Law

LLB (Hons)

2024/25 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Laws with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

School:

School of Law

Campus:

Belfast campus

UCAS code:

M100
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2024

Overview

The Ulster Law School has an excellent reputation for teaching, research, student support and student development.

Summary

The School

The School of Law seeks to achieve excellence in teaching, research and professional development. The School provides a range of LLB courses, all of which are Qualifying Law Degrees (QLDs) for the purposes of the legal professions, as well as a range of postgraduate courses. Students at Ulster have the opportunity to draw upon the expertise of an internationally recognised group of researchers. Law at Ulster was ranked 4th in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), with 82% of publications ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. The REF 2014 results also showcase the real-world impact of legal research at Ulster. In the new 'Research Impact' category, 100% of our work was scored as world-leading.

The Campus

Located in the heart of the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, the new campus provides a progressive learning, teaching and research environment supported by the best innovative technology, allowing us to nurture talent and innovation.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
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For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Exploring Law

Year: 1

This module introduces basic legal principles and concepts, and enables students to understand the structure and organisation of the legal system in the UK (with a particular emphasis on Northern Ireland). It introduces students to the concepts of reflective and independent learning, and provides them with the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment required for the study of law as a discipline. This module continues the induction process and offers the students an opportunity to obtain information about careers and personal development. Formal assessment on this module is by an online assessment exercise and coursework.

Criminal law

Year: 1

Criminal law provides the ideal vehicle to study both common law and legislation and develop an understanding of the relationship between law in Northern Ireland and the law in England and Wales. Students learn the scope and content of criminal law and understand the need for reform in certain areas through academic commentary and critical discussion and evaluation. In examining the principle and substance of criminal law students also gain the opportunity to develop skills in legal reasoning and analysis.

Public Law

Year: 1

Students by the end of this module should have a good grasp of the constitutional arrangements within the United Kingdom including: institutions of government, key principles underpinning the constitution of the United Kingdom, the arrangements for devolved governance in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the importance of European Union Law as a source of law within the constitution of the United Kingdom, the legal protection of human rights and civil liberties, mechanisms of accountability within constitutional law, especially judicial review, and proposed reforms and debates surrounding such reforms.

Law of Tort

Year: 1

The law of tort plays a central role in the modern legal system, and it is important that anyone engaged in a study of law should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of the law of tort. This module will explore those principles in detail and will enable students to apply the principles to practical problems and real-life situations.

Administrative Law

Year: 1

This module seeks to explore the fundamental legal principles that underpin administrative law in the UK. This module enables students to understand how government operates and how public power is exercised. This module aims to develop students understanding of administrative law in the United Kingdom. It aims to equip students with an understanding of the principles and ideas with which administrative law is concerned and to prepare them to think critically about these issues.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Year: 1

This module will give students an insight into the workings of the civil litigation system in Northern Ireland before embarking upon the forms of ADR that have developed to circumvent the disadvantages of civil litigation.

Year two

Contract Law

Year: 2

The module will provide a basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding and developing analysis of the key concepts, problems and issues in the law of contract. The theories, principles and rules of the law of contract will be explained. The module will address the key features of contract law including formation of contract, contractual terms, exclusion and limitation clauses, vitiating factors, discharge of contract and remedies.

European Law

Year: 2

This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union. The module also introduces students to the central areas within the market integration process, namely free movement of goods and persons. After the Treaties of Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon, the impact of EU law has expanded even further than before. This module examines the development of European Law, the institutional structure and processes as well as the relationship between European Law and national law.

Land Law

Year: 2

This module provides students with the opportunity to study Land Law (which is considered to be a core subject in the study of law) in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. The professional bodies require law school graduate entrants to have studied Land Law at Degree Level. This module (together with Introduction to Property Law) satisfies the requirements of the professions in both jurisdictions.

Introduction to Property Law

Year: 2

This module provides students with an introduction to the core concepts of property law in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. This module will directly prepare you for further detailed study of property law at level 5 (Land Law) and at level 6 (Equity and Trusts) as well as complementing the study of aspects of Tort, Contract and even Criminal Law. Completion of this module and Land Law (LAW311) in semester 2 year 2 allows you to meet the requirements of the professional bodies (in respect of property law) in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales.

Public International Law

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module will help the student develop a deep understanding of the complex and specialised area of public international law. Students will be encouraged to develop an in-depth critical understanding of both the content of public international law standards and the various means by which they are enforced. It will build upon knowledge in previous modules and will also act as a foundational basis which will enable learners to study issues in greater detail in subsequent modules in year three, including human rights.

Jurisprudence

Year: 2

This module is optional

The aim of this module is to develop a theoretical enquiry into the nature, purpose, limits and value of law. More specifically, the aims are to consider a range of legal theories and to ask broad philosophical questions about law and its relation to justice and the concept of 'legitimacy'. The module explores the source of authority of legal rules and encourages students to engage in criticism in relation to certain conceptions of authority.

Business and Commercial Law

Year: 2

This module is optional

Business activities often create conflicts of expectations and interests between those seeking to profit through enterprise and third parties who interact with business organisations. This module enables students to acquire a thorough knowledge of the legal regulation in key areas such as employment and sales law. The module attempts to give students a clear conceptual understanding of the business and commercial law and to equip students to use their knowledge in the solution of common commercial problems.

Public Interest Litigation

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module examines the process of mounting public interest litigation challenges and considers the role played by public interest litigation in the wider democratic process.

Year three

Diploma in International Academic Studies

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks. The placement normally takes place after Year 2 and is open to all Law students who have successfully completed Year 1 of the course.

Professional Practice - Law

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Year four

Law of Evidence

Year: 4

The Law of Evidence is key to understanding the judicial system. This module examines the fundamental principles of, and a number of important and controversial issues in, the modern law of evidence. Students will learn to apply the key rules and understand the exercise of judicial discretion on the admission of evidence to court and be encouraged to critique and challenge current rules and practice. The module complements other law modules, particularly criminal law.

Equity and Trusts

Year: 4

This module will explore the equitable jurisdiction through its historical development as well as the impact it continues to have on contemporary legal practice. This will be through the prism of examining its greatest creation, the trust. This will explore the creation of express trusts through the three certainties, beneficiary principle and formalities and constitution. This module will also cover implied trusts as well as the duties that will be bestowed upon trustees when they take up a position of trusteeship as well as the rights that a beneficiary under such a trust will have.

Transitional Justice

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module explores the real-life dilemmas negotiated in countries emerging from dictatorship and conflict. These include whether legal mechanisms can assist in achieving truth, justice, and/or reconciliation; or whether these goals are sometimes antithetical. The module will enable students to engage with international humanitarian law and human rights law, and in particular. The module also serves as an introduction to concepts and issues that are explored in greater depth in the LLM in Human Rights and Transitional Justice offered at the University of Ulster.

Medical Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The aim of this module is to examine the law's involvement with medicine and to raise ethical and contextual awareness of selected medical topics.

Employment law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The importance of the employment relationship between employers, employees, unions and other statutory bodies and agencies is such that a thorough knowledge of both the context and the substantive law is necessary for those involved in this area in any capacity. The module attempts to provide the basis for this knowledge and to put students in the position where they may not only have an understanding of the law both conceptually and substantively, but also be in a position to use that knowledge prophylactically and in the solution of problems.

Media Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The study of media law requires students to understand basic legal principles in such areas as freedom of speech, intellectual property, contempt of court, defamation, parliamentary privilege and copyright. It also requires the students to acquire certain skills, such as those of instant recall, analysis, argumentation and articulation, and the ability to apply legal principles to practical problems. This module provides the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment to acquire such knowledge and skills.

Company Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the body of rules and principles of law which regulate public and private companies. It is of practical significance to all those who wish to make a career in, or have dealings with, such companies.

Social Justice

Year: 4

This module is optional

An understanding of the relationship between the state and citizen, and the contractual and moral obligations of each, is the key to understanding the changing nature of the law as it relates to social justice issues. This module explores the way in which the law deals with social justice issues by providing insight into the effects of Government policies, legislation and case law on these issues. The module is centred around the theme of poverty and its relationship with other social justice themes like crime control, social control, conflict, health, and social exclusion, its impact on vulnerable groups and the treatment of those vulnerable groups, and its implications for citizenship and society.

Housing law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides the student with a detailed understanding of the legal issues related to housing. Considering initially the nature of law, the legal system and human rights, the module focuses particularly upon relevant aspects of property law, such as the law of landlord and tenant, as well as related issues such as anti-social behaviour and occupier's liability.

Human Rights Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module enables students to master the complex area of human rights law. Students will be encouraged to develop an in-depth critical understanding of both the content of human rights law standards and the various means by which it is enforced. Students will come to see both the strengths and weaknesses of human rights law and to appreciate the system of international, regional and national enforcement mechanisms which seek to protect and promote human rights.

Dissertation - Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of independent, scholarly research in a chosen area of law and present that research in the form of a 6,000 written dissertation.

Law of Armed Conflict

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module examines the role of international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict and the extent to which it applies to military operations in societies emerging from conflict. International humanitarian law may play a role in mitigating the effects of the use of armed force, for example in regulating the conduct of hostilities and in the protection of civilians; but it also permits high levels of violence provided certain core rules are observed.

Law, film and visual culture

Year: 4

This module is optional

Law, Film and Visual Culture is a deliberately alternative approach to the traditional study of law, both in terms of the basic materials used to ground an approach to the topics under study, and in the teaching arrangements. It is an attempt to foster a developed spirit and capacity in critical intelligence in relation to the cultural make-up of the social environment and thus aims for wide applicability and to break the notion of law as confined to a specific arena.

Law and the Family

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module explores the ways in which the law regulates the family and deals with issues such as marital breakdown, domestic violence, and child abuse. As well as critically addressing this range of issues, it also provides insights into the forces that shape family law, and render it less of a private area of activity than is sometimes thought. Family law is an area of concern to policy-makers, social scientists and politicians alike, as well as lawyers, and is a subject of continued, heated, debate.

Legal Practice (UG Law Clinic)

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is taught using clinical legal education and is designed to introduce students to the knowledge and skills required for legal practice. Through the facts of a mock social security case, students will open and manage a client file, conduct a client interview, identify the relevant legal issues, research the legal issues, determine the best course of action in the case and prepare a letter of advice to the client. This will be done in the Ulster University Law Clinic using the same procedures and methods as are employed there when dealing with real cases. The module will culminate in students conducting a live client interview, to gather information about a real client's case. The module is assessed through the real client interview (competent/not yet competent) and the subsequent preparation of a letter of advice. On completion of the module, students will have acquired the skills necessary for competent legal practice and will have had experience of handling a client interview.

Legal Technology: Innovation & Informatics

Year: 4

This module is optional

Traditional law and technology courses have looked to the regulation of new technologies, and therefore the restrictive power of law on the use and development of new technologies (in terms of privacy, intellectual property, security). This module looks at the other side of the picture; the ways in which new technological developments will influence the future development of law, legal service provision and access to justice.

Elements to include: (i) Legal Document Management (including electronic legal research, e-discovery, specialized legal databases), (ii) Legal Infrastructure (including: case management, legal lead generation, managing the firms legal business process and legal process outsourcing), Computational Law (including: legal expert systems, computable contracts, and unauthorized practice of law issues) (iv) online dispute resolution and its facilitation by expert systems (v) design thinking & visual law.

Law and the Environment

Year: 4

This module is optional

In light of growing scientific, public and political concern about multiple ecological 'crises', it has never been more essential to consider how the law can best be used to manage the environment in a sustainable way. However, this is not a wholly new challenge for the law. This module will introduce students to the main forces shaping the evolution of environmental law and key debates around the most effective forms of environmental regulation, as well as exploring how these are reflected in specific areas of environmental law.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

Each module of study usually involves a weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. In addition, students are required to undertake substantial directed independent learning. Generally, three modules are studied per semester on the full time programme.

Start dates

  • September 2024

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The principal teaching methods on this course are lecture, seminar and independent learning. The lectures are largely expository but student participation in seminars in the form of question and answer sessions is encouraged. Assessment typically involves sitting an examination or submitting coursework or a combination of the two. Coursework is assessed in a variety of ways, including essays, case studies, presentations, tests and mooting.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

- the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor

- the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement

- the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20).

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars). The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance). Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing  


Belfast Campus Location

The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.

Find out more about our Belfast Campus.

Campus Address

Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP

T: 02870 123 456

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Introduction to Law

Year: 1

This module covers basic legal principles and concepts, enabling students to understand the United Kingdom's legal system, its structure and organisation. This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to study law. This module continues the induction process and also offers students an opportunity to obtain information about careers and personal development and to observe the legal system in practice, via court visits and events such as guest speakers.

Criminal Law

Year: 1

Criminal law is the body of statute and common law that has developed in an attempt to protect society from certain activities that have been deemed socially harmful. The module develops students' knowledge of the criminal law, and essential skills for legal study. Students will test their ability to apply the law to problem scenarios as well as learning to identify and critique problems with the law evaluate arguments for and against change.

Exploring Law

Year: 1

This module introduces basic legal principles and concepts, and enables students to understand the structure and organisation of the legal system in the UK (with a particular emphasis on Northern Ireland). It introduces students to the concepts of reflective and independent learning, and provides them with the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment required for the study of law as a discipline. This module continues the induction process and offers the students an opportunity to obtain information about careers and personal development. Formal assessment on this module is by an online assessment exercise and coursework.

Criminal law

Year: 1

Criminal law provides the ideal vehicle to study both common law and legislation and develop an understanding of the relationship between law in Northern Ireland and the law in England and Wales. Students learn the scope and content of criminal law and understand the need for reform in certain areas through academic commentary and critical discussion and evaluation. In examining the principle and substance of criminal law students also gain the opportunity to develop skills in legal reasoning and analysis.

Introduction to Property Law

Year: 1

This module provides students with introductory knowledge of property law in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. Key topics include the concept of property rights in land; nature and history of property rights in Northern Ireland; methods for acquisition of property interests in Northern Ireland and England & Wales; adverse possession in Northern Ireland and England & Wales; leases; licences; etc.

Public Law

Year: 1

A thorough knowledge of the constitutional basis is necessary in order to appreciate the powers and responsibilities of government and the limit to its competence. This module examines the constitutional arrangements of the UK, dealing in detail with constitutional matters that affect Northern Ireland, allowing students to appreciate the powers and responsibilities of both central and devolved government and the limit to the competences of each tier of government. The module also explores the history and evolution of the constitutional norms that shape UK legal constitutional discourse. Students are also introduced to the Human Rights Act 1998 and to the theory of, procedure for, and the grounds for judicial review.

Public Law

Year: 1

Students by the end of this module should have a good grasp of the constitutional arrangements within the United Kingdom including: institutions of government, key principles underpinning the constitution of the United Kingdom, the arrangements for devolved governance in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the importance of European Union Law as a source of law within the constitution of the United Kingdom, the legal protection of human rights and civil liberties, mechanisms of accountability within constitutional law, especially judicial review, and proposed reforms and debates surrounding such reforms.

Law of Tort

Year: 1

The law of tort plays a central role in the modern legal system. This module provides comprehensive coverage of the principles of the law of tort and a detailed understanding of historical and contemporary caselaw. Students will have multiple and varied opportunities to problem solve real-life scenarios and engage in class debates on core developments in the law.

Administrative Law

Year: 1

This module seeks to explore the fundamental legal principles that underpin administrative law in the UK. This module enables students to understand how government operates and how public power is exercised. This module aims to develop students understanding of administrative law in the United Kingdom. It aims to equip students with an understanding of the principles and ideas with which administrative law is concerned and to prepare them to think critically about these issues.

Administrative Law in Practice

Year: 1

This module seeks to explore the fundamental legal principles that underpin administrative law in the UK. This module enables students to understand how government operates and how public power is exercised. This module aims to develop students understanding of administrative law in the United Kingdom. It aims to equip students with an understanding of the principles and ideas with which administrative law is concerned and to prepare them to think critically about these issues.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Year: 1

This module will give students an insight into the workings of the civil litigation system in Northern Ireland before embarking upon the forms of ADR that have developed to circumvent the disadvantages of civil litigation.

Legal Theory

Year: 1

The module provides an introduction to legal theory, including fundamental theoretical perspectives on the relationship between law and morality and their application to contemporary debates. It aims to explore the work of legal theorists such as Rawls and Dworkin, with a view to providing students with a solid theoretical background that will enable them to place legal issues in a wider context. In addition, the module will develop the students' powers of reasoning and increase their awareness of the relevance of theoretical issues to practical ones. Part I of the course deals with key theories and Part II with key concepts. Part II examines how the concepts arise in actual cases, which also provides an opportunity to consider the nature of judicial reasoning and the theories put forward in Part I.

Year two

Contract Law

Year: 2

The module will provide a basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding and developing analysis of the key concepts, problems and issues in the law of contract. The theories, principles and rules of the law of contract will be explained. The module will address the key features of contract law including formation of contract, contractual terms, exclusion and limitation clauses, vitiating factors, discharge of contract and remedies.

Land Law

Year: 2

This module provides students with the opportunity to study Land Law (which is considered to be a core subject in the study of law) in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. The professional bodies require law school graduate entrants to have studied Land Law at Degree Level. This module (together with Introduction to Property Law) satisfies the requirements of the professions in both jurisdictions.

European Law

Year: 2

This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union. The module also introduces students to the central areas within the market integration process, namely free movement of goods and persons. After the Treaties of Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon, the impact of EU law has expanded even further than before. This module examines the development of European Law, the institutional structure and processes as well as the relationship between European Law and national law.

Land Law

Year: 2

This module provides students with the opportunity to study Land Law (which is considered to be a core subject in the study of law) in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. The professional bodies require law school graduate entrants to have studied Land Law at Degree Level. This module (together with Introduction to Property Law) satisfies the requirements of the professions in both jurisdictions.

Introduction to Property Law

Year: 2

This module provides students with an introduction to the core concepts of property law in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. This module will directly prepare you for further detailed study of property law at level 5 (Land Law) and at level 6 (Equity and Trusts) as well as complementing the study of aspects of Tort, Contract and even Criminal Law. Completion of this module and Land Law (LAW311) in semester 2 year 2 allows you to meet the requirements of the professional bodies (in respect of property law) in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales.

European Law

Year: 2

This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union and the development of the European Union from its original inception as the European Community. The importance of law in the development of the European Union as a 'supranational organisation' is examined in the context of concepts such as supremacy and direct effect contributing to enforcement of EU law. The module also introduces students to some central areas within the market integration process as well as contemporary issues such as the legal ramifications of BREXIT.

Law of Tort

Year: 2

The law of tort plays a central role in the modern legal system, and it is important that anyone engaged in a study of law should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of the law of tort. This module will explore those principles in detail and will enable students to apply the principles to practical problems and real-life situations.

Contract law

Year: 2

The module will provide a basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding and developing analysis of the key concepts, problems and issues in the law of contract. The theories, principles and rules of the law of contract will be explained. The module will address the key features of contract law including, formation of contract, exclusion clauses, vitiating factors, discharge of contract and remedies

Intellectual Property Law

Year: 2

Intellectual property law module will teach students the core principles and concepts of copyright, patents, trade-marks, trade secrets, passing-off, and design rights in the United Kingdom, European Union and selected international jurisdictions for comparative effects. The practical effects and implications of these rights, ranging from recent controversies on digital copyright management and file-sharing to the wider issues on ownership and access rights, will form part of the discourse in lectures and seminars.

Public International Law

Year: 2

The module will help the student develop a deep understanding of the complex and specialised area of public international law. Students will be encouraged to develop an in-depth critical understanding of both the content of public international law standards and the various means by which they are enforced. It will build upon knowledge in previous modules and will also act as a foundational basis which will enable learners to study issues in greater detail in subsequent modules in year three, including human rights. A dedicated feedback session will be provided to students for both group and one-to-one feedback on work submitted.

Public International Law

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module will help the student develop a deep understanding of the complex and specialised area of public international law. Students will be encouraged to develop an in-depth critical understanding of both the content of public international law standards and the various means by which they are enforced. It will build upon knowledge in previous modules and will also act as a foundational basis which will enable learners to study issues in greater detail in subsequent modules in year three, including human rights.

Jurisprudence

Year: 2

This module is optional

The aim of this module is to develop a theoretical enquiry into the nature, purpose, limits and value of law. More specifically, the aims are to consider a range of legal theories and to ask broad philosophical questions about law and its relation to justice and the concept of 'legitimacy'. The module explores the source of authority of legal rules and encourages students to engage in criticism in relation to certain conceptions of authority.

Business and Commercial Law

Year: 2

This module is optional

Business activities often create conflicts of expectations and interests between those seeking to profit through enterprise and third parties who interact with business organisations. This module enables students to acquire a thorough knowledge of the legal regulation in key areas such as employment and sales law. The module attempts to give students a clear conceptual understanding of the business and commercial law and to equip students to use their knowledge in the solution of common commercial problems.

Law of Tort

Year: 2

This module is optional

The law of tort plays a central role in the modern legal system, and it is important that anyone engaged in a study of law should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of the law of tort. This module will explore those principles in detail and will enable students to apply the principles to practical problems and real-life situations.

Public Interest Litigation

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module examines the process of mounting public interest litigation challenges and considers the role played by public interest litigation in the wider democratic process.

Year three

Diploma in International Academic Studies

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks. The placement normally takes place after Year 2 and is open to all Law students who have successfully completed Year 1 of the course.

Professional Practice - Law

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Year four

Law of Evidence

Year: 4

The Law of Evidence is key to understanding the judicial system. This module examines the fundamental principles of, and a number of important and controversial issues in, the modern law of evidence. Students will learn to apply the key rules and understand the exercise of judicial discretion on the admission of evidence to court and be encouraged to critique and challenge current rules and practice. The module complements other law modules, particularly criminal law.

Equity and Trusts

Year: 4

This module will explore the equitable jurisdiction through its historical development as well as the impact it continues to have on contemporary legal practice. This will be through the prism of examining its greatest creation, the trust. This will explore the creation of express trusts through the three certainties, beneficiary principle and formalities and constitution. This module will also cover implied trusts as well as the duties that will be bestowed upon trustees when they take up a position of trusteeship as well as the rights that a beneficiary under such a trust will have.

Law of Evidence

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will provide students with access to a comprehensive programme of study which will examine fundamental principles of the law of evidence, amd analyse a number of important and controversial issues in the modern law. It will also provide students with an understanding of the operation of evidential rules within the civil and criminal justice systems in a manner which accords with national professional standards.

Transitional Justice

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module explores the real-life dilemmas negotiated in countries emerging from dictatorship and conflict. These include whether legal mechanisms can assist in achieving truth, justice, and/or reconciliation; or whether these goals are sometimes antithetical. The module will enable students to engage with international humanitarian law and human rights law, and in particular. The module also serves as an introduction to concepts and issues that are explored in greater depth in the LLM in Human Rights and Transitional Justice offered at the University of Ulster.

Medical Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The aim of this module is to examine the law's involvement with medicine and to raise ethical and contextual awareness of selected medical topics.

Surveillance and the Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module explores and evaluates the legal framework within which surveillance operates in the United Kingdom. Considering the role of surveillance in society, the relationship between surveillance, privacy rights and fair trial rights is evaluated with specific reference to data protection, interception of communications, directed and intrusive surveillance, official secrecy, the security and intelligence services and recent developments in relation to identity and identity theft. Plus the role and impact of social media and the digital footprint we all leave behind.

Employment law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The importance of the employment relationship between employers, employees, unions and other statutory bodies and agencies is such that a thorough knowledge of both the context and the substantive law is necessary for those involved in this area in any capacity. The module attempts to provide the basis for this knowledge and to put students in the position where they may not only have an understanding of the law both conceptually and substantively, but also be in a position to use that knowledge prophylactically and in the solution of problems.

Media Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The study of media law requires students to understand basic legal principles in such areas as freedom of speech, intellectual property, contempt of court, defamation, parliamentary privilege and copyright. It also requires the students to acquire certain skills, such as those of instant recall, analysis, argumentation and articulation, and the ability to apply legal principles to practical problems. This module provides the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment to acquire such knowledge and skills.

Land: Rights, Resources and the Environment

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module explores this tension between the conception of land as a bundle of rights and land as a resource for the common good, with a particular focus on environmental concerns. The module will consider: the relationship(s) between land owners/users and the state; fundamentals of environmental law; land, human rights and the environment; planning and the environment; conservation of the natural environment; land as a diminishing resource (flooding and coastal erosion) and trespass/control of access to land.

Social Justice

Year: 4

This module is optional

An understanding of the relationship between the state and citizen, and the contractual and moral obligations of each, is the key to understanding the changing nature of the law as it relates to social justice issues. This module explores the way in which the law deals with social justice issues by providing insight into the effects of Government policies, legislation and case law on these issues. The module is centred around the theme of poverty and its relationship with other social justice themes like crime control, social control, conflict, health, and social exclusion, its impact on vulnerable groups and the treatment of those vulnerable groups, and its implications for citizenship and society.

Housing law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides the student with a detailed understanding of the legal issues related to housing. Considering initially the nature of law, the legal system and human rights, the module focuses particularly upon relevant aspects of property law, such as the law of landlord and tenant, as well as related issues such as anti-social behaviour and occupier's liability.

Street Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

Street Law is a practical, placement based law module to allow students to develop their legal skills outside the classroom, and appreciate law in society. The module is based primarily in schools groups where students work in pairs over an 8 week placement period and 'teach' law to young people, act as a resource for schools and their pupils, and work with schools and young people to develop subject appropriate information sessions. The practical, professional and transferable skills gained from this are unique to this module and provide students with the opportunity to see first hand how law can impact on young people's attitudes and knowledge, as well as providing students with the academic development necessary for a level 6 module.

Human Rights Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module builds on other law modules in terms of examining fundamental principles underlying the legislative process as a whole. Through an indepth analysis of human rights protection at a range of levels, (internationally, regionally and domestically) students will have the opportunity to explore key areas of concern on both a theoretical level and through case studies on a more practical basis.

Human Rights Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module enables students to master the complex area of human rights law. Students will be encouraged to develop an in-depth critical understanding of both the content of human rights law standards and the various means by which it is enforced. Students will come to see both the strengths and weaknesses of human rights law and to appreciate the system of international, regional and national enforcement mechanisms which seek to protect and promote human rights.

Dissertation - Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of independent, scholarly research in a chosen area of law and present that research in the form of a 6,000 written dissertation.

Law of Armed Conflict

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module examines the role of international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict and the extent to which it applies to military operations in societies emerging from conflict. International humanitarian law may play a role in mitigating the effects of the use of armed force, for example in regulating the conduct of hostilities and in the protection of civilians; but it also permits high levels of violence provided certain core rules are observed.

Law, film and visual culture

Year: 4

This module is optional

Law, Film and Visual Culture is a deliberately alternative approach to the traditional study of law, both in terms of the basic materials used to ground an approach to the topics under study, and in the teaching arrangements. It is an attempt to foster a developed spirit and capacity in critical intelligence in relation to the cultural make-up of the social environment and thus aims for wide applicability and to break the notion of law as confined to a specific arena.

Law and the Family

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module explores the ways in which the law regulates the family and deals with issues such as marital breakdown, domestic violence, and child abuse. As well as critically addressing this range of issues, it also provides insights into the forces that shape family law, and render it less of a private area of activity than is sometimes thought. Family law is an area of concern to policy-makers, social scientists and politicians alike, as well as lawyers, and is a subject of continued, heated, debate.

Legal Practice (UG Law Clinic)

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is taught using clinical legal education and is designed to introduce students to the knowledge and skills required for legal practice. Through the facts of a mock social security case, students will open and manage a client file, conduct a client interview, identify the relevant legal issues, research the legal issues, determine the best course of action in the case and prepare a letter of advice to the client. This will be done in the Ulster University Law Clinic using the same procedures and methods as are employed there when dealing with real cases. The module will culminate in students conducting a live client interview, to gather information about a real client's case. The module is assessed through the real client interview (competent/not yet competent) and the subsequent preparation of a letter of advice. On completion of the module, students will have acquired the skills necessary for competent legal practice and will have had experience of handling a client interview.

Legal Technology: Innovation & Informatics

Year: 4

This module is optional

Traditional law and technology courses have looked to the regulation of new technologies, and therefore the restrictive power of law on the use and development of new technologies (in terms of privacy, intellectual property, security). This module looks at the other side of the picture; the ways in which new technological developments will influence the future development of law, legal service provision and access to justice.

Elements to include: (i) Legal Document Management (including electronic legal research, e-discovery, specialized legal databases), (ii) Legal Infrastructure (including: case management, legal lead generation, managing the firms legal business process and legal process outsourcing), Computational Law (including: legal expert systems, computable contracts, and unauthorized practice of law issues) (iv) online dispute resolution and its facilitation by expert systems (v) design thinking & visual law.

Law and the Environment

Year: 4

This module is optional

In light of growing scientific, public and political concern about multiple ecological 'crises', it has never been more essential to consider how the law can best be used to manage the environment in a sustainable way. However, this is not a wholly new challenge for the law. This module will introduce students to the main forces shaping the evolution of environmental law and key debates around the most effective forms of environmental regulation, as well as exploring how these are reflected in specific areas of environmental law.

Company Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the body of rules and principles of law which regulate public and private companies. It is of practical significance to all those who wish to make a career in, or have dealings with, such companies.

Advocacy

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in professional written advocacy through the use of practical legal documents such as writs, civil bills, skeleton arguments, opinions and affidavits. It will also provide students with the opportunity to get 'on their feet' and deliver their arguments to the court or have the opportunity to question witnesses in the simulated cases that will form the basis of the module.

Women's Rights, Gender, and the Law

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module examines the international legal instruments for the guarantee of women's civil and political rights and economic and social rights will be examined for students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the basic texts and the international monitoring mechanisms. Detailed attention is accorded to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979. The impact of certain conceptual assumptions within international law, and human rights law in particular, that militates against the adequate protection of women's rights are considered.

Crime in the City

Year: 4

This module is optional

Crime in the City examines the numerous aspects to corporate crime and the extent to which corporations have to be aware of potential criminal liability. This not only extends to the corporation but also those working for corporations. The module will provide students with the opportunity to examine the key concepts arising in corporate crime and how they apply in practice.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

ABB.

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of D*DD

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2016 Suite)

Award profile of DDM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade A

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade B

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of D plus A Level Grades AB

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate(2016 Suite)

Award profile of D plus A Level Grades AB

Irish Leaving Certificate

128 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBBC.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades BBC.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 27 points (including 13 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 70% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

Pass HND with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions in level 5 credits.

Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 105 distinctions in level 4 credits.

Successful completion of any Ulster University Foundation Degree with an average of 60% in Level 5 modules. (Entry into Year One only)

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.

Exemptions and transferability

The professional bodies that accredit LLB degrees place restrictions on the extent to which credit can be given for study undertaken on other courses and/or at other institutions. Provided that a candidate has met the standard entrance requirements for the course, consideration will be given (subject to these restrictions) to an application to transfer or for exemption from specific modules. No transfer or exemption is possible at level 6.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Ulster graduates have gone on to study law at postgraduate level both at Ulster University and other institutions (e.g. Masters courses such as the LLM, or doctoral studies); others are now in practice as solicitors or barristers, having completed the Certificate in Professional Legal Studies. Others have pursued careers in related areas such as the business and finance sector, human resources, politics and the community sector.

Work placement / study abroad

To enhance the student experience, at the end of year two of undergraduate study, many students opt to participate in a number of year-long programmes, including StudyUSA, the Erasmus scheme and the International Student Exchange Programme. In participating in these schemes, student fees are paid and a small stipend provided to assist with the purchase of books and such like.

The work placement module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student’s employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Professional recognition

Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)

Recognised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI) for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

The qualifying law degree is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for the purposes of satisfying the academic stage of training.

Bar Standards Board

Accredited by the Bar Standards Board for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.

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Start dates

  • September 2024

Fees and funding

2024/25 Fees

Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Prizes are sponsored by some of the foremost law firms in Northern Ireland, leading NGOs and legal publishing houses. The School believes that hard work and talent should be rewarded and, as such, the range of prizes on offer within the Law School provide an excellent means of facilitating student engagement with the legal professions and with community based organisations more broadly.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


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