This 4-year programme gives you the opportunity to gain a rigorous legal education and study law in another European country, broadening your horizons and boosting your employability. Designed to challenge and inspire future legal professionals, this course is formally accepted by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council of England and Wales.
Having mastered the qualifying law degree subjects in your first 2 years, you'll spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions in a European country. Most destinations offer modules taught in English. For others you can spend 2 years studying the language before you go. We currently have partners in Athens, Bergen, Bologna, Fribourg, Granada, Leuven, Lyon, Malta, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm and Vienna. As well as gaining valuable insights into a different legal system, you'll develop the confidence and independence that comes from living in another country.
You’ll return to Southampton for your final year, during which you'll take a number of optional modules and complete your dissertation. Our unique employability skills programme will ensure you consolidate what you learn through exceptional work experience and networking opportunities. As part of your degree you can experience law in action by applying to shadow a senior member of the judiciary in the High Court or Court of Appeal. Work alongside legal professionals to advise students at the Law Clinic in housing, business and family law. You'll engage with our academic research groups including the Stefan Cross Centre for Women, Equality and Law, and the Institute of Maritime Law. Hone your presentation skills on the Streetlaw programme and take part in a range of competitions to enhance your skills, including the Womble Bond Dickinson Team Building Challenge and regional, national and international mooting and negotiation competitions. By studying modules outside of law you can broaden your knowledge with interdisciplinary study.
You can forge even stronger links within our friendly community by joining a student-run society such as the Law Society, Inns of Court Society, Mooting Society, Lawyers without Borders and the Canadian Law Society.
You will have access to excellent learning facilities to support your studies. These include superb library resources including comprehensive collections in all the main subject areas such as contract law, property law, maritime law, criminal justice and public law. You can also access European and international resources, all housed in the main University library.
We provide anytime access to an extensive range of electronic resources such as Westlaw, Lexis and Lawtel. Practise your advocacy skills in our purpose-built moot room
Course Details - Modules
This is a full-time degree course taught over four years with a year of study at a European university in the third year.
When you arrive, you will take part in a comprehensive induction exercise designed to help you get to know your fellow students and develop your teamwork skills in preparation for starting your first-year law studies.
During years one and two, you will study compulsory modules that cover the ‘foundations of legal knowledge’ (such as criminal law, contract and land law) required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board in order to achieve a qualifying law degree.
The first year also includes compulsory Legal Systems and Legal Skills modules, the former designed to build your understanding of the legal system and the latter to develop the key analytical skills that are essential to success in your studies and your future career.
Your module choices increase as you progress through the course. In year one, you will choose one of two specially designed optional modules, Historical Development of the Common Law or Philosophical Perspectives on the Common Law, which will help you put the law into a broader context of time and theory.
In year two, you can choose two modules from a range that includes criminal justice, health care law, commercial, maritime, family, employment and data protection law.
You can also opt to study a language in preparation for your year abroad, although some partner institutions offer tuition in English.
In the final year, you will choose six optional modules from a range of 20 to 25 subjects. Topics include home ownership, youth justice, cybercrime law, insurance, maritime and commercial law, child support law, human rights and public international law, criminal justice, international trade and intellectual property law. You may choose to take an interdisciplinary module, depending on your interests, for example, in global challenges or social enterprise, or perhaps a language module.
In addition to your six optional modules, you will take the compulsory Legal Research and Writing module, which further develops your independent research skills and culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation. You choose the research topic and complete your dissertation with support from your academic supervisor. For the most up to date information on modules, please visit our website [https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/european-legal-studies-degree-llb#modules]
European studies
You will spend your third year at one of our Erasmus partner institutions, studying aspects of the legal system and substantive law of your chosen country. You will be required to take four modules or the equivalent in each semester.
Current exchange destinations include:
University of Athens, Greece
Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy
Université Paris-Sud II, France
L’Université Lumiere Lyon II, France
University of Malta, Malta
University of Granada, Spain
Katholieke Universitet Leuven, Belgium
Université de Fribourg, Switzerland
University of Vienna, Austria
University of Bergen, Norway
University of Oslo, Norway
University of Stockholm, Sweden
Your year abroad will:
increase your personal confidence, opening up a wider range of career options, and broaden your life experience
develop your knowledge of a different legal system, showing intellectual curiosity
improve your language skills
Our students return to their fourth-year studies with a more mature, independent outlook and greater confidence – qualities that will impress recruiters in today’s global job market
Course Details – Assessment Method
You will learn through a combination of lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials, and through independent study. Our inspiring academics use a range of teaching methods to enhance your learning experience, for example, highly interactive lectures that incorporate digital voting tools and social media.
Group exercises, problem-solving tasks and case studies are also used to embed your knowledge and to apply it to real-world scenarios and current topics.
Modules are assessed through exams and/or written assignments. Your dissertation also contributes to your final degree classification. You will receive feedback on your progress from your tutors and formative assessments will help you identify areas for improvement.
Facilities
You will have access to excellent learning facilities to support your studies. These include superb library resources including comprehensive collections in all the main subject areas such as contract law, property law, maritime law, criminal justice and public law. You can also access European and international resources, all housed in the main University library.
We provide anytime access to an extensive range of electronic resources such as Westlaw, Lexis and Lawtel. Practise your advocacy skills in our purpose-built moot room.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
M125
Institution code:
S27
Campus Name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Typical offers: AAA from 3 A levels or AA from two A levels and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subject
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Typical offer: AAA
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: AAB to include grade A in the EPQ
Contextual offer: AAB
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers typically exclude General Studies, Art, Art & Design, Dance, Moving Images, Photography, Physical Education, Practical Art, Practical Music, Sharia Law, Sports Studies, Textiles and Travel & Tourism
Restricted subjects are Critical Thinking, Community & Culture, Design & Technology, Drama, Divinity, Film Studies, Health & Social Care, Media Studies, Performing Arts, Theatre Studies, and World Development. This means we can only accept these subjects as one of your three total A levels.
LNAT (Law National Admissions Test) is not required.
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
DD in the Law or Applied Law BTEC Diploma (these are the only BTEC subjects accepted) plus A grade from one A-level
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
We welcome applications from returners to learning who are over 23 years of age at the start of your proposed degree programme. You will be required to undertake a test and interview to determine your academic suitability to pursue the programme.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.http://www.southampton.ac.uk/assets/imported/transforms/content-block/UsefulDownloads_Download/76EAE52F749841A39C1965E3F54CDD76/university-of-southampton-curriculum-for-excellence-scotland-statement-July%202016.pdf for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Where A levels requirements are specified in specific subjects, applicants would be expected to offer these at Advanced Higher Level (or in some case Higher Level).
GCSE – Grade C/ Grade 4
Standard Grade – Grade 3
National 5 – Grade C
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
DDD in the Law or Applied Law BTEC Extended Diploma (these are the only BTEC subjects accepted)
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
D in the Law or Applied Law BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (these are the only BTEC subjects accepted) plus AA from two A levels
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
DD in the Law or Applied Law BTEC National Diploma (these are the only BTEC subjects accepted) plus A from one A-level
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
DDD in the Law or Applied Law BTEC National Extended Diploma (these are the only BTEC subjects accepted)
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
All applicants would be required to have achieved a grade of O4 in Mathematics and English, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/4.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
D in the Law or Applied Law BTEC National Extended Certificate (these are the only BTEC subjects accepted) plus AA from two A levels
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We welcome students with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate.
LNAT (Law National Admissions Test) is not required.
English Language proficiency for international students: All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. For more information on the University of Southampton’s English Language entry requirements, please see the English Language Proficiency webpage at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page.
For more details on the suitability of your qualifications please contact the Faculty Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.SS@southampton.ac.uk.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course