Law Undergraduate programme and course information Coronavirus update: April 2020 We intend to begin the 2020-21 academic year as usual in September. This brochure reflects these intentions. We will let you know of any Why choose Law at Edinburgh? changes, and confirm start dates in our pre-arrival communications. • Established in 1707, Edinburgh Law School has been educating and training some of the world’s finest legal minds for more than Studying Law at 300 years. • We are ranked 6th in the UK and Edinburgh in the world’s top 30 universities for law in the QS World University Our Law School has a strong international Rankings by Subject 2020. reputation for research and our teaching staff • You will become part of a offer expertise across a wide range of legal fields. supportive law community and will be assigned to a LawPALS There is a vibrant student community with many group in your first year of study social, careers, and other law-related events – Edinburgh Law School’s Peer Assisted Learning Scheme throughout the year. designed to help you adapt to studying law. Our Bachelor of Laws (LLB) As a law student, you will learn about programmes will teach you the general the formal structures of our society and • During your studies you will be principles of law and how to apply the role of law in shaping society. taught by leading researchers them to specific situations and cases. from Edinburgh Law School and You will develop analytical skills Scots law practising lawyers with real world and legal research skills and learn experience. how to present an argument clearly, At Edinburgh you will study Scots law. accurately, and persuasively. Students interested in practising law • Studying in Scotland’s capital you in England or Wales need to be aware will be at the heart of Edinburgh’s legal centre, with the highest There are two facets to the study of that there are significant differences law. Firstly, it is an academic discipline, between Scots and English law. This courts in Scotland minutes away, which is studied with a view to does not preclude you from practising and you will have access to furthering modern understanding of its in other countries, and a number of some of the best academic law origins and growth, and its interaction our graduates also go on to qualify materials in Europe in our library. with related disciplines including those and practise as a lawyer in other • In year three, you may have an such as economics, politics, sociology, jurisdictions, in Europe and elsewhere opportunity to go to one of our and history. Concepts such as the around the world, in accordance partner universities in Europe, the rule of law, the independence of the with the relevant local conversion Far East, or USA. judiciary and the legal profession, and requirements and any further study access to justice for all, are at the heart required in the non-Scottish destination • You will have the opportunity of legal study. jurisdiction. to contribute to the Edinburgh Student Law Review. Managed Secondly, law has a practical aspect and written by students, it aims to which is studied with a view to Accreditation provide a forum for law students enabling you to become a practising Our LLB programmes are accredited to engage with current legal solicitor or advocate. Accurate by the Law Society of Scotland. issues and debates. problem solving and understanding You will be required to study certain • Over 90% are satisfied with the of the structures of our society which courses to graduate with a fully result from the study of law are highly quality of the programme – NSS qualifying degree. valued skills. 2018 Front cover image © http://www.nealesmith.com Our degree Studying law as part of a joint degree programmes Joint degrees are a great way to study two subjects at the same time, and Edinburgh offers many joint degrees with Law. A joint degree with law can offer Single LLB (Honours and Ordinary) many benefits: Four-year degree course Law (LLB Honours) • It shows employers that you can work across a range of disciplines. Three-year degree course Law (LLB Ordinary) • You will have the opportunity to study Two-year degree course Law (LLB Ordinary) (Graduate Entry) two subjects, have more choice with modules, as well as greater flexibility when you graduate. Joint LLB Honours • If you choose a joint degree with a modern language, law can offer real Four-year undergraduate degree Law and Accountancy (LLB Honours) insight into the structure and meaning allowing you to study law alongside Law and Business (LLB Honours) of all languages and so enhance another named academic discipline Law and Celtic (LLB Honours) language learning at a deep level. Law and Economics (LLB Honours) Law and History (LLB Honours) Note about accreditation: Our joint Law and International Relations (LLB degrees do not include all courses Honours) required to proceed to the Diploma in Law and Politics (LLB Honours) Professional Legal Practice and thereafter Law and Social Anthropology (LLB to the legal profession in Scotland. If you Honours) want to enrol in a joint programme and graduate wth a qualifying degree, you will Law and Social Policy (LLB Honours) need approval from the Law School to Law and Sociology (LLB Honours) study additional courses. Joint LLB Honours - Modern Languages As a law student it’s fantastic to be only minutes away from Four-year undergraduate degree Law and French (LLB Honours) the Scottish Parliament and allowing you to study law alongside a Law and German (LLB Honours) Scotland’s top law courts, European language Law and Spanish (LLB Honours) “ and to be so close to the institutions where the law you Students who study a joint Law will learn about is made and and Language degree are usually applied. required to spend their third year abroad Iona Bonaventura LLB Graduate 2019 Introduction to your degree: The benefits of a four-year degree LLB Honours As a Scottish University, Edinburgh offers a flexible four-year honours degree. The four-year degree offers a range of advantages. Award and tutorial hours, assessment In years one and two, you can study subjects required for the degree and hours, preparation, revision, and to practice Law in Scotland, before specialising through honours options LLB honours degree (see our degree independent study. Each semester in years three and four. This allows you to develop a breadth as well as a programmes for title) you will usually be enrolled in 60 depth of knowledge, expanding your academic range and enhancing your credits. student experience. Location The four year degree offers the opportunity to study abroad – not just for University of Edinburgh Central Area Student community language learners but across all subjects, including Law. The Law School has a vibrant and Your ‘honours’ years three and four allow you to focus on your subject Awarding body committed student community with in depth, and the fourth year dissertation – comprising a piece of a number of groups and societies The University of Edinburgh original research – represents the culmination of your degree and the for you to join including the Law demonstration of your abilities as an independent scholar. Society, the Law Students’ Council, Professional accreditation the Mooting Society, and many The added experience and intellectual depth acquired over four years is more. Edinburgh also has varied widely recognised and greatly valued by employers. The Law Society of Scotland social scene with hundreds of bars, clubs, cinemas, and music venues On completion of your four year honours degree you will be awarded an LLB. Duration throughout the city. Four years (full time) Studying abroad Academic year The Law School has a wide range of Comprises two semesters: international links and there are many opportunities for study abroad in year September to December three. We run exchange schemes January to May with partner universities in Europe, Australia, Asia, and North and South America. Living and studying abroad Time commitment can broaden your horizons, enhance This is a full time degree, yet normally your academic perspective, and help only a few hours each day will be make the most of your time as an spent in classes. Independent private undergraduate student. study – on your own or in informal study groups – is a major element in working for your degree. In general, you can expect to be doing 100 hours of study per 10 credit of course. This includes lectures, seminars, Introduction to your degree: Graduate Entry LLB The Graduate LLB is intended for those who already hold a degree level qualification and wish to obtain an undergraduate qualification in law. It is an ideal conversion course for graduates from all disciplines and nationalities wishing to pursue a career in the law. Award Time commitment LLB honours degree This is a full time degree, yet normally only a few hours each day will be spent in classes. Independent private Location study – on your own or in informal University of Edinburgh Central Area study groups – is a major element in working for your degree. In general, you can expect to be doing 100 hours Awarding body of study per 10 credits of course. The University of Edinburgh This includes lectures, seminars, and tutorial hours, assessment hours, preparation, revision, and Professional accreditation independent study. Each semester The Law Society of Scotland you will usually be enrolled in 60 credits. Duration Student community Two years (full time) The Law School has a vibrant and committed student community with Academic year a number of groups and societies Comprises two semesters: for you to join including the Law Society, the Law Students’ Council, September to December the Mooting Society, and many January to May more.