Law (distance learning) LLB (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three, four or five years
- Study Mode(s): Distance learning
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
In a fast-paced world, there’s always time to learn. With our Distance Learning Law course, you can study comfortably from home and tailor your learning experience to fit your life. Prefer in-person classes? Join us on weekends at our vibrant City Campus. Whether at home or on-campus, your future in law starts here.
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.
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. Providing a practical learning environment, you can get involved in the running of the firm, from conducting client interviews to representing them at tribunals. All NLS students can benefit from this, and our other opportunities to gain real-world experience ensuring our graduates are more than qualified at the end of their courses.
-
Experience practical teaching like no other; you may be able to gain practical experience via virtual internships, within our own teaching law firm, NLS Legal. -
Flexible learning to fit your needs; study wholly online, with the option to attend face-to-face teaching weekends, or join these sessions online through our digitally extended classroom. -
Gain a competitive edge; 100% of LLB (Hons) Law (DL) students are in employment and/or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21). -
Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools.
What you’ll study
All of our degrees are compliant with the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board for the purposes of professional qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. Upon completion of this course, you can take the next step in becoming a solicitor or barrister through our suite of professional law courses.
Successful completion of the degree requires you to pass twelve subjects. The quickest way to do this is to study four subjects in each of the three years.
Alternatively, the flexibility of the course also enables you to study over four or five years.
If you are not sure about which route to take, please ask us for advice.
Year One
Law of Contract and Problem Solving
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. You will also be introduced to the skill of mooting.
Legal and Professional Environment
An introduction to the English legal system including legal materials, techniques, context and develop future employability skills.
Law of Torts and Legal Reasoning
The law of torts concerns civil wrongs and legal liability. You will develop legal reasoning skills including the ability to analyse and interpret case law.
Public Law and Research Skills
Examine constitutional law including the relationship between the individual and the state. You will be introduced to legal research skills.
Year Two
International, European and Comparative Law and Group Presentation Skills
Gain an international and comparative perspective on the establishment, development and operation of European Union law. You will develop team working and online group presentation skills.
Land Law and Professional Advice
Explores legal and equitable rights and interests in land and develops the ability to provide professional advice.
Criminal Law with Mooting Skills
Study criminal law, enhance your analytical skills and prepare legal arguments using appropriate legal sources.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and develop the ability to examine decided cases in detail.
Year Three
Independent Legal Research Project
You will plan, research and write your own project on a chosen legal subject. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide guidance throughout the process and expertise in you chosen area. You will be asked to reflect on the skills that you have acquired during the course and how these have enhanced your employability.
Or
Law in Practice
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.
Choose three of the following optional modules:
Optional Modules
Company Law
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.
Employment Law
Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law.
Evidence
Study the rules and principles of evidence in legal proceedings, and learn how to apply the law of evidence to factual situations.
Family Law
An introduction to the principal themes of English Family Law including marriage, divorce law, civil partnership, cohabitation, protection against domestic violence, and parental responsibility.
Intellectual Property Law
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.
Medical Law
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical treatment and care, and apply the law to solve medico-legal problems.
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.
Year One
Law of Contract and Problem Solving
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.
Legal and Professional Environment
An introduction to the English legal system including legal materials, techniques, context and develop future employability skills.
Law of Torts and Legal Reasoning
The law of torts concerns civil wrongs and legal liability. You will develop legal reasoning skills including the ability to analyse and interpret case law.
Year Two
Public Law and Research Skills
Examine constitutional law including the relationship between the individual and the state. You will be introduced to legal research skills.
Criminal Law with Mooting Skills
Study criminal law, enhance your analytical skills and prepare legal arguments using appropriate legal sources.
International, European and Comparative Law and Group Presentation Skills
Gain an international and comparative perspective on the establishment, development and operation of European Union law. You will develop team working and online group presentation skills.
Year Three
Land Law and Professional Advice
Explores legal and equitable rights and interests in land and develops the ability to provide professional advice.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and develop the ability to examine decided cases in detail.
Choose one optional module from the list below.
Year Four
Independent Legal Research Project
You will plan, research and write your own project on a chosen legal subject. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide guidance throughout the process and expertise in you chosen area. You will be asked to reflect on the skills that you have acquired during the course and how these have enhanced your employability.
Or
Law in Practice
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.
Choose two optional modules from the list below.
Optional Modules
Company Law
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.
Employment Law
Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law.
Evidence
Study the rules and principles of evidence in legal proceedings, and learn how to apply the law of evidence to factual situations.
Family Law
An introduction to the principal themes of English Family Law including marriage, divorce law, civil partnership, cohabitation, protection against domestic violence, and parental responsibility.
Intellectual Property Law
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.
Medical Law
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical treatment and care, and apply the law to solve medico-legal problems.
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.
Year One
Law of Contract and Problem Solving
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.
Legal and Professional Environment
An introduction to the English legal system including legal materials, techniques, context and develop future employability skills.
Year Two
Public Law and Research Skills
Examine constitutional law including the relationship between the individual and the state. You will be introduced to legal research skills.
Law of Torts and Legal Reasoning
The law of torts concerns civil wrongs and legal liability. You will develop legal reasoning skills including the ability to analyse and interpret case law.
Year Three
International, European and Comparative Law and Group Presentation Skills
Gain an international and comparative perspective on the establishment, development and operation of European Union law. You will develop team working and online group presentation skills.
Criminal Law with Mooting Skills
Study criminal law, enhance your analytical skills and prepare legal arguments using appropriate legal sources.
Year Four
Land Law and Professional Advice
Explores legal and equitable rights and interests in land and develops the ability to provide professional advice.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and develop the ability to examine decided cases in detail.
Choose one optional module from the list below.
Year Five
Independent Legal Research Project
You will plan, research and write your own project on a chosen legal subject. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide guidance throughout the process and expertise in you chosen area. You will be asked to reflect on the skills that you have acquired during the course and how these have enhanced your employability.
Or
Law in Practice
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.
Choose two optional modules from the list below.
Optional Modules
Company Law
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.
Employment Law
Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law.
Evidence
Study the rules and principles of evidence in legal proceedings, and learn how to apply the law of evidence to factual situations.
Family Law
An introduction to the principal themes of English Family Law including marriage, divorce law, civil partnership, cohabitation, protection against domestic violence, and parental responsibility.
Intellectual Property Law
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.
Medical Law
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical treatment and care, and apply the law to solve medico-legal problems.
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.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Our academic team of practitioners and research informed teaching staff have many years of experience in teaching law to distance-learners, and tutors are available to discuss any problems or questions you may have by email, telephone or video call.
Where will I study?
During the four optional study weekends, teaching will take place both in Nottingham, and also online, enabling you to be taught either face-to-face in Nottingham, or by joining remotely - no matter where you are in the world. Teaching consists of some direct lectures but is principally small-group discussions, where problem-solving is a major focus.
The rest of the course is studied via distance learning using a diverse and extensive range of support. Your tutors, module and course leaders are available throughout the year to help and support you.
During your final years there are a range of optional law modules to select from in order to personalise your learning. 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.
Assessment methods (representative of the four year pathway)
- Year 1 Written Coursework 50% and Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 50%
- Year 2 Written Coursework 50% and Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 50%
- Year 3 Written Coursework 50% and Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 50%
- Year 4 Written Coursework 60%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 33% and Practical Exercises 7%
Contact hours (representative of the four year pathway)
A student on the four year pathway on average can expect to spend 900 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 Lectures / Seminars / Workshops 12%; Independent Study 88%
- Year 2 Lectures / Seminars / Workshops 12%; Independent Study 88%
- Year 3 Lectures / Seminars / Workshops 12%; Independent Study 88%
- Year 4 Lectures / Seminars / Workshops 9%; Independent Study 91%
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.
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 does not just have to lead to a career as a solicitor or barrister. On our LLB course you will gain a host of transferable skills and an appreciation of the law that many employers will value. 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
In today's competitive job market work experience is a valuable addition to your education. You will gain vital real-life skills that will make you stand out from the crowd and enhance your employability.
In addition all students are encouraged to obtain relevant work experience during the vacations. If you undertake at least ten weeks' relevant work experience this will be recognised by our Certificate in Professional Practice. This qualification demonstrates that you have developed practical skills and work-based competencies. 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
Although you would be embarking on a distance learning course, you would still be allowed to access all of these great 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
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
What are we looking for?
Applicants are assessed on an individual basis, taking into account any relevant life or work experience, references and your personal statement.
One or more of the following qualifications will be helpful when reviewing your application:
- five GCE / GCSE passes and two at A-level standard
- four GCE / GCSE passes and three at A-level standard
- BTEC National / Higher Certificate or Diploma
- an appropriate Access course qualification
- an appropriate Professional qualification
- a degree in another discipline.
It is a programme requirement that students have access to the internet and are IT literate
Your personal statement
You must demonstrate in your personal statement:
- Qualifications and training
- Initiative
- Ability to work independently
- Time management skills
- Commitment to study
- Positions of responsibility
- IT competency
- Relevant life/work experiences
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
Applicants are assessed on an individual basis, taking into account any relevant life or work experience, references and your personal statement.
One or more of the following qualifications will be helpful when reviewing your application:
- five GCE / GCSE passes and two at A-level standard
- four GCE / GCSE passes and three at A-level standard
- BTEC National / Higher Certificate or Diploma
- an appropriate Access course qualification
- an appropriate Professional qualification
- a degree in another discipline.
It is a programme requirement that students have access to the internet and are IT literate
Your personal statement
You must demonstrate in your personal statement:
- Qualifications and training
- Initiative
- Ability to work independently
- Time management skills
- Commitment to study
- Positions of responsibility
- IT competency
- Relevant life/work experiences
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Course fees for 2024 entry
| Study route | Fee per year |
|---|---|
| 3 years | £6,800 |
| 4 years | £5,100 |
| 5 years |
£3,400 year 1 - 3 £5,100 year 4 - 5 |
Please note, fees may be subject to annual increase.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it.
When applying for funding, please note that the LLB Law (distance learning) 3-year track is classed as full-time study by the student finance bodies and the LLB Law (distance learning) 4 and 5-year tracks are classed as part-time. Visit the student finance website for further details.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
NLS Summer School
There may be the opportunity to take part in optional NLS Summer School, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494, by email: financial.support@ntu.ac.uk or through our Ask NTU form.
Course fees for 2024 entry
| Study route | Fee per year |
|---|---|
| 3 years | £6,800 |
| 4 years | £5,100 |
| 5 years |
£3,400 year 1 - 3 £5,100 year 4 - 5 |
Please note, fees may be subject to annual increase.
When applying for funding, please note that the LLB Law (distance learning) 3-year track is classed as full-time study by the student finance bodies and the LLB Law (distance learning) 4 and 5 year tracks are classed as part-time.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
NLS Summer School
There may be the opportunity to take part in optional NLS Summer School, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494, by email: financial.support@ntu.ac.uk or through our Ask NTU form.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Applications for this course need to go directly to the University rather than through UCAS. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
Writing your application and personal statement
We've created application guidance pages to help you with the applying process. If you find yourself struggling at all, try these pages and hopefully you'll find the answers you're looking for.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! For hints and tips on what to write, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
You must make arrangements for submission of your reference. An academic or professional reference (e.g. from your employer) will be acceptable. If you have difficulty with either of these, please contact the Law School Admissions team for advice. One reference is sufficient in the first instance. Please give the name of your second referee and we will contact them if we need to.
Your application will be considered by the course leader and a letter will be sent to you as soon as possible. If you require a receipt of your application form, please include a stamped addressed envelope.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Admissions team by Tel :44 (0)115 848 4200 or through our Ask NTU form.
Ready to join us? Applications for this course need to go directly to the University rather than through UCAS. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Admissions team by Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4200, or through our Ask NTU form.