LLB (Hons) Arden University

Course Essentials
Entry Requirements
Course Details
Career Prospects
Teaching Methodology

Course Overview

Arden’s LLB (Hons) Law course is the perfect course if you aspire to become a lawyer or barrister. An LLB qualification, also known as a Bachelor of Laws, is equivalent to a BA or BSc undergraduate degree and is the first step to an exciting choice of career possibilities in the legal sector or professions such as journalism, politics, policing, teaching, and much more.

AU LLB course, available at Arden UK study centres and as a fully online degree, covers the foundations of legal knowledge and has been updated to reflect recent changes to professional practice qualifications. You now have the opportunity to select from distinct degree pathways to help you prepare either for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1) or the Bar, including an International Bar pathway for those students looking to study modules that are more international in scope.

However, AU don’t expect all their students to make a concrete decision about their future career when they first join us, and this law degree isn’t just for those that want to work in the legal sector. You will develop a suite of workplace attributes that are valued across a wide range of careers, helping you graduate with a highly regarded qualification that provides value for a lifetime. AU team of academics, practitioners, and research-active staff are committed to providing a thriving learning environment that supports you in taking the next steps in your career.

Course details and modules

With this professionally focused law degree, you’ll learn practical skills for your future employability. At the start of level 6, you will have the opportunity to select a degree pathway that aligns with your career goals, whether that’s the SQE, Bar or International Bar. You will have workshops detailing the pathways and AU team’s guidance and support to help you make the right choice.

SQE pathway

If you want to qualify as a solicitor in the UK, this pathway imparts the knowledge and skills needed to attempt SQE1 successfully. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge through a range of elective modules.

Bar pathway

Designed for students who wish to qualify as a barrister, this pathway includes EU Law, one of the Foundations of Legal Knowledge subjects required by the Bar Standards Board. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge through a range of elective modules.

International Bar pathway

With its more international curriculum, this pathway is most suited to students interested in practising law outside of the UK. The pathway has a set syllabus without the need to choose any additional optional modules and concludes with the Legal Dissertation module.

Law degrees are respected in all sectors due to their graduates’ broader skills, such as critical thinking, effective communication, presentation, negotiation, and persuasion.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

  • Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
  • Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
  • Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
  • Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
  • E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
  • Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.


This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

Level 4

  • English Legal System and Skills
  • Public Law
  • Tort 1
  • Crime 1
  • Civil Liberties in Practice
  • Contract Law

Level 5

  • Tort 2
  • Crime 2
  • Land Law and Practical Skills
  • Equity, Trusts and Wills
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Technology, Innovation and the Law

Level 6 SQE pathway

  • Core modules (20 credits):
  • Business Law and Practice
  • Solicitors Professional Practice
  • Property Practice
  • Optional modules (20 credits):
  • Block A (select one):
  • EU Law
  • Placement and Pro Bono (subject to eligibility)
  • Block B (select one):
  • Employment Law
  • International Commercial Law
  • Legal Dissertation (40 credits: no block C requirement if selected)
  • Block C (select one):
  • Family Law
  • Public International Law
  • Placement and Pro Bono (subject to eligibility)
  • Legal Research Project (cannot be combined with the Legal Dissertation option)
  • Legal Dissertation (Continued)

Level 6 Bar pathway

  • Core modules (20 credits):
  • Business Law and Practice
  • EU Law
  • Property PracticeOptional modules (20 credits):
  • Block A (select one):
  • Employment Law
  • Placement and Pro Bono (subject to eligibility)
  • Block B (select one):
  • International Commercial Law
  • Legal Dissertation (40 credits: no block C module requirement if selected)
  • Block C (select one):
  • Family Law
  • Public International Law
  • Placement and Pro Bono (subject to eligibility)
  • Legal Research Project (cannot be combined with the Legal Dissertation option)
  • Legal Dissertation (Continued)

Level 6 International Bar pathway

  • Core modules (20 credits):
  • Business Law and Practice
  • EU Law
  • International Commercial Law
  • Public International Law
  • Legal Dissertation (40 credits)

If you decide not to opt for one of the designated pathways, you will automatically be placed on the SQE path with the EU Law (Block A) and Legal Dissertation (Block B and C) modules; as this will provide you with a degree that’s relevant across diverse global professions.

Please note that if you study via AU blended learning study mode, not all modules may be available at every Arden study centre. However, timetables will be coordinated to accommodate students who need to travel to other study centres or participate in live online classes.

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at Arden study centres in London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, and Birmingham.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose Arden blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden study centre of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to AU Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of AU UK study centres.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of Arden UK study centres) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on Arden fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying your LLB (Hons) Law with Arden gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of your home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Arden online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to Arden Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us. ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate Arden study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.

Studying online with Arden University doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through AU Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree .Arden is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

Standard entry requirements

  • Three subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in four subjects at GCSE level or equivalent including GCSE English; or
  • Completion of a recognised Access Programme or equivalent, such as AU Law LLB (Hons) with Foundation Year.

Non standard entry requirements

Arden is happy to consider an application from you if you can show us you have the motivation to study this LLB degree, even if you do not currently meet AU standard entry requirements. AU will ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your ability to study the course, as well as references and evidence of relevant experiences and/or previous qualifications. 

Exemptions may be granted in respect of other prior qualifications subject to Arden’s APCL regulations.

Course fee

In a UK campusFee
Fee per year:£9,250
Studying OnlineFee
Level 4 fee:£6,935
Level 5 fee:£6,935
Level 6 fee:£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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Career prospects

A law degree provides you with a wide range of transferable skills that can be used in a variety of professions. You’ll learn how to research and critically analyse information, communicate information in different formats to different audiences, work through a problems, and reach reasoned conclusions. As such, a law degree give you the skills and attributes sought after in a range of careers, including those in non-legal professions.

What can I do after Arden University?

AU don’t expect undergraduate students to have a set career in mind before starting their degree. So, don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future options. Instead, Arden prepare you with a range of skills that employers from a variety of industries value. After graduating from the course, you’ll feel confident to make a decision about your future career path. 

Future legal roles include:

  • Solicitor
  • Barrister
  • Paralegal
  • Legal Executive
  • Legal Secretary

Non legal career options are almost endless, but popular choices include:

  • Journalism
  • Policing
  • Politics
  • Teaching and academia
  • Tax consultancy roles
  • Business consultancy roles

What will I gain from this degree?

Whether you’re using the LLB qualification as a stepping stone to your dream career, or you’re looking to hit the ground running with a graduate role straight out of university, this degree will help you build the foundations for a career in a variety of exciting and challenging industries. Studying your Law LLB (Hons) will help you: 

  • Prepare for a career in law
  • Prepare for the next steps to becoming a barrister or solicitor
  • Enter work in a private practice as a paralegal, carrying out many of the tasks and roles of a qualified solicitor
  • Gain a broad range of legal and research skills that are highly sought after in both law and non-law sectors, expanding your professional skillset and increasing your future employability. 

Industry skills

Campaign for Social Science

Arden University is a member of the Campaign for Social Science.

The Campaign demonstrates how social science improves public policy, society, and all our lives. It highlights the value of applied social science research and advocates for its greater use in decision-making and in government. It is supported by a coalition of universities, social science societies, and publishers.

As a member, Arden receives access to case studies, research into the value provided by social sciences, and insights into the employability of social science graduates. Through this, you will gain a better understanding of the skills you are learning and their value to employers.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with Arden curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.