About this course
Want to make a global impact? Get into law and start making changes worldwide. With our International Law course, you'll explore law from an international perspective. Dive into global legal issues and gain a fresh outlook by choosing to stay at our Law School for your entire degree or spice up your experience by spending part of your second year or all of your third year studying abroad. Embark on your legal journey with us and see the world through a legal lens.
At Nottingham Trent University (NTU), learning means doing. You'll be immersed in a real-world environment, utilising our courtrooms and engaging in opportunities that provide hands-on experience. Studying law at NTU places you in the heart of Nottingham City Centre, offering numerous opportunities to work with our strong partnerships, established through us being one of the largest law schools in the UK.
Our students can become the change makers of tomorrow; they advocate for families without legal assistance, help small businesses achieve big changes, and lead the way in transforming policies.
We are the only UK Law School with its own on-campus teaching law firm - NLS Legal
Our award-winning on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Our practical learning environment allows our students to get involved in all aspects of the firm, from administrative and business support, such as dealing with new enquiries and being involved in monitoring risk and compliance, through to case work such as research, client interviewing, legal drafting, and even representing clients before the tribunal.
NTU is also the only UK university hosting Support Through Court's National Services - the National Helpline and National Online Service. This exclusive partnership provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical work experience.
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Experience practical teaching like no other; NLS is the only UK Law School with its own on-campus law firm - NLS Legal. -
Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools. -
Enjoy a first-class experience; 100% of International Law students are positive that the course is intellectually stimulating (NSS 2024). -
Become more than qualified; work/work-like experience and practical skills are integrated directly into your course and you have the option to study abroad in your third year.
What you’ll study
You will build on your knowledge throughout the course to develop a sound appreciation of the role of law in relation to international issues, something that is vital in an increasingly globalised employment market.
In Year Three you have the opportunity to spend a full year studying abroad at one of our partner universities. This provides an exciting chance to experience life in another country and look at law from an international perspective.
Year One
Law in Action (15 credits)
The Law in Action module complements and builds upon the Law School’s induction programme, to encourage students’ engagement, attendance and appreciation of the place of law in a wider context right from the start of their degree.
Law of Contract and Problem Solving (20 credits)
Develop your understanding of the law of contract. You will study the underlying theories and classifications of contracts and learn how to apply your knowledge to solve legal problems. You will also be introduced to the skill of mooting.
Law of Torts and Legal Reasoning (20 credits)
The law of torts concerns civil wrongs, and in this module you will learn to interpret case law, determine relevant legal principles, and assess the merits of legal reasoning.
Legal and Professional Environment (20 credits)
Gain a foundational knowledge and understanding of the legal system in England and Wales. Develop transferable intellectual, employability and professional skills.
Public Law and Research Skills (20 credits)
Examine and research constitutional law concepts to develop an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the state. Exploring the protection of liberties and fundamental rights of the individual within the UK.
International, European and Comparative Law and Group Presentation Skills (20 credits)
Gain an international and comparative perspective on the establishment, development and operation of international and European Union law, while developing team working and presentation skills.
Studying for Success in the Digital Age (5 credits)
This fully online, flexible module builds upon the Law in Action module; you will learn how to utilise online legal databases, explore approaches to legal problem solving, and be introduced to contemporary technological and sustainable considerations of law.
Year Two
Core Modules (first half year)
Criminal Law with Mooting (20 credits)
Expand your knowledge of criminal law and develop practical mooting skills that will enhance your employability. You will learn how to argue within a ground of appeal, how to research and write skeleton arguments, and how to use legal language effectively.
Land Law and Professional Advice (20 credits)
Apply rules to solve legal problems in relation to land ownership. You will study the distinction between real and personal property, and begin to draft professional advice in a property law context.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning (20 credits)
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and examine decided cases in detail. Learn how to apply your legal knowledge to the classification of property, creation and dispositions of property interests and management of trust property.
Employer Challenge (20 credits)
Work on a legal or business-related challenge set for you by a professional employer.
Second half year
Choose one of the options from below.
Option One: International Study (20 credits) | Option Two: You will study all the modules below |
|---|---|
Spend half of the academic year studying abroad at one of our partner universities*. You will study law from an international perspective and experience life in another country. *You will need to participate in the Employer Challenge prior to your departure abroad. | Public International Law (20 credits) Enhance your understanding of public international law and related current legal issues. Comparative Law (20 credits) An introduction to the essential characteristics of different foreign legal systems. Learn to critically compare and contrast these systems, both with each other and with the English legal system. Current Issues in International Law (20 credits) You will be introduced to foundational theories and current issues in international law, including access to justice, security issues, counter terrorism and criminal justice. |
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
In your third year, you may choose to either study overseas or undertake a work placement year.
Gaining a placement is a competitive process – you’ll be required to apply to a firm and complete its selection procedures. The University can’t guarantee a placement, but our Employability team will offer lots of help and advice on finding one.
Students who have chosen to study abroad have done so in countries including France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Poland.
By studying abroad you will benefit both academically and personally. You’ll experience another culture and a new way of looking at Law.
Final year
Core modules
Choose one of the following:
Law in Practice (20 credits)
This module has been designed to enable you to use legal and law-related work, paid or voluntary, for academic credit towards your degree. You will undertake at least 35 hours’ work either in one of our pro bono projects or with a law firm, advice agency, or other voluntary organisation in the UK or abroad.
Path to Professional Practice (20 credits)
Develop key transferable skills in preparation for professional practice. You will hone your legal writing, drafting, negotiation and client-interviewing skills through a series of case scenarios and related case materials.
Applied Legal Knowledge (NLS Legal) - Criminal and Business Practice (20 credits)
Learn how to put theory into practice by revisiting areas of core law modules from a practical and professional skills-based perspective, with input from the School’s teaching law firm NLS Legal.
Optional modules
Choose five modules from the following options.
You must choose at least three modules from the International Law Modules.
Optional Modules | International Law Modules |
|---|---|
Commercial Law (20 credits) Enhance your understanding of commercial law within a practical and business context. Company Law (20 credits) Acquire high-level knowledge of company law. You will solve legal problems and study a number of topics, including limited and unlimited liability, shareholder rights, and the dissolution of companies. Criminology and Criminal Justice (20 credits) Enhance your understanding of criminology and criminal justice issues. You will learn about the significance of crime statistics, the media and crime, hate crime, prisons, and sentencing. Critical Legal Thinking (20 credits) What makes a legal argument good or bad? Can legal decisions be justified by purely rational argument, or are they ultimately determined by more subjective influences? Explore these questions in this module designed for those with an interest in law, philosophy and human reasoning. Employment Law (20 credits) Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law. Evidence (20 credits) Study the rules and principles of evidence in legal proceedings, and learn how to apply the law of evidence to factual situations. Family Law (20 credits) An introduction to the principal themes of English Family Law including marriage, divorce law, civil partnership, cohabitation, protection against domestic violence, and parental responsibility. Sports Law (20 credits) Acquire knowledge of the law pertaining to the regulation of sporting activity and an appreciation of the impact of globalisation on sports law. Intellectual Property Law (20 credits)An introduction to intellectual property law, its rationales, economic function and international influences. You will gain an awareness of design law and study the law of copyright and patents. Law in Practice (20 credits) This module has been designed to enable you to use legal and law-related work, paid or voluntary, for academic credit towards your degree. You will undertake at least 50 hours’ work either in one of our pro bono projects or with a law firm, advice agency, or other voluntary organisation in the UK or abroad. Medical Law (20 credits) Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical treatment and care, and apply the law to solve medico-legal problems. Mooting (20 credits) Develop a range of advocacy techniques through the medium of mooting. This module covers a range of topics including written pleadings, courtroom etiquette, and the skills of oral advocacy. Sexuality and the Law (20 credits) Develop an awareness of the concept of sexuality from legal, moral and sociological perspectives, balancing the needs of the victim and the defendant. | Comparative Law (20 credits) An introduction to the essential characteristics of different foreign legal systems. Learn to critically compare and contrast these systems, both with each other and with the English legal system. Current Issues in International Law (20 credits) You will be introduced to foundational theories and current issues in international law, including access to justice, security issues, counter terrorism and criminal justice. International Competition Law (20 credits) Explore the differing approaches to international competition law and the key institutions and initiatives. You will develop your knowledge of the role of economic theory and consider future developments. International Criminal Justice (20 credits) An introduction to the key elements of international criminal justice - the body of laws and procedures by which individuals are held criminally responsible, at an international level, for serious offences such as genocide and war crimes. International Trade Law (20 credits) Provides the professional skills required in a modern commercial environment. You will learn about the international sale and carriage of goods, and about the application of principles to solve international trade disputes. International Research Project (20 credits) Plan, research and write your own project on international law. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide expertise and guide you throughout the process. Laws of Armed Conflict (20 credits) Develop your knowledge of the international laws relating to armed conflict, terrorism, and the self-determination of peoples. Consider the growth and scope of modern international war crimes and current debates in the field. United States Law (20 credits) Understand the essential characteristics of law in the United States and critically compare and contrast these characteristics with those of the English legal system. Human Rights (20 credits) Develop your understanding of human rights in an international context, exploring topics including the right to life, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression. Immigration and Asylum Law (20 credits) Study the principal themes of UK immigration and asylum law and consider the scope for reform. You will learn about the current legal framework of immigration, international refugee law and asylum. Public International Law * (20 credits) Enhance your understanding of public international law and related current legal issues. * Must be selected if not already chosen in Year Two. |
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
At NLS, embedding work experience and practical skills development into the curriculum is a priority focus as we know it helps produce well rounded graduates with increased employability skills. Here are just some of the ways you'll be able to get involved:
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Support Through Court
Through NLS Legal, you can gain legal work experience through our partner organisation, Support Through Court, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation (litigants in person).
NLS hosts Support Through Court Nottingham and Support Through Court National Online services, providing NLS students with hundreds of on-campus work experience opportunities every year.
Employer challenge
The Employer Challenge is an initiative designed to offer our students work-like experience during their Law degree. During your second year module, Applied Legal Knowledge - Civil Practice, you will work on a legal or business related challenge set for you by a professional employer. It is a chance for you to make a real difference to their business by working on a current or hypothetical issue facing them. After meeting with your employer and receiving your challenge, you will work to research the issue and develop your recommended solution. You, or your team, will get to present your results to your challenger a few weeks later and see what they think. There will be team and individual challenges, but you are assessed individually based on a reflective report, written by you after feedback from your challenge.
Additional opportunities
Find out more about your NLS experience, including the opportunities to engage in competitions and extra-curricular activities.
Further information on what you'll study
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
Each module is delivered through a series of lectures and linked seminars that provide you with the opportunity to enhance your understanding through further reading and debate. You will also make use of eLearning activities and will focus on project work and the application of your legal knowledge as the course progresses.
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.
Assessment methods
Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by a diverse range of methods that reflect the skills required. You will take part in:
- Oral presentations
- Mooting exercises
- Case analysis
- Research projects
- Group projects
- Problem-solving assignments
- Both seen and unseen examinations
Access to Resources
Nottingham Law School is delighted to announce that it will continue to provide access to the Oxford University Press (OUP) online resource - Law Trove.
Law Trove provides online access to a range of online resources, including over 200 textbooks published by OUP, and covers core and optional subject areas. Students on all courses will be provided with unlimited access to the resources within Law Trove in order to further enhance your experience during your time with us.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Research informed teaching
By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Law submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Careers and employability
Your career development
A Law degree is highly valued and provides a solid foundation for a variety of careers.
Upon completion of your degree you can choose to apply for one of our courses preparing you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. It also enables you to progress on to the LLM Barristers Training Course (BTC) or PGDip BTC for intending barristers.
We do encourage you to submit your application for these courses as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These courses can reach maximum capacity prior to the course start date.
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a common assessment that those wishing to qualify as a solicitor must pass. Find out more about the SQE and what it means for you.
A Law degree doesn't just have to lead to a career as a solicitor or barrister. On our LLB course you will gain a host of transferable skills including an international perspective and an appreciation of the law that many employers will value, both in the UK and overseas. In the last few years our graduates have gone on to positions including:
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- In-house counsel
- Trade mark attorney
- Trade union consultant
- Freedom of information adviser
- Human resources officer
- Investment banker
- Auditor
- Victim support caseworker
- Review and features editor
- Quantity surveyor
- Business development manager
- Sports marketing analyst
Excellent placement opportunities
You will find the work experience associated with this course invaluable in today's employment market. This is because you will gain vital real-life skills that will make you stand out from the crowd.
We will encourage you to get relevant work experience during the vacations. You will achieve our Certificate in Professional Practice if you successfully undertake ten weeks' relevant work experience.
You will be responsible for organising your own placements with the support of the University. You will receive an introduction to the Certificate and advice on securing placements in the first year.
You can work towards the University’s Developing with NTU Award, which has been designed to provide formal recognition of everything you do as an NTU student, and in your wider life, in support of your whole person development. You can also choose from these specialised employability awards: Digital Award, Global Award, Enterprise Award, Sustainability Award.
Campus and facilities
Chaucer
Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the City Campus. 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
- A family courtroom
- Four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Fantastic facilities
You'll also have access to a great combination of facilities on the City Campus, including:
- the 24-hour Boots Library, with learning resources specific to your course
- IT open areas in the Newton and Chaucer buildings
- Nottingham Trent Student Union, including sports facilities, a shop, cafes and music venues
- a range of student accommodation
We've recently invested a massive £90 million into our buildings and facilities, providing you with inspiring places to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
