Law (Distance Learning), LLB (Hons)

This is a Qualifying Law Degree that you can study at your own pace from home.

This Qualifying Law Degree enables you to undertake further legal training to become a solicitor or barrister. The course also provides essential skills required in industry and, given the flexibility of distance learning, allows you to combine study with work and other commitments.

Distance-learning students come from a variety of backgrounds. They bring a stimulating mix of experiences to the Law School. Tuition is offered during intensive teaching weekends each academic year. Although attendance is not compulsory, many students find these to be a key element in their progression and ultimate success.

Wherever you live in the world, it is possible to study with Nottingham Law School and receive the same support as UK-based students. You will be welcome to join us at the intensive teaching weekends, but they are not compulsory.

Why choose this course?

• It is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board as a Qualifying Law Degree.
• You can study at your own pace with three, four or five year routes available.
• It is ideal for those who are unable to attend university full-time.
• The intensive teaching weekends each year will enable you to enhance your learning and meet staff and other students.
• If you have previously studied English Law at a minimum of first year degree-level, you may be able to gain direct entry to the second or third years.
• We have considerable experience of delivering courses to adults in employment and offer excellent support, including a range of eLearning facilities.
• Upon graduation you can apply for entry to our Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course which is the next stage of training to become a solicitor or barrister.
• 93% of our graduates are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving (Latest DLHE Survey Undergraduate results 2011/12).
• 91% of our students are satisfied with the quality of their course (NSS 2013). This is higher than the national average for an undergraduate law course.

Want to know more?

You can experience NTU for yourself at one of our open days or if you can't make it in person, take a virtual tour instead.

How many places are available?

There are approximately 60 places available for this course

What will I study?

Our skills-focused modules have been specially designed to develop your:

• analytical
• evaluative
• reasoning
• communication
• problem-solving abilities.

There is a strong focus on:

• career planning
• commercial awareness
• entrepreneurship.

In the first years you will study compulsory foundation modules required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board in order to achieve a Qualifying Law Degree.

In your final years there is an extensive range of optional Law modules. You will be encouraged to focus upon your future career at this time and will be able to select combinations that best reflect your interests and aspirations.

In order to obtain the degree you need to pass twelve subjects. The quickest way is to study four subjects each year for three years. Alternatively you can choose to study over four or five years. If you are not sure about which route to take, please ask us for advice.

Three-year track

Year One

• Law of Contract
• Legal Method
• Law of Torts
• Public Law and Human Rights

Year Two

• European Union Law
• Land Law
• Criminal Law
• Law of Trusts

Year Three

• Independent Law Research Project
• Three Law Option Modules

Four-year track

Year One

• Law of Contract
• Law of Torts
• Legal Method

Year Two

• Public Law and Human Rights
• Criminal Law
• European Union Law

Year Three

• Land Law
• Law of Trusts
• Option Module

Year Four

• Independent Research Project
• Two Option Modules

Five-year track

Year One

• Law of Contract
• Legal Method

Year Two

• Public Law and Human Rights
• Law of Torts

Year Three

• European Union Law
• Criminal Law

Year Four

• Land Law
• Law of Trusts
• Option Module

Year Five

• Independent Research Project
• Two Option Modules

Please note modules may change.

All our LLB courses operate within a common framework. This not only ensures consistently high standards but also means that should your circumstances change then we are normally able to facilitate a change in your programme and study mode. You should discuss any request to change course with your personal tutor.

How will I learn?

The teaching materials, which are supplied in hard copy, are accompanied by a teaching and preparation schedule designed to ensure your learning is on track. The University gives you access to a virtual learning environment (NOW), that provides you with online information including:

• study materials
• assignments
• previous exam papers
• course updates and emails as well as the ability to connect with other students.

The academic team has many years of experience in teaching law to distance-learners and tutors are available to discuss any academic problems by email, telephone or fax throughout the year.

During the four study weekends, teaching takes place in Nottingham. Teaching consists of some direct lectures but is principally small-group discussions, where problem-solving is a major focus.

Contact time

There are four study weekends per year where you will receive direct teaching and contact with other students. The rest of the time you will be studying via distance-learning, supported by staff who you can contact throughout the year. If you complete the course in three years you will be expected to study for an average of 22 hours per week. Alternatively, you can spread your studies over four or five years.

Where will I study?

Teaching for the four weekends will take place in Nottingham city centre. The rest of the course is studied via distance learning. Teaching dates for 2013/14 are:

• 4 - 6 October 2013
• 29 November - 1 December 2013
• 31 January - 2 February 2014
• 21 - 23 March 2014

Learn from the experts

The majority of our teaching staff are professionally qualified solicitors or barristers. Their many years of experience in legal practice ensure that the law is taught with a real-life context and with a focus upon its practical relevance and impact.

Our enthusiastic staff have won a number of awards. Rebecca Huxley-Binns, Reader in Legal Education and Co-Director of our Centre for Legal Education, has added to her Law Teacher of the Year accolade with a National Teaching Fellowship, the most prestigious award in Higher Education Teaching. Senior Lecturer and Pro Bono Director Nick Johnson also won an Outstanding Teaching Award voted for by students in recognition of his teaching and support for volunteer projects in the Law School.

What our students say

"The Academic staff at the Law School are fantastic. Whenever they can and in whatever ways they can they will help you both in your undergraduate studies and further career ambitions."

Sarah Cawley-Wilkinson, LLB (Hons) Law (Sandwich) and Bar course graduate

Welcoming students from across the world

Nottingham Trent University offers a diverse student community, with a high number of international students choosing to study here from across the world. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities to help you through all stages of being a student. Find out more about our international students' pages.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the city site. It is a vibrant place to study with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes' walk from everything Nottingham has to offer. Not only will you study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but the Law School has also invested in a mock courtroom, family courtroom and four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment.

You'll also have easy access to a great combination of facilities that include:

• café Chaucer IT area which is open 24 hours a day
• the £13 million Boots Library with learning resources specific to your course
• the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. We've recently invested a massive £90 million in these
• landmarks which provide you with an inspiring place to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.

Our virtual learning environment (NOW) which allows you to learn online at any time.