Study for a law degree in Jersey LLB degree awarded by the University of London University of London LLB Tuition provided by The Institute of Law in Jersey offers tuition to students enrolled for the experienced UK University of London LLB law degree through the University of academics and London International Programmes. Formerly known as the External Jersey-based lawyers System, these programmes have been available to students since at the Institute of Law 1858 and make the internationally renowned awards of the University in Jersey of London accessible to students studying across the globe - including in Jersey. Small, friendly supportive Full details of the LLB degree are in the University’s prospectus environment where (available from the Institute) and online at: everyone is treated as www.londoninternational.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergrad an individual uate/panel/law/ Study full-time or part- The University is responsible for designing the syllabus, providing time over 3 to 4 years study materials (in print and online), setting and marking the examinations, and awarding the degree. Graduate entry route over 2 to 3 years The Institute of Law Qualifying Law Degree Founded in 2008, the Institute is a ‘boutique’ law school providing recognised by the teaching for students studying for a law degree, qualifying as legal professions in advocates and solicitors of the Royal Court of Jersey, and continuing England and Wales professional development training. It is a not-for-profit body. The and in the Channel Institute is based at Law House, 1 Seale Street in smart, newly Islands refurbished premises opposite the Town Hall in St Helier. As well as teaching rooms equipped with smart boards, a student common room Tuition for the 2014- and wi-fi, Law House is home to the Jersey Law Library. 2015 academic year starts in mid- Why study for a law degree? September 2014 Many people study for a law degree as a stepping-stone towards We recommend qualifying as a lawyer. The legal profession in Jersey offers a wide applying as early as range of interesting work – everything from helping people cope with possible; we family breakdown and enabling local firms to do business, to providing recommend applying legal advice in relation to complex international financial transactions. to the Institute no later As well as roles with law firms, lawyers are employed by the Law than the end of August Officers’ Department dealing with criminal prosecutions and a variety For more information: of work for the States of Jersey. For further information about how to become a lawyer in Jersey, see our ‘Routes to Qualification as a (01534) 826060 Jersey Advocate or Jersey Solicitor’ guide on the Institute website manager@lawinstitute www.lawinstitute.ac.je under the ‘Law degree’ tab. .ac.je A law degree is not, however, just for lawyers. Law as a way of www.lawinstitute.ac.je regulating society is an interesting subject in its own right. This is studied from a variety of perspectives: historical, political and 2014-2015 philosophical. Prospectus Above all, a law degree teaches clear and precise thinking and communication – skills that are needed in any walk of life. You learn Jersey edition how to construct and criticise arguments, and how to deal with complex and contradictory evidence. Law degree tuition in Jersey 2014-2015 Tuition arrangements The Institute’s role for students studying for the LLB degree is to provide: face-to-face tuition facilities, including access to the law library, study space and a student common room feedback on written assignments opportunities for students to work together in a supportive environment personnel development planning a mentoring scheme with Jersey-based lawyers. LLB teaching is provided by highly experienced UK academics — the ‘flying faculty’ — who are in the Island for Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning classes. Teaching for each subject takes place during two of these sessions – the teaching timetable will be confirmed at the start of each academic year. There are 7-8 hours of tuition during these study weekends. There will be some lectures but the focus is on discussion-led teaching and active learning. During the week there are small group tutorials led by Jersey-based tutors, most of whom are legal practitioners. These will focus on discussing past examination questions and developing further legal thinking and writing skills. Like any law degree, independent study is a key aspect of learning. Full-time students should expect to spend at least 16-20 hours a week reading cases, legislation and academic texts in preparation for the teaching sessions and working on written assignments; for part-time students, the workload is less. The Institute is open 7 days a week for students who want to study in Law House. There are two 12-week semesters: late September to Christmas; and after a month’s break, January to the Easter. Revision sessions take place after Easter in the run-up to the May-June examinations (held at Highlands College in Jersey). Subjects studied The University’s programme of study covers all the subjects required in a ‘qualifying law degree’ recognised by the legal professions in England and Wales and Jersey. For full-time students on the standard degree, the programme structure is as follows: Year 1 Common Law Reasoning and Institutions — an introduction to legal skills and the legal system in England and Wales Criminal Law — looking at the key concepts of English criminal law and a range of offences and defences Public Law — dealing with the British constitution from a legal perspective, including human rights and an introduction to the European Union Elements of the Law of Contract — how contracts are formed and what happens when they are breached Year 2 Land Law — study of the general principles of land ownership in England and Wales, landlord and tenant relationships, licences to use land, easements, covenants, mortgages and adverse possession. Law of Trusts — this subject looks at the concept of a ‘trust’ in English law, how they may be created, the role of trustees and their powers, how trusts may be varied, and remedies for breach of trust. Law of Tort — including negligence, occupiers’ liability, intentional torts such as assault, nuisance, defamation, and defences. 2 Law degree tuition in Jersey 2014-2015 EU Law — the UK has been a member of the European Union (or its forerunners) since 1973. This subject looks at the operation of the EU institutions, the constitutional and administrative law of the EU, the impact of the EU on businesses and individuals. Year 3 Jurisprudence and Legal Theory — this looks at law from a variety of philosophical and sociological perspectives. One major book on legal theory is studied in depth. A 10,000-word dissertation on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the University. Teaching will start with general direction on identifying a suitable subject and how to set about researching for the project. Thereafter, there will be regular supervisions at which an academic will read drafts and provide guidance. Two optional subjects — the Institute currently teaches Commercial Law, International Protection of Human Rights and Company Law, but other subjects may be available if there is sufficient demand. In addition, students work on a law skills portfolio in their final year. Full-time or part-time study For students studying at degree-level for the first time, 12 subjects must be studied. If you study full time, you take 4 subjects a year and complete the course in 3 years; part-study consists of 2 or 3 subjects a year, which will take 4 or more years, depending on how intensively you want to study. Graduate entry route If you have already graduated with a degree in another subject it is possible to obtain the LLB by taking 9 subjects rather than the full 12. This will take two or three years, depending on how intensively you want to study. The Graduate Entry LLB is a good alternative to a graduate diploma in law (GDL) as you end up with a full ‘qualifying law degree’ recognised in a wider range of jurisdictions than the GDL and you have a broader and deeper education in law. The LLB programme does, however, take longer to complete than a GDL. Pros and cons of studying with the Institute Studying at the Institute in Jersey will not be right for everyone. The Institute cannot offer the ‘full university experience’ associated with attending a large law school; what we offer is different and will suit some students who are looking for an alternative. The University of London International Programmes. A LLB degree from the University of London can be used as a stepping-stone to qualifying as a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales and is recognised in many other jurisdictions around the world. The same high academic standards are expected of students on the International Programme as those studying at the law schools in the University of London’s colleges (UCL, King’s, LSE, Queen Mary, SOAS and Birkbeck). Study in a small group. Almost all UK law schools have grown in recent years, often to the detriment of the close contact between experienced academics and students that was once common. At the Institute there are no more than about 25 students in the first year and experienced law teachers run study weekends. 3 Law degree tuition in Jersey 2014-2015 Study alongside people from a mix of backgrounds. We have people from all age groups in our classes; some are studying part-time while pursuing careers. We believe that 18-year olds benefit from working alongside mid-career professionals and retired people, and vice versa.