The Ulster Law School has an excellent reputation for teaching, research, student support and student development.
The School
The School of Law seeks to achieve excellence in teaching, research and professional development. The School provides a range of LLB courses, all of which are Qualifying Law Degrees (QLDs) for the purposes of the legal professions, as well as a range of postgraduate courses. Students at Ulster have the opportunity to draw upon the expertise of an internationally recognised group of researchers. Law at Ulster was ranked 4th in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), with 82% of publications ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. The REF 2014 results also showcase the real-world impact of legal research at Ulster. In the new 'Research Impact' category, 100% of our work was scored as world-leading.
The Campus
Located in the heart of the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, the new campus provides a progressive learning, teaching and research environment supported by the best innovative technology, allowing us to nurture talent and innovation.
The Law with Criminology programme provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the wider field of employment in criminology and criminal justice. The Criminology programme is situated within the transitional context of Northern Ireland and draws upon national and international contexts to understand crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
A total of twelve law modules and six criminology modules are studied over the course of three years. These modules include the core law modules needed for Qualifying Law Degree status.
You will undertake six modules per academic year, three per semester.
Year One
Semester One
Exploring Law - This module introduces you to basic legal principles and concepts and enables you to understand and appreciate the structure and organisation of the legal system of the United Kingdom (with particular reference to Northern Ireland). It also enables you to acquire certain skills, such as those of instant recall, analysis, argumentation and articulation, which will prove useful in your further studies.
Public Law - A thorough knowledge of the constitutional basis is necessary in order to appreciate the powers and responsibilities of both central and devolved government and the limit to the competences of each tier of government. An understanding of the history and evolution of the constitutional norms that shape UK legal constitutional discourse is necessary to appreciate the role of the legal system in regulating disputes between the various branches of government and between the government and the public. A deeper appreciation of UK constitutionalism can also be gleaned from a comparison with the fundamental elements of other states’ constitutions.
Introduction to Crime & Deviance - Crime and deviance are rarely out of the news with frequent media warnings, for example of rises in `anti-social behaviour’. This module encourages students to look beneath the headlines and examine social constructions of crime. Ideas about `crime’ and `deviance’ vary over time and place and the module explores popular discourses on these themes. Methods of measuring crime are critically assessed and the fear of crime is explored. The module introduces students to criminology as a discipline and to key theoretical traditions. Students are supported in developing the critical skills needed to evaluate competing perspectives.
Semester Two
Criminal Law - The recognition of the importance of the criminal law requires that those who study law have a detailed understanding of its basic principles. This module explores the basic principles underlying criminal law and procedure and the relationship between the role of criminal law and that of civil law. It enables you to extend your understanding of the development of the common law and legislation as sources of law.
Law of Tort - Modern societies require certain interests to be protected not just by the criminal law but by the civil law, so that persons who are injured or whose property is damaged can claim compensation or some other remedy in the courts. No person who studies our law should be ignorant of the principles which govern this part of the civil law which has been developed around the notion of a tort.
Crime & Criminal Justice - This module will explore crime and its control through an analysis of specific crime problems and the response of the criminal justice system to these problems, drawing upon an array of national and international research evidence, and current developments. Students will be introduced to major offending patterns in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Consideration will also be given to the agencies, and policy frameworks, around which crime control is organised.
Year Two
Semester One
Contract Law - The recognition of the importance of the contractual relationship by the civil law requires that those who study law have a detailed understanding of the basic principles of contract law. This module explores the development of the principles of contract law through parliament, the courts, Europe, the business world and the professional literature.
Introduction to Property Law - This module provides students with an introduction to the key concepts of property law in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. It will prepare students for further detailed study of property law at Level 5 (Land Law – LAW311) and at Level 6 (Equity and Trusts) as well as complementing the study of aspects of Tort, Contract and Criminal Law. Completion of this module and Land Law (LAW311) will allow students to meet the requirements of the professional bodies in respect of property law in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
Victims of Crime (optional) – This module develops analytical skills in criminology and criminal justice. It evaluates, in the national and international context, the experiences, and the actual and potential role of victims of crime within the criminal justice system and explores whether they should be afforded a greater role.
Young People, Crime & Justice (optional) – This module provides an overview of the history and development of the modern youth justice system in GB and NI. It explores sociological and criminological concepts relating to 'childhood', 'adolescence' and 'juvenile delinquency'. The module explores crime committed by young people, its causes, consequences and treatment and the victimisation of young people. It critically analyses current debates and issues regarding youth crime and youth justice within a children's rights framework.
Policing & Society (optional) – This module will explain the role of policing in civil society by exploring the relationships between the police and society. Students will gain an insight into the interactive relationship between police and society, in particular how they influence each other as policing adapts to societal change and how society responds to the delivery style of policing.
Crime & the Media (optional) - The overall aim of this diverse module is to introduce and develop students understanding of the relationship between crime and the media. The module will primarily focus on specific types of media portrayals of crime and criminal behaviour, media effects, theories of media and the connection between the media, public opinion and criminal justice policy.
Semester Two
Land Law - This module provides students with the opportunity to study the key elements of land law in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. It will prepare students for further detailed study of property law at Level 6 (Equity and Trusts) and completion of this module and Introduction to Property Law (LAW319) will allow students to meet the requirements of the professional bodies in respect of property law in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
European Law - This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union. It also introduces students to the central areas within the market integration process, namely free movement of goods and persons. After the Treaties of Amsterdam and Nice, the impact of EU law has expanded even further than before. This module examines the development of European law, the institutional structure and processes as well as the relationship between European law and national law.
State Crime (optional) – This module seeks to explore the definition and nature of state crime in criminological and political discourse. It aims to develop a critical understanding of the nature of the state and the scale and type of crimes committed by state agents and agencies. A range of state crimes will be explored in both the domestic and international spheres.
Restorative Justice (optional) – This module provides students, who are new to restorative justice, with an understanding of key theories. The module addresses principles of restorative practice. It also considers the community, policy and legal frameworks in which restorative justice may be located.
Sentencing & Punishment (optional)– This module examines the relationship between sentencing theory, principle, policy, and practice. Consideration is given to how sentences are constructed, and the range of sentencing technologies available to the courts. Additionally, a variety of theoretical approaches are utilised to explore the broader social impact sentencing and punishment has on communities at a regional, national, and international level.
Year Three
Work Placement/Study Abroad
European Legal Studies
Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS)
Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP)
OR
Optional Modules: not all electives may run in all academic years. (Please note numbers may be capped on some final year electives). You will undertake two law modules and one criminology module per semester.
Semester One
Equity and Trusts - This module will explore the history of equity and its maxims, the development of the trust and its various forms, uses and practical implications today. It will consider how trusts can be varied and set aside, the powers and duties of trustees and the remedies for breach of trust. It will also examine equitable doctrines such as conversion and election and survey the law relating to equitable remedies such as injunctions.
Transitional Justice - This module will provide you with an introduction to contemporary human rights issues as they impact on societies coming out of conflict. The module provides a legal and historical perspective on classic transitional justice dilemmas and looks at theoretical and concrete accommodations between notions of peace and justice in transitional societies. Critically, the module will examine transitional legal issues in a number of jurisdictions and look at the applicability of a number of central themes to the Northern Ireland transition.
Surveillance and the Law - This module considers the rationale for conducting surveillance by agencies within the criminal justice system and the competing claims of individuals to be free from surveillance by virtue of rights such as privacy. You will explore the manner in which the law reflects the tension between these competing concerns.
Company Law - Government departments are themselves Bodies Corporate and this fact has for them far reaching legal implications. Government is also responsible for the substance of company law and its institutions, including the companies registry. This module deals with the main forms of business organisations both in the UK and EU, their management and contracting powers and procedures.
Land: Rights, Resources and Environment - This module explores the tension between the conception of land as a bundle of rights and land as a resource for the common good, with a particular focus on environmental concerns. Throughout history there has been an inherent tension between the rights of land “owners” and the broader interest of the community in how land is to be used. In the name of the community, the state has exercised some degree of control over how individuals can use land. In some extreme instances, such as under communist regimes, private property has been seized wholesale and regarded purely as a resource for the common good as opposed to being something over which a specific individual has any right. In recent times this longstanding tension between the individual and the state has been augmented by obligations agreed/imposed upon states by international law. In respect of land use the most significant developments of this nature have occurred in the fields of human rights and environmental law. The module will consider: the relationship(s) between land owners/users and the state; human rights and property law; fundamentals of environmental law; housing as a resource; planning; energy – fossil fuels and renewable sources; infrastructure; agriculture and food production; pollution and contamination; heritage and conservation; and countryside as a leisure space.
Social Justice - An understanding of the relationship between the state and citizen, and the contractual and moral obligations of each, is the key to understanding the changing nature of the law as it relates to social justice issues. This module explores the way in which the law deals with social justice issues by providing insight into the effects of Government policies, legislation and case law on these issues. The module is centered around the theme of poverty and its relationship with other social justice themes like crime control, social control, conflict, health, and social exclusion, its impact on vulnerable groups and the treatment of these vulnerable groups, and its implications for citizenship and society.
Human Rights Law - The module builds on other law modules in terms of examining fundamental principles underlying the legislative process as a whole. Through an in-depth analysis of human rights and equality protection at a range of levels, (internationally, regionally and domestically) you will have the opportunity to explore key areas of concern on both a theoretical level and through case studies on a more practical basis.
Legal Technology: Innovation and Information - Traditional law and technology courses have looked to the regulation of new technologies, and therefore the restrictive power of law on the use and development of new technologies (in terms of privacy, intellectual property, security). This module looks at the other side of the picture; the ways in which new technological developments will influence the future development of law, legal service provision and access to justice. For example: what are the possibilities for online dispute resolution to take on part of the burden that has traditionally devolved to either the courts or more recently tribunals? What are the implications of new informatic developments for particular levels of mundane legal work to be done by intelligent computer systems, and what will remain for human actors? What are the likely knock-on effects for the future of legal education, and for the legal professions? To what degree will future lawyers be required to be legal technologists, and what level of training will they need for this to be realised? How do new forms of technology address issues of access to justice? What does technology have to do with design thinking, and what is meant by the term ‘visual law’? In short, the module will elaborate the changing face of legal practice, give a grounding in basic concepts and technologies, investigate the opportunities and risks of the changing dynamics of law due to increasingly sophisticated informatic systems and look to the changing face of law as a result of these changes.
Crime, Social Order & Social Control – This module develops analytical and critical skills in exploring the complex relationship between crime, social order and social control. It moves beyond the descriptions of selected types of criminal activities, debates about the causes of crime and what works to a detailed examination of the underlying social, political and economic forces shaping contemporary crime control arrangements.
Green Criminology & Environmental Crime – This module offers students the opportunity to study contemporary issues in criminology, with particular reference to green criminology, environmental crime and justice. It provides the opportunity to understand the nature of how crime is defined and considered outside of academia. It looks at real world issues and discusses the various, and at times, conflicting approaches undertaken by criminologists. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate criminological evidence and to make links with criminological theory and issues raised.
Terrorism & Political Violence - Since the late 1960s, acts of terrorism have become more numerous and wide-ranging. The module involves consideration of the debate over the definition of terrorism and political violence; theories of terrorism and political violence; the symbiotic relationship between terrorism and the mass media and the character of terrorism.
Gender, Sexuality, Crime & Justice – This module will assist students to develop skills in understanding how different theories, concepts, methodological tools and data influence the ways in which we respond to gender and crime. The establishment of a more victim centered approach, and changes to offender management, will form the key elements of the module. Case studies will show how practitioners and policy makers are responding to the extensive reforms within the criminal justice and prison system.
Semester Two
Dissertation - The dissertation allows you to integrate skills and knowledge and to relate these to a specific issue or issues in law through a systematic investigation and presentation of findings in a report.
Law of Evidence - The module situates discussion of the law of evidence in the context of the UK’s incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights. It gives you the opportunity to explore a number of important and controversial issues in the modern law. The module seeks to provide an understanding of the civil and criminal justice systems and to encourage you to analyse, critique and challenge current rules and practice. This module will complement other substantive law modules, particularly criminal law.
Medical Law - The practical importance and the complexity of medical issues requires that those who have an interest in medicine and health care and practice have a detailed understanding of the basic principles of medical law. Legal, professional and technological developments, and the increasing role of the law in health care issues, have expanded the subject matter of this area and medical law is now regarded as a subject worthy of study in its own right. The module explores the substantive legal rules relating to all aspects of medicine and health care including resource allocation, capacity, medical negligence, confidentiality, organ donation, abortion, reproductive medicine and assisted dying.
Employment Law - The importance of the employment relationship between employers, employees, unions and other statutory bodies and agencies is such that a thorough knowledge of both the context and the substantive law is necessary for those involved in this area. The module attempts to provide the basis for this knowledge and to put you in the position where you may not only have an understanding of the law both conceptually and substantively, but also be in a position to use that knowledge in the solution of problems.
Media Law - This module is designed to give you an understanding of the legal issues relevant to the practice of journalism and to the mass media in general. There has, in recent years, been a perceptible increase in demand for vocationally-orientated modules among undergraduates in Northern Ireland, and there is evidence that many law students wish to acquire specialist knowledge and skills in media-related disciplines. The module seeks to meet that demand.
Law of Armed Conflict - Armed conflict is a major feature of modern international relations that engages the armed forces of most States, including the United Kingdom and Ireland. The legitimacy of military interventions and the conduct of armed forces are topical issues that are much debated in government; and also in the courts. This module examines the role of law in armed conflict in mitigating the effects of the use of armed force, for example in regulating the conduct of hostilities and in the protection of civilians. The aim of this module is to introduce you to international law and to the various different international organisations that you will come across in the course of your studies. The focus is on enabling you to acquire an understanding of the basic principles and core rules of the relevant laws applicable in armed conflict such that you will be able to consider and explore the potential and limit of law as a protective force in armed conflict.
Law and the Family - This module explores the ways in which the law deals with the family and with issues that arise with respect to families, including marital breakdown, domestic violence, and child abuse, as well as providing insights into the forces which share family law, thus making it less of a private area of activity than is sometimes thought.
Legal Practice (UG Law Clinic) - Clinical legal education has been established for many years in countries such as Canada and the United States as an excellent way of both training practitioners and achieving wider educational aims. This module is designed to allow LLB students the opportunity to experience law in practice. Due to the exceptionally close supervisory nature of the clinical legal education experience, only a small number of students will be able to choose this module. Those who take the module will be given a unique opportunity to experience real life clients and to practice law in a fully operational legal office. They will gain the skills required to take a legal enquiry, interview a client, identify and research the legal issues, and advise the client on the potential outcomes available.
Prisons, Punishment & Power – This module includes an overview of the history of imprisonment as a form of punishment; the development of the prison system in the UK; discussion of key debates and current issues regarding imprisonment nationally and internationally.
Global Crime – The module examines the various criminal dimensions of contemporary globalisation, their global extent and significance and the roles they play in shaping the socio-economic conditions and development trajectories of key global regions. In doing so it draws on literature from across the social sciences. The module focuses on a range of different forms of organised crime including state and corporate crime and crimes against the environment. It considers these forms of global crime to be extensive and integral aspects of contemporary globalisation and examines their complex relationships to the legitimate society and economy. The module considers various responses to global crime and evaluates their success as well as exploring the relationship between global crime and popular culture.
Psychology & Crime – Crime and criminal justice as well as issues of law and order remain topical in contemporary society. This module will provide students with a unique opportunity to investigate the workings of the criminal mind and what motivates an individual to commit crime. This module aims to introduce students to the principal theories and applications of psychology within the field of criminology. It enables students to develop a critical understanding of how psychological theory is applied to various criminological settings, which include youth crime; weapon carrying; arson and sexual crimes; psychopaths and serial killers, and criminal profiling.
Cybercrime - Increasing connectivity to the Internet has resulted in a growing amount of crime and deviance taking place in cyberspace. This module examines a series of cyber enabled and cyber dependent crimes, the motivations of online offenders and how such crimes may be investigated and subsequently prevented. It examines the complex nature of cyber legislation in Europe and explores the difficulties of policing cyber activity on the surface and dark web. By the end of the module students will be able to evaluate the uncertainties, ambiguities and limits currently encountered in trying to regulate the Internet and digital technology.
The School aims to provide a broadly ‘socio-legal’ education, with specialist teaching from academics in a variety of fields and those from previous professional practice who can provide the invaluable ‘taste’ of law-in-action. The School includes the award-winning Ulster Law Clinic, the Legal Innovation Centre and the globally recognised Transitional Justice Institute.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Each module of study usually involves a weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. In addition, students are required to undertake substantial directed independent learning. Generally, three modules are studied per semester on the full time programme.
The principal teaching methods on this course are lecture, seminar and independent learning. The lectures are largely expository but student participation in seminars in the form of question and answer sessions is encouraged. Assessment typically involves sitting an examination or submitting coursework or a combination of the two. Coursework is assessed in a variety of ways, including essays, case studies, presentations, tests and mooting.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation (Opens in a new window)
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing (Opens in a new window)
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module covers basic legal principles and concepts, enabling students to understand the United Kingdom's legal system, its structure and organisation. This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to study law. This module continues the induction process and also offers students an opportunity to obtain information about careers and personal development and to observe the legal system in practice, via court visits and events such as guest speakers.
Year: 1
Status: C
Criminal law is the body of statute and common law that has developed in an attempt to protect society from certain activities that have been deemed socially harmful. The module develops students' knowledge of the criminal law, and essential skills for legal study. Students will test their ability to apply the law to problem scenarios as well as learning to identify and critique problems with the law evaluate arguments for and against change.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces basic legal principles and concepts, and enables students to understand the structure and organisation of the legal system in the UK (with a particular emphasis on Northern Ireland). It introduces students to the concepts of reflective and independent learning, and provides them with the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment required for the study of law as a discipline. This module continues the induction process and offers the students an opportunity to obtain information about careers and personal development. Formal assessment on this module is by an online assessment exercise and coursework.
Year: 1
Status: C
Criminal law provides the ideal vehicle to study both common law and legislation and develop an understanding of the relationship between law in Northern Ireland and the law in England and Wales. Students learn the scope and content of criminal law and understand the need for reform in certain areas through academic commentary and critical discussion and evaluation. In examining the principle and substance of criminal law students also gain the opportunity to develop skills in legal reasoning and analysis.
Year: 1
Status: C
A thorough knowledge of the constitutional basis is necessary in order to appreciate the powers and responsibilities of government and the limit to its competence. This module examines the constitutional arrangements of the UK, dealing in detail with constitutional matters that affect Northern Ireland, allowing students to appreciate the powers and responsibilities of both central and devolved government and the limit to the competences of each tier of government. The module also explores the history and evolution of the constitutional norms that shape UK legal constitutional discourse. Students are also introduced to the Human Rights Act 1998 and to the theory of, procedure for, and the grounds for judicial review.
Year: 1
Status: C
Students by the end of this module should have a good grasp of the constitutional arrangements within the United Kingdom including: institutions of government, key principles underpinning the constitution of the United Kingdom, the arrangements for devolved governance in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the importance of European Union Law as a source of law within the constitution of the United Kingdom, the legal protection of human rights and civil liberties, mechanisms of accountability within constitutional law, especially judicial review, and proposed reforms and debates surrounding such reforms.
Year: 1
Status: C
The law of tort plays a central role in the modern legal system. This module provides comprehensive coverage of the principles of the law of tort and a detailed understanding of historical and contemporary caselaw. Students will have multiple and varied opportunities to problem solve real-life scenarios and engage in class debates on core developments in the law.
Year: 1
Status: C
Crime and deviance are rarely out of the news with frequent media warnings, for example of rises in `anti-social behaviour'. This module encourages students to look beneath the headlines and examine social constructions of crime. Ideas about `crime' and `deviance' vary over time and place and the module explores popular discourses on these themes. Methods of measuring crime are critically assessed and the fear of crime is explored. The module introduces students to criminology as a discipline and to key theoretical traditions. Students are supported in developing the critical skills needed to evaluate competing perspectives. The module provides a foundation of knowledge and skills for the criminology and criminal justice, and criminology minor degree programmes.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will explore crime and its control through an analysis of specific crime problems and the response of the criminal justice system to these problems, drawing upon an array of national and international research evidence, and current developments. Students will be introduced to major offending patterns in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Consideration will also be given to the agencies, and policy frameworks, around which crime control is organised.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module will provide a basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding and developing analysis of the key concepts, problems and issues in the law of contract. The theories, principles and rules of the law of contract will be explained. The module will address the key features of contract law including formation of contract, contractual terms, exclusion and limitation clauses, vitiating factors, discharge of contract and remedies.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with the opportunity to study Land Law (which is considered to be a core subject in the study of law) in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. The professional bodies require law school graduate entrants to have studied Land Law at Degree Level. This module (together with Introduction to Property Law) satisfies the requirements of the professions in both jurisdictions.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union. The module also introduces students to the central areas within the market integration process, namely free movement of goods and persons. After the Treaties of Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon, the impact of EU law has expanded even further than before. This module examines the development of European Law, the institutional structure and processes as well as the relationship between European Law and national law.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with the opportunity to study Land Law (which is considered to be a core subject in the study of law) in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. The professional bodies require law school graduate entrants to have studied Land Law at Degree Level. This module (together with Introduction to Property Law) satisfies the requirements of the professions in both jurisdictions.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with an introduction to the core concepts of property law in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. This module will directly prepare you for further detailed study of property law at level 5 (Land Law) and at level 6 (Equity and Trusts) as well as complementing the study of aspects of Tort, Contract and even Criminal Law. Completion of this module and Land Law (LAW311) in semester 2 year 2 allows you to meet the requirements of the professional bodies (in respect of property law) in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union and the development of the European Union from its original inception as the European Community. The importance of law in the development of the European Union as a 'supranational organisation' is examined in the context of concepts such as supremacy and direct effect contributing to enforcement of EU law. The module also introduces students to some central areas within the market integration process as well as contemporary issues such as the legal ramifications of BREXIT.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module will provide a basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding and developing analysis of the key concepts, problems and issues in the law of contract. The theories, principles and rules of the law of contract will be explained. The module will address the key features of contract law including, formation of contract, exclusion clauses, vitiating factors, discharge of contract and remedies
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is designed to explore the law and institutions involved in policing and to set policing in a legal context. Thus it will consider the role and powers of the office of constable and the legal framework within which a policing service is delivered including the constraints and obligations on police officers and a police service. It will allow for discussion and challenge in regard to ideas about how policing is and ought to be conducted.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module seeks to explore the definition and nature of state crime in criminological and political discourse. It aims to develop a critical understanding of the nature of the state and the scale and type of crimes committed by state agents and agencies. A range of state crimes will be explored in both the domestic and international spheres. The module will explore forms of state crime as techniques of 'coercive governance' and will use examples from both democratic and authoritarian regimes.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module examines the relationship between sentencing theory, principle, policy, and practice. Consideration is given to how sentences are constructed, and the range of sentencing technologies available to the courts. Additionally, a variety of theoretical approaches are utilised to explore the broader social impact sentencing and punishment has on communities at a regional, national, and international level.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students, who are new to restorative justice with an understanding of key theories. The module addresses principles of restorative practice. It also considers the community, policy and legal frameworks in which restorative justice may be located.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module further develops analytical skills in criminology and criminal justice. It evaluates, in the national and international context, the experiences, and the actual and potential role of victims of crime within the criminal justice system and explores whether they should be afforded a greater role.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module explores the characteristics, dynamics and underpinning factors that exist between policing and society. Historically, policing has been the subject of much debate both nationally and internationally, with the delivery of policing services, and, how they are perceived by the community focal points for discussion. Through the policing institutions in Northern Ireland and England and Wales this module will examine how various social, cultural and political forces impact upon the police and the community they serve. It is also important to consider the role of the community in the context of `policing' and examine the various techniques employed by civil society to address issues pertaining to community safety and the fear of crime. The module will also consider the emergence of new crimes in the form of `internet and organised crime' and determine the implications on the relationship between society and the police.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides an overview of the history and development of the modern youth justice system in GB and NI. It explores sociological and criminological concepts relating to 'childhood' 'adolescence' and 'juvenile delinquency'. The module explores crime committed by young people, its causes, consequences and treatment and the victimisation of young people. It critically analyses current debates and issues regarding youth crime and youth justice within a children's rights framework.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Crime and media explores the nature of media influence on crime, the criminal justice
system and the role that the media plays in influencing the public's perception of crime and
criminality. Specifically this module develops analytical and critical skills in exploring and
understanding the conflicting and at times ambiguous relationship between crime and the
media in the twenty first century.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is intended:
• To introduce students to the principles of environmental protection and governance.
• To engage students with critical debates from green criminology that challenge the conventional notions of crime, deviance and justice.
• To promote student awareness and understanding of issues relating to environmental harm and justice.
• To foster the development of applied knowledge of environmental protection, regulation and governance.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks. The placement normally takes place after Year 2 and is open to all Law students who have successfully completed Year 1 of the course.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Year: 4
Status: C
The Law of Evidence is key to understanding the judicial system. This module examines the fundamental principles of, and a number of important and controversial issues in, the modern law of evidence. Students will learn to apply the key rules and understand the exercise of judicial discretion on the admission of evidence to court and be encouraged to critique and challenge current rules and practice. The module complements other law modules, particularly criminal law.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module will explore the equitable jurisdiction through its historical development as well as the impact it continues to have on contemporary legal practice. This will be through the prism of examining its greatest creation, the trust. This will explore the creation of express trusts through the three certainties, beneficiary principle and formalities and constitution. This module will also cover implied trusts as well as the duties that will be bestowed upon trustees when they take up a position of trusteeship as well as the rights that a beneficiary under such a trust will have.
Year: 4
Status: C
The state has traditionally been viewed as being responsible for managing crime and policing in society. However, this is much more complex and varied than would initially seem obvious. This module will explore and evaluate public and community security from a number of perspectives, providing students with a wider appreciation of how policing is undertaken outside that of traditional state and police perspectives. This will involve an examination of the many configurations which contribute to broader conceptions of policing and security within modern society. Furthermore, the module will provide an understanding of the fact that the state police are but one of many auspices and agencies who contribute to the governance of security as part of common and diverse public demands for policing provision.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module includes an overview of the history of imprisonment as a form of punishment; the development of the prison system in the UK; discussion of key debates and current issues regarding imprisonment nationally and internationally. The module also covers the history, development of and current issues regarding imprisonment in Northern Ireland.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will provide students with access to a comprehensive programme of study which will examine fundamental principles of the law of evidence, amd analyse a number of important and controversial issues in the modern law. It will also provide students with an understanding of the operation of evidential rules within the civil and criminal justice systems in a manner which accords with national professional standards.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores the real-life dilemmas negotiated in countries emerging from dictatorship and conflict. These include whether legal mechanisms can assist in achieving truth, justice, and/or reconciliation; or whether these goals are sometimes antithetical. The module will enable students to engage with international humanitarian law and human rights law, and in particular. The module also serves as an introduction to concepts and issues that are explored in greater depth in the LLM in Human Rights and Transitional Justice offered at the University of Ulster.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The aim of this module is to examine the law's involvement with medicine and to raise ethical and contextual awareness of selected medical topics.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores and evaluates the legal framework within which surveillance operates in the United Kingdom. Considering the role of surveillance in society, the relationship between surveillance, privacy rights and fair trial rights is evaluated with specific reference to data protection, interception of communications, directed and intrusive surveillance, official secrecy, the security and intelligence services and recent developments in relation to identity and identity theft. Plus the role and impact of social media and the digital footprint we all leave behind.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The importance of the employment relationship between employers, employees, unions and other statutory bodies and agencies is such that a thorough knowledge of both the context and the substantive law is necessary for those involved in this area in any capacity. The module attempts to provide the basis for this knowledge and to put students in the position where they may not only have an understanding of the law both conceptually and substantively, but also be in a position to use that knowledge prophylactically and in the solution of problems.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The study of media law requires students to understand basic legal principles in such areas as freedom of speech, intellectual property, contempt of court, defamation, parliamentary privilege and copyright. It also requires the students to acquire certain skills, such as those of instant recall, analysis, argumentation and articulation, and the ability to apply legal principles to practical problems. This module provides the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment to acquire such knowledge and skills.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores this tension between the conception of land as a bundle of rights and land as a resource for the common good, with a particular focus on environmental concerns. The module will consider: the relationship(s) between land owners/users and the state; fundamentals of environmental law; land, human rights and the environment; planning and the environment; conservation of the natural environment; land as a diminishing resource (flooding and coastal erosion) and trespass/control of access to land.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
An understanding of the relationship between the state and citizen, and the contractual and moral obligations of each, is the key to understanding the changing nature of the law as it relates to social justice issues. This module explores the way in which the law deals with social justice issues by providing insight into the effects of Government policies, legislation and case law on these issues. The module is centred around the theme of poverty and its relationship with other social justice themes like crime control, social control, conflict, health, and social exclusion, its impact on vulnerable groups and the treatment of those vulnerable groups, and its implications for citizenship and society.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides the student with a detailed understanding of the legal issues related to housing. Considering initially the nature of law, the legal system and human rights, the module focuses particularly upon relevant aspects of property law, such as the law of landlord and tenant, as well as related issues such as anti-social behaviour and occupier's liability.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Law, Justice and Society is a practical, prison-based elective law module allowing students to develop their legal skills outside the classroom, and appreciate the impact of the law in/on society.
The module is based primarily in HMP Magilligan where twelve final-year students will study alongside a group of 12 prisoners. Four substantive topics will be covered during the module: Philosophy in Prison; Human Rights, Freedoms, Restrictions, and Privilege; Interpreting Legislation in Northern Ireland; and Law and Prison Reform.
Over the semester, students will also have an opportunity to work together on group projects on the theme of Community Justice. The mode of assessment is two pieces of reflective writing and participation in a prison-based group project.
The practical and transferable skills gained from this are unique to this module and provide students with the opportunity to see first hand the law in action, and the impact on some of the most marginalised people in society. The module will also provide students with the academic development necessary for a level 6 module.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module builds on other law modules in terms of examining fundamental principles underlying the legislative process as a whole. Through an indepth analysis of human rights protection at a range of levels, (internationally, regionally and domestically) students will have the opportunity to explore key areas of concern on both a theoretical level and through case studies on a more practical basis.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module enables students to master the complex area of human rights law. Students will be encouraged to develop an in-depth critical understanding of both the content of human rights law standards and the various means by which it is enforced. Students will come to see both the strengths and weaknesses of human rights law and to appreciate the system of international, regional and national enforcement mechanisms which seek to protect and promote human rights.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of independent, scholarly research in a chosen area of law and present that research in the form of a 6,000 written dissertation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module examines the role of international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict and the extent to which it applies to military operations in societies emerging from conflict. International humanitarian law may play a role in mitigating the effects of the use of armed force, for example in regulating the conduct of hostilities and in the protection of civilians; but it also permits high levels of violence provided certain core rules are observed.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Law, Film and Visual Culture is a deliberately alternative approach to the traditional study of law, both in terms of the basic materials used to ground an approach to the topics under study, and in the teaching arrangements. It is an attempt to foster a developed spirit and capacity in critical intelligence in relation to the cultural make-up of the social environment and thus aims for wide applicability and to break the notion of law as confined to a specific arena.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module explores the ways in which the law regulates the family and deals with issues such as marital breakdown, domestic violence, and child abuse. As well as critically addressing this range of issues, it also provides insights into the forces that shape family law, and render it less of a private area of activity than is sometimes thought. Family law is an area of concern to policy-makers, social scientists and politicians alike, as well as lawyers, and is a subject of continued, heated, debate.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is taught using clinical legal education and is designed to introduce students to the knowledge and skills required for legal practice. Through the facts of a mock social security case, students will open and manage a client file, conduct a client interview, identify the relevant legal issues, research the legal issues, determine the best course of action in the case and prepare a letter of advice to the client. This will be done in the Ulster University Law Clinic using the same procedures and methods as are employed there when dealing with real cases. The module will culminate in students conducting a live client interview, to gather information about a real client's case. The module is assessed through the real client interview (competent/not yet competent) and the subsequent preparation of a letter of advice. On completion of the module, students will have acquired the skills necessary for competent legal practice and will have had experience of handling a client interview.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Traditional law and technology courses have looked to the regulation of new technologies, and therefore the restrictive power of law on the use and development of new technologies (in terms of privacy, intellectual property, security). This module looks at the other side of the picture; the ways in which new technological developments will influence the future development of law, legal service provision and access to justice.
Elements to include: (i) Legal Document Management (including electronic legal research, e-discovery, specialized legal databases), (ii) Legal Infrastructure (including: case management, legal lead generation, managing the firms legal business process and legal process outsourcing), Computational Law (including: legal expert systems, computable contracts, and unauthorized practice of law issues) (iv) online dispute resolution and its facilitation by expert systems (v) design thinking & visual law.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
In light of growing scientific, public and political concern about multiple ecological 'crises', it has never been more essential to consider how the law can best be used to manage the environment in a sustainable way. However, this is not a wholly new challenge for the law. This module will introduce students to the main forces shaping the evolution of environmental law and key debates around the most effective forms of environmental regulation, as well as exploring how these are reflected in specific areas of environmental law.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces students to the body of rules and principles of law which regulate public and private companies. It is of practical significance to all those who wish to make a career in, or have dealings with, such companies.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in professional written advocacy through the use of practical legal documents such as writs, civil bills, skeleton arguments, opinions and affidavits. It will also provide students with the opportunity to get 'on their feet' and deliver their arguments to the court or have the opportunity to question witnesses in the simulated cases that will form the basis of the module.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module examines the international legal instruments for the guarantee of women's civil and political rights and economic and social rights will be examined for students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the basic texts and the international monitoring mechanisms. Detailed attention is accorded to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979. The impact of certain conceptual assumptions within international law, and human rights law in particular, that militates against the adequate protection of women's rights are considered.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Crime in the City examines the numerous aspects to corporate crime and the extent to which corporations have to be aware of potential criminal liability. This not only extends to the corporation but also those working for corporations. The module will provide students with the opportunity to examine the key concepts arising in corporate crime and how they apply in practice.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the legal protection of refugee, asylum seekers and displaced persons. Throughout this module, students will look at the international, regional and domestic legal protection available (or potentially lack thereof). The overarching aim of the module is to ensure that students understand, evaluate and critically assess the relevant law and jurisprudence related to refugee protection in the broadest sense.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores the law as it engages with the lives of children and childhood. The module seeks to consider the rights of children in society, the family, education, decision-making, autonomy, welfare and protection from harm in public and private law. You will learn key aspects of the Children's (NI) Order 1995 with regard to Looked After Children and the duty of Social Workers, Guardian Ad Litems, and the Family Courts. In terms of private law, there will be focus on children in family courts, parental responsibility and residency. There will also be close examination of the rights of disabled children, to live, develop and learn free from discrimination. We will look at SEN provision and the experiences of families of disabled children to participate in society, employment and accessing services. As part of this there will be consideration of Access to Justice, Tribunals, Judicial Review and the Children's Commissioner. Throughout the module there will be attention paid to children's Human Rights, in domestic law and international law in the prevention of child trafficking, exploitation and abduction from the jurisdiction.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Crime and media explores the nature of media influence on crime, the criminal justice system and the role that the media plays in influencing the public's perception of crime and criminality. Specifically this module develops analytical and critical skills in exploring and understanding the conflicting and at times ambiguous relationship between crime and the media in the twenty first century.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Since the late 1960s, acts of terrorism have become more numerous and wide-ranging. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in September 2001 and the following incidents elsewhere, notably in Madrid and London, have given impetus to the study of terrorism and political violence, not in only in academic circles but also amongst policy-makers. Furthermore, there is a more heightened awareness in the general public about the `war against terrorism'. The module involves consideration of the debate over the definition of terrorism and political violence; psychological, sociological and other social science theories of terrorism and political violence; the symbiotic relationship between terrorists, terrorism and the mass media; the character of state terrorism; trans-national and international terrorism including past trends and future prospects and single-issue terrorism. The module also examines and assesses counter-terrorism (police, intelligence and legal) measures/responses by the state, both for their effectiveness and for their implications for civil liberty in liberal-democracies.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Crime and criminal justice as well as issues of law and order remain topical in contemporary society. This module will provide students a unique opportunity to investigate the workings of the criminal mind and what motivates an individual to commit crime. This module aims to introduce students to the principal theories and applications of psychology within the field of criminology. It enables students to develop a critical understanding of how psychological theory is applied to various criminological settings, which include youth crime; weapon carrying; arson and sexual crimes; psychopaths and serial killers, and criminal profiling.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module offers students the opportunity to study contemporary issues in criminology, with particular reference to green criminology, environmental crime and justice. It provides the opportunity to understand the nature of how crime is defined and considered outside of academia. It looks at real world issues and discusses the various, and at times, conflicting approaches undertaken by criminologists. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate criminological evidence and to make links with criminological theory and issues raised.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will assist students to develop skills in understanding how different theories, concepts, methodological tools and data influence the ways in which we respond to gender and crime. The establishment of a more victim centred approach, and changes to offender management, will form the key elements of the module. Case studies will show how practitioners and policy makers are responding to the extensive reforms within the criminal justice and prison system.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Increasing connectivity to the Internet has resulted in a growing amount of crime and deviance taking place in cyberspace. This cybercrime module examines a series of cyber enabled and cyber dependent crimes, the motivations of online offenders and how such crimes may be investigated and subsequently prevented. It examines the complex nature of cyber legislation in Europe and explores the difficulties of policing cyber activity on the surface and dark web. By the end of the module students will be able to evaluate the uncertainties, ambiguities and limits currently encountered in trying to regulate the Internet and digital technology.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module examines the various criminal dimensions of contemporary globalisation, their
global extent and significance and the roles they play in shaping the socio-economic
conditions and development trajectories of key global regions. It also considers various responses to global crime and evaluates their success as well as exploring the relationship between global crime and
popular culture. Students will understand issues relating to a) Spatial and temporal patterns of global crime; b) the link between different forms of organised crime and globalisation; and c) the key critiques of crime control measures.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module offers students the opportunity to study contemporary issues in criminology, with particular reference to drugs use; its consumption, regulation and criminalisation. It provides the opportunity to understand the nature of how drug use and crime are defined and considered inside and outside of academia. It looks at real world issues and discusses the various, and at times, conflicting approaches undertaken by criminologists. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate criminological evidence and to make links with criminological theory and issues raised.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Rehabilitation and Desistance from Crime will introduce students to some of the key concepts and debates in the field of desistance studies. The module will encourage an appraisal of the relationships between rehabilitation, risk and resettlement in penal philosophy, policy and practice. Students will engage with debates on 'what works' in rehabilitative practice, and examine how desistance from crime can be supported, or stymied, by criminal justice processes.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Corporate crime is a multi-trillion dollar global racket that represents a significant threat to markets, democracy, development, human rights and the environment. Crimes committed by corporations have been identified by the UK and US governments as one of the most pressing challenges for law makers today. This module will critically explore the drivers of corporate crime in a number of thematic areas including serious fraud, financial crime, corruption, environment, and human rights. Students will take a hands-on approach, investigating some of the most significant corporate crimes of the last two decades, using specially curated real-world materials such as indictments and deferred prosecution agreements. This case driven approach will open-up the inner workings of corporate crime and help students theorise some of the key drivers of illicit corporate activity. The module's applied focus will help prepare students for a potential career in the control of corporate crime, which is a fast growing and dynamic industry for criminology graduates.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
AAB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DDD
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
136 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades BBBBC.
Grades BBC.
Overall profile is minimum 27 points (including 13 at higher level)
Overall profile of 73% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 39 credits at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Pass HND with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions in level 5 credits.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 105 distinctions in level 4 credits.
Successful completion of any Ulster University Foundation Degree with an average of 60% in Level 5 modules. (Entry into Year One only)
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.
The professional bodies that accredit LLB degrees place restrictions on the extent to which credit can be given for study undertaken on other courses and/or at other institutions. Provided that a candidate has met the standard entrance requirements for the course, consideration will be given (subject to these restrictions) to an application to transfer or for exemption from specific modules. No transfer or exemption is possible at level 6.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Ulster graduates have gone on to study law at postgraduate level both at Ulster University and other institutions (e.g. Masters courses such as the LLM, or doctoral studies); others are now in practice as solicitors or barristers, having completed the Certificate in Professional Legal Studies. Others have pursued careers in related areas such as the business and finance sector, human resources, politics and the community sector.
To enhance the student experience, at the end of year two of undergraduate study, many students opt to participate in a number of year-long programmes, including StudyUSA, the Erasmus scheme and the International Student Exchange Programme. In participating in these schemes, student fees are paid and a small stipend provided to assist with the purchase of books and such like.
The work placement module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student’s employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Recognised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI) for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.
The qualifying law degree is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for the purposes of satisfying the academic stage of training.
Accredited by the Bar Standards Board for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.
Prizes are sponsored by some of the foremost law firms in Northern Ireland, leading NGOs and legal publishing houses. The School believes that hard work and talent should be rewarded, and as such, the range of prizes on offer within the Law School provide an excellent means of facilitating student engagement with the legal professions and with community based organisations more broadly.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
