Undergraduate course
LLB (Hons)
Law
Through realistic mock case scenarios, hands on experience of real client cases and close links with the local legal community, a Plymouth law degree will equip you with the relevant skills and expertise to pursue and thrive in your chosen career.
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
Secure your place this September
Already applied or yet to apply? Get guidance on the next steps you need to take to start a course in 2026.
Real cases with real clients
Gain practical legal experience and make a real difference in the community with our award-winning pro bono Law Clinic.
Qualifying Law Degree
For aspiring solicitors or barristers, our LLB supports your legal career aspirations from day one, with alignment to the SQE curriculum and Bar requirements.
Authentic court room experience
Build powerful and persuasive legal arguments and hone your courtroom etiquette in our replica court.
About
At Plymouth, you'll make your mark in the legal world and experience what it’s like to represent clients before a judge and jury in our realistic courtroom. Work on real client cases in our multi-award-winning Law Clinic and provide free legal advice to those who need it most in the region. Build a deep understanding of how the law works with the support of our experienced academic team, including trained and practising solicitors, plus network, socialise and develop as part of our Law Society.
Lexi Climie
Law Admissions Tutor
This course is for you if...
you're passionate about justice and want to make a difference in your community
you want to develop practical legal skills through hands-on experiences
you're driven to build a successful career in law
you embrace development opportunities like mooting competitions and networking events
Details
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll learn about the core theories, principles and processes of the law, introducing you to how it’s studied and practised. You’ll be able to join the Student Law Society and take part in mooting, debating, negotiation and advocacy competitions. We’ve structured the curriculum so that alongside studying the English Legal System, Contract Law, Tort Law, EU Law, Criminal Law and Public Law, you’ll start to develop the critical thinking and self-reflective skills that will equip you for your chosen career.
Core modules
LAW4007
Legal Systems and Skills
20 credits
An overview of the English Legal System with reference to the criminal and civil legal processes and procedure. An introduction to the relationship between English law and procedure in a wider international context. To introduce an understanding of the requisite legal, transferrable and practical skills that underpin the study of law, including basic issues of ethical and professional conduct.
100% Coursework
LAW4008
Public Law
20 credits
This module focuses on Constitutional and Administrative Law, examining fundamental theories and principles, and their application and practice within the British constitution.
100% Coursework
LAW4009
European Union Law
20 credits
This module focuses on the law of the European Union, exploring aspects such as, for example, its institutional infra-structure, legal sources, preliminary rulings, key principles and means of enforcement
100% Coursework
LAW4010
Contract Law
20 credits
An introduction to the law of contract through study of the essential elements in contract formation. This module then considers the nature and relative significance of contractual terms.
100% Examinations
LAW4011
Tort Law
20 credits
The Law of Tort is concerned with the creation and imposition of civil rights obligations on people generally. It is focused on the legal protection of a number of key rights, such as the right to bodily integrity, reputation, enjoyment of property and privacy amongst others.
100% Examinations
LAW4012
Criminal Law
20 credits
This module provides examination of core principles and concepts of criminal law, an introduction to modes of participation, and analysis of selected offences and defences. This module will include two 2-hour talks that introduce our School and programme level employability related opportunities and support, including details of the optional placement year.
100% Coursework
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll focus on real-life scenarios and develop practical skills in areas such as negotiation and advocacy through our very successful Dispute Resolution Skills module, which utilises our mock court room. You’ll also study Property Law and begin to tailor your degree to your specific interests by choosing from a range of modules including, for example, Family Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property, Immigration and Asylum Law, Human Rights and Cybercrime. You will also start to think about whether you wish to elect to undertake a traditional academic Dissertation in your Third Year, or engage with our Work-based Learning module, and work in the University’s Law Clinic or gain experience in an external placement one day a week.
Core modules
LAW5001
Dispute Resolution Skills
20 credits
This module focuses on the development of transferable skills based on real-life scenarios with an emphasis on enhancing employability. It revolves around dispute resolution exercises helping 'clients' to resolve disputes. It is designed to enhance practical lawyering skills. It also includes relevant elements of practice and procedure, such as analysis of the merits of a claim or defence and preparing a case for trial as well as selected pre-action considerations and trial procedures.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
LAW5017
Property Law
20 credits
The module examines principles and the law, together with elements of practice, relating to freehold and leasehold property and associated rights and interests.
100% Examinations
Optional modules
LAW5002
Family Law
20 credits
This module will examine the principles of family law from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
100% Coursework
LAW5003
Human Rights
20 credits
This module provides an in-depth analysis of the law relating to human rights with reference to national, regional and international law principles. It examines the development and scope of fundamental rights in both theory and practice, and the legitimate limits and restrictions on rights in the interests of balancing conflicting interests in democratic societies. The module focuses on developing critical thinking about the role of law in dealing with the challenges of social change in the 21st century. This discourse is set within an understanding of the concepts of human rights explore above.
100% Coursework
LAW5006
Employment Law
20 credits
This module provides students with knowledge of a specialist area of law, namely Employment Law, whilst also continuing to offer development of transferable and practical legal skills.
100% Coursework
LAW5007
Immigration Law
20 credits
This module focuses on the key and topical issues in Immigration, Nationality and Refugee law in the UK. The UK’s system of immigration control is fully considered and there is some emphasis on the application of decision making to those entering the UK both for immigration purposes and as refugees. There is consideration of the global and European context and of the influence of policy, politics and the media in the field.
100% Coursework
LAW5013
Medical Law
20 credits
This module will examine the principles of medical law from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
100% Coursework
LAW5005
Cybercrime
20 credits
This module provides in depth examination of core principles and concepts of criminal law, an introduction to modes of participation, and detailed analysis of selected offences and defences.
100% Coursework
LAW5020
Insights into Mental Health Law: Balancing Care and Controversy
This module focuses on key socio-legal concepts of mental health law, from the historical asylum to modern day evidence based care. We will explore the controversial aspects of mental health law, policy and practice including seclusion, restraint, compulsory treatment and mixed gender wards.
LHSS5000
Stage 2 Professional Development, Placement Preparation and identifying opportunities
This module is for students in the School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences who are interested in undertaking an optional placement in the third year of their programme. It supports students in their search, application, and preparation for the placement, including developing interview techniques and effective application materials (e.g. CVs, portfolios, and cover letters).
Optional placement year
We pride ourselves in offering an invaluable Work-Based Learning module in your Final Year. In addition to this, you may also choose to take part in an optional placement year. This placement could be in any appropriate external setting, and we can support you in deciding whether to take this opportunity.
Optional modules
LHSS6000
School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Placement Year
Students have the opportunity to gain work experience that will set them apart in the job market when they graduate by undertaking an optional flexible placement year. The placement must be a minimum of 24-weeks (which can be split between a maximum of two different placement providers) and up to a maximum of 48-weeks over the course of the academic year. The placement is flexible and can be undertaken virtually, part or full time and either paid or voluntary. Students will have the option to undertake their placement year abroad. This year allows them to apply and hone the knowledge and skills acquired from the previous years of their programme in the real world.
Final year
In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your research skills with a Dissertation on a legal issue that inspires you, or undertake Work-based Learning, including within our Law Clinic. You’ll be able to further tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions by choosing from a selection of Law modules such as, for example, those intending to progress to vocational training as either a solicitor or barrister, including Criminal Law and Practice, Business Law and Practice, and Trusts and Practice.
Optional modules
LAW6000
Dissertation
40 credits
The production of a substantial dissertation (10,000 words) on a legal or legally related area with content and form determined by the student. For the LLB Law and Criminology the dissertation will be set in context.
100% Coursework
LAW6001
Work-Based Learning
40 credits
A 40 credit module in which students develop intellectual, practical, transferable and ethical skills in a work-based learning context. The placement may be in or for any work-based organisation, though many of these will be law related. Students may be placed within one of the Law School’s Law Clinic projects or within a Law Clinic partner organisation or they may choose to find the whole or part of their work experience independently.
100% Coursework
LAW6003
Criminal Law and Practice
20 credits
This module will build on the principles taught in Criminal Law, and introduces students to the practical/professional application of criminal litigation; it will look at the criminal justice process from investigation and the decision to charge; detention and interrogation, and introduce the substantive law and rules around criminal evidence; funding criminal legal services; through to the criminal litigation process; and sentencing and appeals.
70% Coursework
30% Examinations
LAW6004
Family Law
20 credits
This module will examine the principles of family law from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
100% Coursework
LAW6005
Human Rights
20 credits
This module provides an in-depth analysis of the law relating to human rights with reference to national, regional and international law principles. It examines the development and scope of fundamental rights in both theory and practice, and the legitimate limits and restrictions on rights in the interests of balancing conflicting interests in democratic societies. The module focuses on developing critical thinking about the role of law in dealing with the challenges of social change in the 21st century. This discourse is set within an understanding of the concepts of human rights explore above.
100% Coursework
LAW6006
Trusts and Practice
20 credits
The module examines equitable principles and the law relating to trusts and estates. The module supports the development of a practical understanding of the law sitting behind wills and the administration of trusts and estates.
70% Coursework
30% Examinations
LAW6007
Business Law and Practice
20 credits
This module considers the “life” of business organisations, how they operate and how they are governed. It critically assesses the concepts and principles of corporate law as well as key elements of practice and procedure in how they operate and are governed. The module builds upon elements of contract law and applies them in a commercial setting.
70% Coursework
30% Examinations
LAW6008
Cybercrime
20 credits
This module provides in depth examination of core principles and concepts of criminal law, an introduction to modes of participation, and detailed analysis of selected offences and defences.
100% Coursework
LAW6009
Employment Law
20 credits
This module provides students with knowledge of a specialist area of law, namely Employment Law, whilst also continuing to offer development of transferable and practical legal skills.
100% Coursework
LAW6010
Immigration Law
20 credits
This module focuses on the key and topical issues in Immigration, Nationality and Refugee law in the UK. The UK’s system of immigration control is fully considered and there is some emphasis on the application of decision making to those entering the UK both for immigration purposes and as refugees. There is consideration of the global and European context and of the influence of policy, politics and the media in the field.
100% Coursework
LAW6015
Environmental Law of the Sea
20 credits
This module considers the regulatory framework applied to activities and development in the marine environment. Contextualised by the International law and its implementing measures, the module examines contemporary issues relating to the sustainable use of the marine environment, by way of a theoretical and practical analysis of the law, to provide insight into this dynamic and contemporary area of regulation.
100% Coursework
LAW6013
Medical Law
This module will examine the principles of medical law from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
LAW6017
Insights into Mental Health Law: Balancing Care and Controversy
This module focuses on key socio-legal concepts of mental health law, from the historical asylum to modern day evidence based care. We will explore the controversial aspects of mental health law, policy and practice including seclusion, restraint, compulsory treatment and mixed gender wards.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Practise in our award-winning Law Clinic
Gain valuable professional experience, working with real cases and clients in the community, by volunteering at our award-winning pro bono
Law Clinic .
I fundamentally believe that in order for law students to have a fully rounded education they should have some experience of practically applying the law that they have learnt, and this is the perfect marriage of those two things.
Luke Fisher
Lecturer in Law (Education)
Law Clinics are a win-win for students and clients – developing skills in how to handle clients, in research, how to run a file, while gaining experience to put on your CV when you are looking for that elusive training contract.
Donna Butler
University of Plymouth graduate and Partner at Beers LLP
University of Plymouth graduate and Partner at Beers LLP
I have seen first-hand the significant legal challenges many people face and how disruptive they can be. These are then all too frequently compounded by their inability to access legal advice due to the growing legal aid deserts we face. This makes the work of organisations like University of Plymouth Law Clinic that are at the frontline of tackling these issues, by providing quality legal advice to those who need it, a vital resource.
Richard Atkinson
President of the Law Society of England and Wales
President of the Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society President Richard Atkinson visiting the University of Plymouth's Law Clinic
I was particularly interested in Plymouth's law course as I liked the look of the modules, the opportunities provided by the Law Society and the option to gain experience working in the Law Clinic, providing pro bono legal advice to my local community.
Jasmine
Current student
Current student
Hone your court room skills
Experience how the criminal justice system works, practise legal roles and observe mock trial scenarios in our Moot Court facility.
The historic setting authentically looks and feels like a real courtroom, preparing students for the future with realistic, simulated experiences.
With interactive teaching, court room simulation and ‘mooting’, our students get to experience what it is really like to represent clients in court. It is the perfect space to grow confidence and develop craft, and it’s the best possible preparation for future success in their legal careers.
Professor John Matthews
Head of School
Learn from expert legal practitioners
A highly qualified academic team of experienced legal practitioners including internationally renowned researchers in areas such as: the environment, marine protection, immigration, and intellectual property.
We regularly provide policy advice regionally and nationally, and work for change.
We publish an online journal,
The Plymouth Law Review , which takes contributions from staff and students.
Rosie Brennan
Associate Professor of Law
Miss Sarah Guy
Lecturer in Clinical Legal Education
Mr Jason Lowther
Associate Professor of Law
Enrich your studies – join the Law Society
The University of Plymouth Law Society (UPLS) is a student run society which aims to give students the best opportunities to develop transferable skills making you an extremely valuable graduate after your time at Plymouth.
I took full advantage of the networking and advocacy opportunities provided by the Law Society and this really boosted my CV and gave me experiences to talk about in interviews.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Through law at Plymouth, I have found personal success and an ability to help those most in need. My history is one of pain and struggle, but my future is one of hope and aspiration for a better world.
Henry is a LLB (Hons) Law graduate from South Sudan, now working as an Asylum and Immigration Caseworker.
Gaining your LLB Law degree can offer many different career paths beyond becoming a barrister or solicitor.
You could use your diverse legal knowledge to engage with the public, through Citizens Advice, the media or welfare sector. Data scientists and forensic computer analysts share the key skills that law graduates possess, as attention to detail and analysis of complex information are paramount. HR is also a valid path for those interested in expanding their knowledge of employment law.
The Southwest is also an excellent place to start your career as a graduate as many of the UK leading companies have a base in Devon, Somerset, Bristol and Cornwall.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys from the latest available data covering the three years of 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
I’m particularly proud of securing an internship in human rights. This is an area I’m deeply passionate about - my very first lecture at university was on human rights, and it’s stayed with me ever since.
When reflecting on my proudest career achievement, I struggled to pinpoint a single defining moment. Instead, what stands out most is my perseverance – the determination to keep advocating for legal aid, women in law, and social mobility, no matter how difficult the journey has been.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,955
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,465
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
112 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM in any subject.
12 Unit BTEC Diploma
D*D* in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T level
Merit in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
28–32 overall to include Higher Level 4 English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
M200
M200
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
LLB (Hons) Law with Foundation
With supportive tutors, great resources, skills training and a strong community of students, choosing Law with Foundation will ensure you are confident and prepared to take the next step to a Plymouth law degree.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
M200
M200
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the
University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) .
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.