LLB (Hons) with Foundation Year

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 in professions such as journalism, politics, policing, teaching, and much more. Of course, you don’t need to have made a firm decision about your future career path when you first join us, and this law foundation course isn’t just for people that want to work in the legal sector. You’ll have time to discover which areas of your law degree you enjoy most during your first few years of study, and then focus on topics you feel passionate about later in the course.

Our LLB degree with foundation year entry, which you can study at our UK study centres and also as a fully online degree, has been recently updated to take into account recent changes to professional law qualifications in the UK. This includes the knowledge required for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1), as well as course content that prepares you for a Bar Practice Course if you wish to qualify as a barrister in the future.

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.

What do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

Course fee

Blended	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 9,250

Distance Learning	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 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.

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.

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

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English proficiency

IELTS 5.5 (no less than 5.0 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.

Course details and modules

Our foundation year courses provide you with the extra support and skills needed to get started in higher education, helping you complete your full law degree with confidence. Choosing a foundation year degree in law is the ideal pathway if you don’t currently meet our standard entry requirements, or if it’s been a while since you were in formal education and need to brush up your study skills. Once your foundation level studies are completed, you’ll progress the first level of the full degree course.

Studying our Law LLB (Hons) with Foundation Year means you’ll start gathering the knowledge required for the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1), as well as taking an important step towards a Bar Practice Course if you wish to qualify as a barrister.

Students who want to graduate with a more universal LLB qualification have a number optional modules to choose from in level 6. Each of these modules covers a particular field or career skillset, such as family law or immigration and asylum law.

Preparation for the SQE 1 exam

The way in which solicitors and barristers qualify in England and Wales has recently changed. Our LLB with foundation year reflects the latest industry requirements to ensure that students are fully equipped to take the relevant Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) exams if they wish to do so. This includes access to SQE related learning materials for up to a year to prepare for sitting part 1 of the SQE exam for all successful graduates.

Modules

You have between 4 to 12 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 4 to 6 years.

Foundation year

Using Numeracy, IT and Data
Research Skills and Using Information
Values, Ethics and Working Collaboratively
Developing Academic Skills
Crime and Law in Context
Psychology of Everyday Life

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

Core modules (20 credits each)
Employment Law
Optional professional practice modules:
SQE pathway recommended modules (20 credits each)*
Business Law and Practice
Solicitors Professional Practice
Property Practice
Law of Evidence
Bar pathway recommended modules (20 credits each)*
European Union Law
Advocacy
Law of Evidence
Optional modules (20 credits each, 40 credits for the Legal Dissertation)*
Family Law
Immigration and Asylum Law
Placement and Pro Bono
International Law
International Commercial Law
Legal Research Project
Legal Dissertation (40 credits)

*For students enrolled at our UK study centres: modules are subject to student numbers and may be delivered in the online format where necessary.

Levels and awards

Law LLB (Hons) with Foundation Year (360 credits)
Diploma of Higher Education in Law (240 credits)
Certificate in Higher Education in Law (120 credits)

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 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 Law LLB (Hons) 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.

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or evenings .

Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

September
November
February
April
June

How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

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

Our 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 our 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 our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online does not 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 our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We 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 are currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.