Key information
UCAS code:
M1M2
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This LLB (Hons) Law with Legal Practice degree offers a practical way to enter the legal profession. You'll graduate ready to work as a trainee legal executive and have the option to start your career with completed industry qualifications, thanks to our CILEX accredited modules.
This course is designed around the outcomes you’ll need to study for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), so you'll cover all the foundations of legal knowledge and have plenty of opportunities to build your practical skills. You’ll be able to demonstrate more practical experience of dispute resolution, legal drafting and legal practice than on our other law courses.
With professional skills modules included in all levels of study, you’ll develop key solicitor skills such as negotiating, client interviewing and legal writing. And by working with real clients in our Legal Advice Clinic you'll also gain three months of work experience that can count towards your qualifying work experience for the SQE.
If you choose to complete an optional paid placement year before or after your third year, you’ll graduate with a year of industry experience too.
Course highlights
- Gain real-world legal practice skills in legal writing, litigation, advocacy and applied law such as business or property practice
- Help local people solve their legal issues by working in our Legal Advice Clinic, or taking our Community Lawyer module, where you'll work with partners such as the British Red Cross or Citizens Advice
- Get a head start on studying for your SQE exams after graduation through teaching and assessment that's designed with these exams in mind
- Develop professional skills for the legal workplace in our dedicated skills module
- Benefit from teaching that's shaped by expert staff who have been practising lawyers and who understand how the legal landscape is changing
- Take a 1-year optional paid placement in a business or local law firm before or after your final year of study, with support from our Placement Team throughout the application and placement process
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
How to become a lawyer
Are you feeling a bit confused about what kind of lawyer you'd like to be and which training route you should follow?
Read our blog to learn the differences between solicitors, barristers and CILEx lawyers and what training you'll need after your degree.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Facilities and clinics
Develop your legal practice skills working with real clients
Legal Advice Clinic
Volunteer in our Legal Advice Clinic where you can help Portsmouth residents with their real legal problems, such as consumer or employment issues.
Watch this short video to find out how it works and what students think of the experience.
Gemma Hargrave (tutor):
The legal advice clinic is a live clinic. We have real life clients coming in. They ask us questions about any area of law. We have students who are from level six at the university who come in and work in the clinic. They do it as part of a module called the Law and Practise Module. Rather than doing a dissertation and writing 10000 words, they come into the clinic every week and work with clients to work out their problems.
Callum Goddard (student):
So I chose to take part in the legal clinic for a number of reasons, really, having gone through a sort of assessment process with a law firm, I realised in myself that I sort of had a lack of examples to draw on in terms of how I can demonstrate my competencies to future employers. So for me, it was really beneficial to get some proper legal experience.
Gemma Hargrave:
So, the student role at the clinic is as a legal advisor. They will see the client, they will gather information from the client and then they will go away and research the problem.
Jack Macfarlane (student):
What I gained from taking part in the legal advice clinic was very much the interpersonal skills that I developed from speaking with everyday people that had everyday issues.
Gemma Hargrave:
The legal advice clinic benefits students in their further studies and future careers because it gives them the opportunity to have real life experience of the law, but it lets them build on those skills that they've got, so skills that they will have to take into the workplace: communication skills, organisation skills, they'll know how to deal with a difficult client. These are all skills, whether they go into the law or not, that will really help them in their future careers.
Katie Yeoman (client):
The legal advice clinic has helped me on mainly discrimination law. Because I'm transgender, I face discrimination and I've taken action and they've helped me sort things out. Working with the students, they've responded really well, and if they didn't know what the answer was, they've gone away and they've either emailed me or phoned me. So the students have been really good.
Callum Goddard:
In terms of how the legal clinic has helped me and my future role now, I think the clinic was really great at building those core skills of a lawyer: conducting interviews, taking the time to research matters and then also having the confidence to deliver the legal outcomes. The clinic is unmatched really for how it can develop you in those areas.
Gemma Hargrave:
I'm incredibly proud of what the students have achieved over the years. We've written multiple witness statements for some clients that have enabled them to be able to keep contact with their children in the future. We have had one case where students were able to prevent, on the day, an illegal eviction of a client who would be homeless without that help. The students have been able to take what they've learnt in the clinic and then make a real impact in the community.
Learn your craft in our courtroom
Replica Crown Court
Watch this short video to discover our replica courtroom and see where you'll practise trials and take part in mooting competitions.
The benefits of having a replica Crown Court are that if one of our students wants to be a barrister in the future or a solicitor advocate, then it really gives them the opportunity to practise a trial and various court hearings in a courtroom setting.
Although this is a crown court, so it's a criminal court, we also use it for civil cases too. We're one of the only universities in the country that has a replica courtroom. This really gives students, when they go on from university, some really important skills that are valuable not only in a legal career, but also in a lot of other careers as well.
The student Law Society do a lot of activities in here, run mock trials, mooting competitions, and it gives our students really a chance to let their hair down and have a bit of fun in here.
We use the wigs, we use the gowns, we get a real judge in and we've got the cameras in here so you can go and film your performances.
You can -- it's a really good learning space. It's so lovely to see how our students grow in the years that they're with us. Our replica courtroom helps us to do that.
Entry requirements
LLB (Hons) Law with Legal Practice degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
As well as meeting the entry requirements for this course, we're looking for people who have good reading and writing skills and who are curious about the world.
You do not have to be a confident speaker or presenter to get a place on this degree; we'll help you develop those skills throughout the course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
This course is specifically designed to maximise your employability as a future solicitor or chartered legal executive. When you graduate you'll be ready to apply for work immediately as a paralegal or trainee legal executive, or go on to study for your SQE exams. You'll have lots of practical experience to talk about at job interviews.
It's worth noting that chartered legal executives can now become judges, coroners, advocates and partners in law firms.
Non-legal careers
If you decide you don't want to go on to be a lawyer that's fine. Law degrees are in the top 10 degrees for employability, as you'll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills that will make you very employable across a range of other sectors.
Law is an incredibly flexible degree. If you don't believe us, take a look at our blog about the 7 reasons to study law.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability even more by taking an optional paid placement after your second or third year of study.
Previous law students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Verisona Law
- Opus 2 International
- GE Capital
- Oracle
- Rolls Royce Motor Cars
Whatever your career ambitions, our placements team will be there to help and guide you and you'll maintain contact with your tutors throughout the year.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
This degree course meets all the 7 foundations of legal knowledge.
Modules
Core modules
Core modules
Optional modules
Students will study a wide range of legal sources including elements of criminal and civil law, together with institutional frameworks and dispute resolution systems. Students will learn actively using contemporary and relevant historic sports law issues over a wide range of sporting disciplines.
The module is comprised of two substantive parts. The first explores legal and regulatory issues posed by the emergence of AI technologies (e.g., challenges relating to privacy and data protection, intellectual property, human rights and non-discrimination, autonomous vehicles, autonomous weapons) by way of reference to real use cases and theoretical literature.
The second comprises of an in-depth examination of the innovative influence of AI technology on legal practice, providing students with the opportunity to develop their use of emerging technologies to enhance their professional skills. Upon completion of the module students will have developed a high level of understanding of what AI is, the challenges it poses for the law, and the relevance of the use of AI software in the legal sector.
Students will learn about the assessment of needs and methods of meeting needs of service users under the Care Act 2014 and the Children Act 1989.
Consideration will also be given to the role of law in managing standards in social care practice. Part of this will involve examining the differences in standards between adult and children's social care.
The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on service provision in the social care sector will also be given attention. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is also considered to flesh out a child's right to social care support in international human rights law.
By focusing on the care provision of particularly vulnerable members of society, this module will promote the development of informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to social justice issues. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their critical and reflective knowledge of social care law through examining that law in light of the changing social policy context.
Core modules
Optional modules
Students will be offered the opportunity to work in a weekly placement with one of our external partners where the emphasis will be on application of legal theory to real life issues/situations, to assist the clients of the partner organisation.
Students will learn a range of skills, which will be communicated to the student at the outset of their placement (depending on the partner organisation) but in all organisations there will be an emphasis on the ability to communicate using different mediums, organisation and independent learning.
Students will be required to integrate into their partner organisation, contributing to the overall achievement of the organisation's own aims and objectives, and identifying areas of difficulty. In preparation for entry into a post degree professional environment, the module will provide a focus on self-reflection.
This module also delves into the legal framework for children's rights in the domestic legal system, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Social Charter (ESC). It further examines the specific legal and thematic aspects related to children in care, children in the asylum and refugee system, and children within the court system, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and practical aspects of safeguarding children's rights.
It outlines the different sectors of environmental law as well as provides an insight and understanding of the principles and concepts upon which environmental law is based.
It also analyses the ways in which particular issues are addressed and, where appropriate, places these in their international context.
It introduces students to the role that international environmental law has within the development of national environmental law.
Students will critically explore the core principles and concepts of direct and indirect discrimination, as a well as harassment, positive action, and victimisation.
Further studies will critically explore particular issues raised in relation to race, sex, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. These include religious beliefs conflicting with rights attached to sexual orientation, bans on the display of religious symbols and clothing, racism, and women's rights at work, as well as any topical issues of the day.
The module covers a range of current family law topics that you would encounter in practice, incorporating the formation of adult relationships, matters relating to children, and the breakdown of adult relationships.
This will include (but may not be limited to) the foundation subjects such Criminal law, Land (and ownership pf property), and Tort, and also some of the optional areas of study such as Medical Law and Sports Law.
There will be a strong emphasis on being able to critically evaluate legislation, case law and contemporary issues with feminist theory and understanding the limitations of both the theory and the law that is studied.
There will be a strong intersectional approach, requiring students to examine and understand how gender and sexuality intersect with other social categories such as race, age, class and disability, and how the law may perpetuate (and promote) inequalities.
The module will promote critical thinking and independent inquiry around issues of inequalities and the module supports the development of a range of Hallmarks.
You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.
You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.
When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.
You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Ways to enrich your study
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."
Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019
Teaching
Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
The way you qualify as a solicitor has changed and we want to make sure that we prepare you as much as possible for the new SQE exams. The SQE exams are multiple choice, so we're adapting our assessment methods so that you're confident with this method of assessment.
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take, but it's likely to include:
- exams
- problem scenarios
- written reports and essays
- presentations
- practical projects
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course. To learn more about our teaching staff's active engagement in research and in addressing current legal challenges, explore our law blog.
Mr Shane McKinder
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- Academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- Reflective writing skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module that you study.
You won't need to buy the core textbooks as you can borrow most books from our extensive library.
If you choose to buy the course books they may cost up to £30 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – 002N
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.