Undergraduate course

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.

Our typical offer

32 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 2025.

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.

Connected to industry

Increase hands-on experience, develop transferable skills and benefit from industry connections with the Law Society.

Authentic court room experience

Build powerful and persuasive legal arguments and hone your courtroom etiquette in our replica court.
LLB (Hons) Law with Foundation
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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.

Hugo de RijkeMr Hugo de Rijke
Barrister and Associate Professor of Law (Education)

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

This course is for you if...

you're passionate about justice and want to make a difference in your community
Three heads with hands holding them depicting community
you want to develop practical legal skills through hands-on experiences
Hand holding scales of justice
you're driven to build a successful career in law
Judge
you embrace development opportunities like mooting competitions and networking events
Jury of three people

Details

Progression routes
This course is an integrated part of the Law degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of LLB (Hons) Law , or one of the following degree courses (progression routes):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foundation Year 0

In this year, you’ll experience a supportive environment to assist in the transition to successful study in higher education. You will learn about academic writing, critical thinking skills and begin to develop your research skills, as well as develop your knowledge and understanding through an introduction to the key aspects of law and relevant areas of social science.
A groups of students discussing work or studying around a table in the library.

Core modules

SSC301
Discovering Your Inner Academic 30 credits

In this module, students will learn the core academic and organisational skills required to succeed at university. They will benefit from a range of skill development sessions and subject-specific seminars, allowing them to practice applying the delivered academic skills in the context of their field of study.

100% Coursework

SSC302
Individual Project 30 credits

Students will undertake, with supervision, an individual project related to their degree programme. Staff will guide students through the process of defining, planning, and setting up their project. As part of the module, students will gain research and time management skills that will support their successful progression through their degree programme.

100% Coursework

SSC303
Crime and Deviance 30 credits

This module will introduce students to the main institutions and processes of the legal system and criminal justice in England and Wales, while developing key transferable skills related to the study and practice of law and criminal justice.

100% Coursework

SSC304
Human Rights and Social Justice 30 credits

Through the lens of human rights and social justice is module will introduce students to a foundational sociological understanding of the structure and organisation of society; and to the main institutions of domestic and international government, and the theories and concepts used by political science to study them.

100% Coursework

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, Tort, and Public Law, you’ll start to develop the critical thinking and self-reflective skills that will equip you for your chosen career.
Students in moot court

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. You’ll study Property Law and Criminal Law in depth and begin to tailor your degree to your specific interests by choosing from a range of modules including, for example, Family, Employment, Environmental, Intellectual Property, European Union Law, Immigration and Asylum, Human Rights and Cybercrime. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience volunteering in our award winning Law Clinic, either as a volunteer or for credit towards your degree programme, and will receive support in gaining a placement if you wish to take the optional placement year.
Students in law clinic

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.

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

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

SSC500
Stage 2 Professional Development, Placement Preparation and Identifying Opportunities 0 credits

This module is for students in the School of Society and Culture 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).

LAW5018
Equality and the Law 20 credits

This module will consider how Equality Law has developed over the last century and introduce students to key principles and debates in this area. To promote inclusion, the module will look at Equality Law in a social, political, and legal context. In respect of the latter, there will be a key focus on discrimination in the workplace. The module will also consider how we enforce equality rights (including the challenges for enforcement), and how they may evolve in the future.

100% Coursework

LAW5013
Medical Law 20 credits

This module will examine the principles of medical law from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

100% Coursework

LAW5016
Commercial Law and Practice

This module focuses on the work of commercial lawyers in practice in helping businesses to trade. It analyses a range of contractual agreements dealing with the manufacture, sale, supply and distribution of goods, assets and services.

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.

Optional placement year

Gain valuable on-the-job experience through our optional placement year. We will support you in your second year in deciding whether to take this opportunity, and assist you in finding a placement and in being prepared for it. The placement could be in any appropriate external setting. Alternatively, you can gain this experience by selecting our Work-Based Learning module in your final year.
Students using Moot Court in the Foulston Room (full-bleed version)

Core modules

SSC601
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 for credit, 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.
Law clinic students using sound proof booths

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.

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

LAW6013
Medical Law

This module will examine the principles of medical law from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

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

LAW6016
Equality and the Law 20 credits

This module will consider how Equality Law has developed over the last century and introduce students to key principles and debates in this area. To promote inclusion, the module will look at Equality Law in a social, political, and legal context. In respect of the latter, there will be a key focus on discrimination in the workplace. The module will also consider how we enforce equality rights (including the challenges for enforcement), and how they may evolve in the future.

100% Coursework

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.

 
 
 

Personalise this course

All our degrees have a wide range of optional modules and there is even the opportunity to study modules from any of the School of Society and Culture 's subject areas.
You could graduate with one of the following personalised course title combinations:
 
Law with Anthropology

Modules

    ANT5008MX
    Brave New Worlds: Ethnography of/on Online and Digital Worlds 20 credits

    This module teaches students how to use ethnographic methods to make sense of the internet, which we now increasingly inhabit. Students learn how to navigate and analyse platforms such as Facebook or TikTok. They study how these technologies transform our relationships, identities, and ideas of truth. The module also examines the socio-cultural and ethical aspects of digital worlds (e.g. Second life).

    100% Coursework

    ANT6008MX
    Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the age of climate change and mass extinction. 20 credits

    Using ethnography, we analyse how coastal communities use the sea – not only as a source of livelihood, but as a key ingredient in the construction of their identity and place in world. Drawing on a range of cases from across the world – from Polynesian sorcerers, to Japanese whale mourners, to Cornish surfers – we study how coastal communities are responding to climate change, sea level rise, pollution, and extinction.

    100% Coursework

Law with Art History

Modules

    ARH5002MX
    Imagery in Online and Offline Worlds: Film, Television and Video Games 20 credits

    This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of current approaches towards mass media and visual culture. Particular emphasis will be put on medium-specificity, content analysis and audience studies.

    100% Coursework

    ARH6002MX
    Questions in Contemporary Art 20 credits

    The module introduces and examines selected questions raised in the last three decades in contemporary art. Case studies drawn from art history, critical and cultural theory, and where appropriate related disciplines, will be examined.

    100% Coursework

Law with Creative Writing

Modules

    ENG5010MX
    Writing Creative Nonfiction: Autobiography, Travel Writing, Reportage 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the key concepts and issues in contemporary works of creative nonfiction, or 'life writing'. Included in our readings will be works of memoir and autobiography, travel writing, personal essays and reportage. The module is entirely taught in workshops where we experiment with producing our own works of creative nonfiction and learning to refine them, as well as critically evaluate and contextualise them.

    100% Coursework

    ENG6008MX
    Features Journalism Workshop 20 credits

    This module offers students an in-depth experience of professional writing. We will explore technique in features and literary journalism; music reviews, opinion columns and longer immersion features as well as other contemporary works of non-fiction feature writing, both short- and long-form, from sub-genres including profiles and interviews, autobiography and columns, travel writing, and reportage. We will learn to research and produce our own works of professional nonfiction and critically evaluate them.

    100% Coursework

Law with English

Modules

    ENG5002MX
    Gothic Fictions: Villains, Virgins and Vampires 20 credits

    This module looks at eighteenth- and nineteenth-century novels to trace the variety and scope of literary contributions to the Gothic. It begins by discussing the origins of the Gothic novel, then moves to the heyday of the genre in the revolutionary 1790s, on to authors writing in the early and mid-nineteenth century, through to the decadence of the 1890s.

    100% Coursework

    ENG6005MX
    American Crime Writing 20 credits

    This module considers the development of twentieth-century American crime fiction from hard-boiled detectives, to myths of the mafia, and postmodern reinventions of the genre. This module will explore the cultural contexts of American crime writing, prevailing conventions of the genre, as well as challenges to those conventions.

    100% Coursework

Law with History

Modules

    HIS5009MX
    Middle Kingdoms: Themes in Early Modern Asia 20 credits

    This module introduces the history of early modern Japan (c.16th-19th centuries). At one level, it explores key questions shaping the histories of the late Sengoku (‘Warring States’) and Tokugawa Japan. Building on these questions, it then situates the Japanese experience in a trans-regional perspective with reference to early modern China, Korea, Ryukyu, as well as Europe.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS5014MX
    Dunkirk to D Day: The Second World War in Europe 20 credits

    The module examines the Second World War in Europe and the Atlantic Ocean from 1940 to late 1944.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS6002MX
    Piracy and Privateering, c.1560-1816 20 credits

    This module explores piracy and privateering activity in the seas around the British Isles and further afield from the reign of Queen Elizabeth to the end of the second Barbary War in 1816. This course focuses on the social history of piracy and privateering, the organisation of pirate society, and the economic impact of piracy and privateering.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS6006MX
    America, the United Nations and International Relations 1945 to the present 20 credits

    This module provides a detailed examination of the relationship between the United States of America and the United Nations in the management of international relations from 1945 to the present.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

Law with Criminology

Modules

    CRM5009MX
    Crime, Harm and Culture 20 credits

    The module aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of harm and crime by exploring relevant issues from film, television, music, fiction literature and art. By applying a criminological lens to different forms of popular culture, students will be able to examine a variety of media forms in terms of its content and its contemporary political, social and economic context using different theories and concepts.

    100% Coursework

    CRM6016MX
    Green Criminology: Climate Justice and the Planetary Crisis

    This module will address theoretical perspectives, methodological issues, and empirical research related to the field of green criminology, including applied concerns, such as policy and social/political praxis, through a range of concepts, topics, and themes that are central to green criminology.

Law with International Relations

Modules

    PIR6009MX
    Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China

    This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.

    PIR6007MX
    Global Environmental Politics 20 credits

    This module examines the problem of environmental degradation and its implications for our global political economy. It discusses the major debates in political thought around the primary causes of environmental degradation. The module outlines the major attempts to build international regimes for global environmental governance, and the difficulties and obstacles that such attempts have encountered. A range of ideas, critiques, policy proposals, innovations in governance, and templates for political activism within the environmental movement are critically evaluated.

    100% Coursework

    PIR5009MX
    Refugee Studies 20 credits

    This module focuses on the political, economic and social context of forced migration and considers the complex and varied nature of global refugee populations. It analyses responses at international, national and regional level and engages with a range of challenging questions around international co-operation, the framework of international protection, humanitarianism and the causes of displacement.

    100% Coursework

Law with Politics

Modules

    PIR6009MX
    Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China

    This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.

    PIR5013MX
    Politics Beyond Parliaments 20 credits

    This module analyses the role of civil society and the public sphere in democratic governance and in democratization from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

    100% Coursework

Law with Sociology

Modules

    SOC5005MX
    Globalisation and Social Justice 20 credits

    This module investigates the key debates of globalisation and critically evaluates, in terms of its economic, political, socio-cultural and legal dimensions, the causes and consequences of a globalising world. It furthermore explores a range of international social justice issues to examine the relationships (causative and ameliorative) between policies and (in)justice

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    SOC6004MX
    Health, Medical Power and Social Justice 20 credits

    This module considers a range of issues concerning health, illness and medical power in contemporary society. The module seeks to develop an understanding of the impact of ‘medicalisation’ on everyday life, as well as the importance of social divisions, such as age, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status. There will be a focus on a range of sociological perspectives on health with an opportunity to focus upon areas of particular interest.

    100% Coursework

Law with Policing and Security Management

Modules

    CRM6011MX
    Security Management 20 credits

    This module provides students with a critical insight into the professional domain of security management. It provides an overview of the theories, policies, procedures and practices that underpin the work of the security manager, and focuses upon a career-relevant knowledge and understanding of this significant area of expertise.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    CRM5003MX
    Harm in the 21st Century 20 credits

    This module explores the global challenges of harmful behaviours and activities in contemporary society by considering specific areas of concern for criminologists. By drawing on real-world examples in everyday life, the module examines how social problems and issues have arisen due to processes of globalisation that have changed the social, political and economic landscape of the 21st century.

    100% Coursework

    CRM5009MX
    Crime, Harm and Culture 20 credits

    The module aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of harm and crime by exploring relevant issues from film, television, music, fiction literature and art. By applying a criminological lens to different forms of popular culture, students will be able to examine a variety of media forms in terms of its content and its contemporary political, social and economic context using different theories and concepts.

    100% Coursework

 
 
 

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 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 FisherLuke 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

Donna Butler, Gill Akaster Solicitors, with a client
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

Law Society President Richard Atkinson visiting the University of Plymouth's Law Clinic
Law Society President Richard Atkinson visiting the University of Plymouth's Law Clinic
 

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.

John MatthewsDr John Matthews
Head of School of Society and Culture

 
 
 
 

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 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.
Mr Hugo de Rijke Associate Professor of Law (Education)


Associate Professor of Law (Education)

Rosie Brennan Associate Professor of Law


Associate Professor of Law

Nigel Firth Associate Professor of Law (Education)


Associate Professor of Law (Education)

Show all
 
 
 

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.
Join the Law Society
Law Society social event
 
 
 

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

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups

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

Studying Law at the University of Plymouth gave me the courage to pursue a career at the Bar. Not only did the University provide me with a sufficient knowledge of the law but it gave me the confidence to apply that knowledge in a practical way.

Hetty
LLB (Hons) Law graduate

Hetty Summerhayes - LLB (Hons) Law graduate
 
 
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.
  • ]

    95% of our law graduates are in work or further study

  • >

    83% of our law graduates said their current activity is meaningful

  • [

    87% of our law graduates say their degree was a formal requirement for their job or gave them an advantage

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. 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.

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. 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£5,760 per year
Part-time study
£480 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
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 .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

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 .
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.
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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.
Check what you need to do
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Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.

A levels
32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP-MMP 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 access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.

New Irish Highers
Achieve Irish Leaving Certificate with 32 UCAS points.

T level
Pass in any subject.

International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. 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.

Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details. We encourage any candidate who is unsure about the suitability of their qualifications or experience to contact Admissions in the first instance, who will then liaise with the Admissions Tutor and Programme Lead.

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
M101
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
    Our typical offer
    32 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    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.
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    M101
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

    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.
    Book your place
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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.