The Ulster Law School has an excellent reputation for teaching, research, student support and student development.
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.
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In this section
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, one or two modules are studied per semester on the part time programme.
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.
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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.
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
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
This module begins by assessing the meaning of politics, the relationship between politics and the State, and the role of government. Then, it describes the organisation of the State and its division of powers. Finally, an analysis is undertaken of the role of public administration in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policy.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the study of political thought in its ideological forms. Political ideologies have been implicated in all major political developments over the last two centuries and demand special attention. This module clarifies the principles of these major systems and identifies their implications for political practice.
Year: 2
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: 2
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: 2
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: 2
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: 2
Status: C
By the end of this module, students 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 relationship between European Union Law and 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: 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.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module is designed to provoke thought and stimulate questions about the nature of politics and government within the UK. Thus, it considers the key aspects of British politics including political culture, the function and structure of political parties and pressure groups, sub national forms of government and the role of the mass media. In doing so, it examines the dispersal of power within the United Kingdom discusses the changing responsibilities of government, and the nature of political power in a modern state.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
International Relations introduces the student to the study of international relations and to the main theories and debates relevant to understanding politics in an international context.
The module provides all politics students with an introduction to the building blocks of international relations as well as an introduction to theoretical concepts, institutional design and comparative elements of global affairs. This provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate team work and individual study as well as encouraging students to develop their capacity to read, write and think in an academic environment, preparing them for modules at degree level in future years.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module begins by assessing the meaning of populism, the relationship between people and the state. Then, it analyses concepts and theories of populism. Finally, an analysis is undertaken of the politics of populism in 21st century global society.
Year: 3
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: 3
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: 3
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: 3
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: 3
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: 3
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
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers the philosophical contributions of the major philosophers that have influenced political thought since the early enlightement period and relates those contributions to the historical contexts in which they were written.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module looks at some of the most pertinent issues driving British politics in the 21st century - 'race', class, identity, media control, imperial legacies. It covers the "long durée" of the Empire and its aftermath into the contemporary era. Students are asked to engage with the ways in which British politics have been and continue to be shaped by such legacies as 'race' and class politics.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The module provides a survey of the political history of the two states which were born out of the partition settlement in 1921. It examines the constitutional frameworks, political institutions along with Anglo-Irish and North-South relations up to the troubles and the peace process.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module seeks to explore political developments in Europe since 1945 and their significance for political thinking. It aims to develop a critical understanding of the development of the state and society and the social contract as it has changed over the last decades in a critical geographical region. It will introduce students to important issues in European affairs, to aspects of international relations including European integration and to comparative analysis.
European Politics have recently come to impact very directly on the lives of students in Ulster. Creating an environment where students can engage in an informed, intelligent and critical manner on the basis of evidence and rigorous debate is a critical contribution to student knowledge, the development of key skills and an important element in Politics education. By adopting a historical, institutional and comparative approach students are encouraged to examine many aspects of European Politics and to enquire openly about political development. By engaging through a variety of methods, including lecture, research, project writing and independent study, students are encouraged to develop a variety of core skills which contribute directly to their degree in year 3.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This course is about how, and why, a regime becomes either a democracy or a dictatorship. Can democracy survive in an agrarian society or a 'divided' society? Was Barrington-Moore correct when he made the observation 'no bourgeois, no democracy'? Is oil inevitably a curse (for democrats) and a blessing (for dictators)? How can a democratic government manage its 'praetorian problem': the risk of military coup? This course examines theories of regimes origin and survival in a range of case studies from across world regions.
Year: 4
Status: C
The politics of deeply divided societies, riven by ethnic conflict and political violence, are frequently seen as the most complex and difficult to resolve of modern political problems. Though complicated and unique, divided societies share commonalities. Most particularly, in terms of the importance of identity, sovereignty and territory, questions relating to communal access to power, and the legacy of past violence. This module applies a broad comparative lens to the study of deeply divided societies, and examines several societies divided by conflict: Sri Lanka, the former Yugoslavia, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel -Palestine.
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
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
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
Nationalist, ethnic, and minority issues remain a driving force behind political dynamics, societal and institutional changes across the globe. 'Memory and the Nation' is an optional module that explores the underlying concepts and theories behind, and the main theoretical approaches to, the study of nationalism in transitional (post conflict or post authoritiarian societies) in the twentieth century.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module focuses on Latin America, offering students the opportunity to further their understanding of different features of political systems and to understand how prospects for democratization and social justice are conditioned by a range of contextual variables. At the same time, the module gives students the chance to learn more about the Latin American region as a whole and to engage with relevant case studies. The module paves the way for a critical, comparative analysis of political crises and social problems in Latin America, together with an appreciation of the importance of democratic innovations and resilience on the part of civil society.
Year: 5
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: 5
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: 5
Status: C
This module focuses on the philosophical and empirical study of political groups that organise around a particular identity. It examines some of the major theoretical frameworks in contemporary political theory and applies these to concrete examples of identity group politics.
Status: O
Year: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 5
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: 6
This module is optional
This module focuses on how conflicts develop and escalate into violence, with a emphasis on deeply divided societies, post-colonial contexts and/or where there is political violence. The module will explore dynamics of conflict at the individual, inter and intra-group level. The module will critically reflect on types of conflict interventions applying these to real world examples such as combating violent extremism,and preventing reoccurrence through truth commissions.
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
Applicants should satisfy the University General Requirements e.g.
1. Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent); and
2. Provide evidence of passes in five subjects, two of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and three at GCSE level* (grades A-C/4-9); or
3. Provide evidence of passes in four subjects, three of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and one at GCSE level* (grades A- C/4-9); or
4. Provide evidence of an approved qualification at an equivalent level such as a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification or equivalent; or
5. Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation by the University, of learning you have gained through work or other experience.
* GCSE English Language (grades A-C/4-9) may be used as part of the GCSE requirement.
You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent).
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.
In this section
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, one or two modules are studied per semester on the part time programme.
Accredited by the Bar Standards Board 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.
Recognised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI) for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
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.
