LLB (Hons) Law With Foundation Year(Arden University)

Course Overview

This course is a great choice if you want to become a solicitor or barrister, and is also the first step to an exciting choice of career possibilities in the wider legal sector and professions such as journalism, politics, policing, teaching, and much more. However, we don’t expect all our students to make concrete decisions about their future careers when they first join us. The course will equip you with 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. Our team of academics, practitioners, and research-active staff will provide a thriving learning environment that supports you in taking the next steps in your career.

You can study our LLB Foundation Year entry at our UK study centres or as a fully online degree. The course covers the foundations of legal knowledge and has been updated to take into account 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.

Course details and modules

Arden University foundation year modules are tailored to give you the extra support and skills needed to get started in higher education, helping you complete your full law degree with confidence. Following this, you will move on to the first level of the full degree course.

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 our 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.

Foundation Year Modules

Preparing for University Success
Exploring the Social World
Advancing your Academic Skills
Examining Social Justice
Planning for Your Future Success
Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

Core modules (20 credits each)
English Legal System and Skills
Public Law
Tort 1
Crime 1
Civil Liberties in Practice
Contract Law

Level 5

Core modules (20 credits each)
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 not all modules may be available at every Arden study center. However, timetables will be coordinated to accommodate students who need to travel to other study centers or participate in live online classes.

How do Arden University assess students?

Universities 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.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications 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 – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

Standard entry requirements

At least 3 x GCSEs or equivalent that are less than 3 years old, or
At least 3 x GCSEs or equivalent, over 3 years old, with an accompanying CV.

Non standard entry requirements

We are 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 our standard entry requirements. We’ll 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.

What you need to study with us

Arden’s aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That’s why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you’ll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Course fee

Course fee breakdown

This course is eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses. Please submit an enquiry to find out more.

Studying	Fee
Level 4 fee:	£9,250
Level 5 fee:	£9,250
Level 6 fee:	£9,250

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.

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Study options

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

Full time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, 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, our 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 our 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 our UK study centres.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our 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 our 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.

Please note: study centre classes are temporarily being conducted online in our virtual classroom due to Covid-19 restrictions. Face-to-face classes will resume once the current restrictions are lifted.

Career prospects

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

What can I do after Arden University?

We 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, we 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 LLB (Hons) Law with Foundation Year will help you:

Gain the study skills needed to succeed at university
Prepare for a career in law, journalism, policing, teaching, and more
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-legal sectors, expanding your professional skillset and increasing your future employability.
During your Foundation Year, you’ll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:

Introduction and preparation: our Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You’ll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.

Personalised support: our academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They’ll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.

Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden’s degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.

Improved degree outcomes: we prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, we empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.

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 our 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.