COURSE CURRICULUM

The LLB (Hons) Law degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the English legal system and develops the knowledge and practical skills required for a successful legal career. Students study the core foundations of law, including contract law, criminal law, public law, land law, tort law, and equity and trusts, gaining a strong understanding of how laws are created, interpreted, and applied in real-life situations. The course examines important legal principles such as parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, property rights, negligence, and criminal responsibility while also exploring the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union in areas such as trade and competition. A strong emphasis is placed on practical legal skills, with students learning how to analyse legal problems, review documents, conduct research, and prepare professional letters and emails similar to those used in legal practice. Optional modules allow students to specialise in areas such as family law, medical law, business and commercial law, criminal litigation, youth justice, wills and estates, dispute resolution, and counter-terrorism law. Students may also gain valuable professional experience through work placements and participation in the Sunderland Student Law Clinic, where they work on real cases under the supervision of qualified solicitors and academic staff. The programme further develops advocacy, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while encouraging independent legal research through an individual research project. By combining academic study with practical experiences and professional development opportunities, the degree prepares graduates for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), further training as a barrister, postgraduate study, and careers across the legal profession, government, business, financial services, and public administration. The course equips students with transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of legal and professional careers.