Course Overview

Law at Online isn’t like law at other places. We’re used to doing things a bit differently – and that runs through our entire course syllabus. We’re one of the only 100% online providers offering an LLB (Hons) Law with no requirement to travel to assessment centres or complete timed examinations.
Our programme is ideal for aspiring barristers and solicitors, as it will enable you to progress onto a Bar Practice Course and prepare you in part for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This course also incorporates practical assessments and real-life scenarios to help reflect the new SQE regime.
This academically rigorous course will start by covering the essentials of using online resources for your law studies. The second module in the English Law System, which will give you a robust basis for your future studies in a wide range of legal areas including:

• criminal law, burden of proof and proposal for reform
• legally enforceable contracts and the factors that render them unenforceable
• tortious liability, negligence and duty of care
• real property law, easements, covenants and mortgages
• public law, how the constitution works in these changing times

You will also have the choice of completing your studies with an advanced independent programme of research into a topic of your own choosing, or the option to specialise through specialist optional modules.
As well as gaining the essential knowledge for an exciting career in law, you will gain excellent critical thinking and debating skills, honed through regular discussion forums with your fellow students. These skills will prepare you for success in a wide range of related disciplines.

Course structure

The LLB (Hons) Law is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 360 credits.
Optional modules: choose modules equal to 45 credits at Level 5; choose three at Level 6.

Level 4

• Legal Skills Context
• Criminal Law
• Public Law
• Contract Law

Level 5

• Law To Tort
• Land Law
• European Union Law
• Company Law
• Legal Professions and Services
• Business Law : Finance and Tax
• Introduction to Public International Law

Level 6

• Equity Trust
• Will and the Administration of Estates

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors
a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Study duration

Our LLB (Hons) Law has an indicative study duration of 4 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

On successful completion of your degree, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University ,Campus.

Your future

If you’re interested in qualifying as a lawyer, you can find out more about the career path here.

Legal knowledge is also highly useful in a huge rage of industries – from management, finance and human resources to education, the government and the voluntary sector.

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

• 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
• 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
• Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
• 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our LLB (Hons) Law, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

• three A-levels or equivalent

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our LLB (Hons) Law, you must meet the following criteria:

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent
• three years’ relevant work experience

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.