What does LLB stand for?
LLB is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase ‘Legum Baccalaureus. This translates to Bachelor of Laws degree and is a qualifying Law degree which typically takes three years to complete. With our accelerated two-year programme though, aspiring law graduates can pursue career opportunities faster than they would be able to on the standard three-year course.
What is the Two-Year Accelerated Law programme like?
The Law Two-Year Accelerated programme is a challenging but quicker route to your LLB, and it means you will achieve your degree in two years instead of three. It is aimed at students with time constraints, such as mature students or graduates in other disciplines. We have a wide mix of students from all backgrounds and careers on the accelerated LLB programme currently.
Like the title suggests, it is an accelerated law programme. During Year One you will study nine modules; four in semester one, three in semester two and two during the summer period. You will have the normal university breaks over the Christmas and Easter periods, and if you complete your coursework on time, you will have a substantial break over August and September. Then in Year Two, you will study three compulsory modules and four modules of your choice. Finally, in the summer period of Year Two you will complete a dissertation.
It is a demanding and time-consuming LLB degree, but it is extremely rewarding, and our students do very well on the programme and find it very satisfying that they have achieved their degree in two years rather than three!
How will I learn on the two year accelerated law degree?
Our teaching includes a variety of methods underpinned by active learning. This ranges from lectures, tutorials, workshops, online learning, self-directed or collaborative study, experiential and problem-based learning. You, as the student, are at the heart of what we do. Through your participation, you will engage with your peers and lectures in an interactive setting whereby you can critically engage with the syllabus.
You can expect to put in 200 hours of work on each module that you study. You will normally have two hours of contact time, which could be online or face to face, per week with your tutor for each module.
How will I be assessed?
The University of Northampton Law Degree offers you a wide range of assessments to help you develop a diverse set of academic and professional skills. Assessments have been carefully designed to help you build the skills you will need for the future. The skills you will acquire will not only help with preparation for entry to the legal profession but will also be highly desirable to graduate recruiters in a variety of sectors. Our mission is to produce high quality, adaptive and socially responsible law graduates equipped to pursue successful careers in a variety of contexts. The assessment strategy is a combination of formative and summative assignments designed to enable you to learn and develop key academic and employability skills. These are the range of assessments that you can expect across your modules:
- Client interviews
- Essays
- Advocacy
- Commentaries on current legal issues both in a national and global context
- A range of presentations individually and in groups
- Multiple choice questions/exams/time constrained assignments
Are there any extra-curricular activities available?
As an accelerated two year LLB law student at the University of Northampton you will have the opportunity to attend extra-curricular activities including:
- Street Law Projects
- Mooting, negotiation and client-interviewing competitions
- Access to the Moot Room where you can practice and develop advocacy skills
- Guest lectures from Judges and human rights advocates.
- Opportunities to conduct research projects as student researchers to develop your academic skills which will also be useful for if you are considering other professions.
- An active Student Law Society where you can take part in social and professional activities.
Who are the Student Support Team?
The Student Experience Support Team are a team of previous graduates of the University of Northampton, they are here to support all Faculty of Business and Law students by offering a friendly listening ear and ensuring students are aware of the numerous support systems that the University has to offer. The team provide confidential 1-1 meetings in person and online where they will signpost the students to the relevant support teams to ensure they are aware of the support available for them throughout their studies. You can follow the Student Experience Support Team to see the services they offer.