between individuals and the government or other public authorities. It includes constitutional law, administrative law, and other areas of law that govern the exercise of public power. Students studying public law will learn about the structure of government, the powers and responsibilities of public authorities, and the mechanisms for challenging their decisions through judicial review.
Land Law, also known as Property Law, deals with the legal rights and obligations concerning land and property. It covers topics such as ownership, leases, easements, mortgages, and the transfer of property. Students will explore how land is acquired, how interests in land are created, and how disputes over land rights are resolved.
EU Law focuses on the legal framework that governs the European Union and its member states. It covers the laws and regulations that affect the EU's functioning, including the principles of free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Students will learn about the EU's institutions, its decision-making processes, and the relationship between EU law and national laws of member states.
Tort Law deals with civil wrongs committed against individuals or their property, resulting in legal liability for the wrongdoer. This module covers a wide range of situations, including negligence, defamation, nuisance, and other types of torts. Students will study the elements of different torts, the standard of care required, causation, and the available remedies for the injured party.
Trusts Law, also known Equity and Trusts, deals with the legal arrangement where one person holds and manages assets on behalf of another person or group of beneficiaries. Trusts are often used for estate planning, asset protection, and charitable purposes. Students will learn about the creation and administration of trusts, the rights and duties of trustees and beneficiaries, and the various types of trusts that exist.
Applicants to the Graduate Entry LLB programme often need to meet certain entry requirements, including a minimum grade in their undergraduate degree and, in some cases, may be required to take a law-specific admissions test, such as the LNAT, or interview.
Whether you should opt for the 2-year Graduate Entry LLB or 1-year Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a personal choice. The PGDL allows you to complete the above modules in one year, saving you a lot of time and money. If you intend to become a solicitor, you will have to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which covers a wide range of subjects that even a regular LLB programme cannot fully cover. It is worth noting that some optional modules you can select are irrelevant to the SQE. You should refer to our LLB Module List to select your optional modules wisely. You are also advised to consider the opportunity cost, your financial situation, and the reputation of the university before committing to another undergraduate degree.
