Introduction
Course summary
This course provides you with the foundation subjects required to obtain a Qualifying Law Degree along with the opportunity to spend a year of study in one of our partner universities in Europe, gaining knowledge of other legal systems, experiencing another legal culture, enhancing your European language skills and developing international links.
A law degree is seen as a valuable asset by a variety of employers, as is knowledge of another European legal system and another European legal language. This course will prepare you for a range of legal careers including practice as a barrister or advocate, solicitor, clerk, officer of the court or legal executive. Our graduates also pursue careers in legal interpreting, the Civil Service, international organisations, NGOs and local government.
When you apply you will need to demonstrate an aptitude for European language study, but this need not necessarily take the form of a formal qualification. Depending on your language skills, while abroad you may study in English or in another European language. Student mobility takes place under the Erasmus+ scheme.
Alongside the foundation Law modules necessary for a Qualifying Law Degree, you will study a European language in Year 1 and 2 (Credit Levels 4 and 5) to prepare for study in another European country. In Year 2 you will also study a specialist module on Civil Law and Legal Systems, to gain an understanding of civil laws in view of the year abroad.
You will then spend ten months studying law at one of our partner universities in the EU, which offer a wide range of law courses, including some taught in English. We have partner institutions in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. On successful completion of your year abroad, you will return to Westminster in Year 4 to complete your studies.
Teaching methods lectures, seminar-based discussion, class presentations, invited guest speakers and practical group exercises.
Assessment methods include open and closed book exams, in-class tests, oral presentations, and written coursework.
Professional recognition
This course is a Qualifying Law Degree and graduates who wish to become barristers or solicitors are granted exemption by the professional bodies.
Entry Requirements
UK
A Levels – BBB
International Baccalaureate – 28 points
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma – DDM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass with 45 credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 36 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction
GCSE minimum grade 4 (Grade C in grading system prior to 2017) in Maths and English.
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a score of 6.0 in each element.
We prefer applicants to have evidence of successful language acquisition in another European language such as a GCSE or European qualification, however, applicants without this can sometimes be considered.
Eu/International
International Baccalaureate – 28 points
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a score of 6.0 in each element.
Career development centre
Our Career Development Centre has just been shortlisted for the Best University Careers Service in the National Undergraduate Employability Awards for 2017.
With a growing network of over 3,000 employers around the world and a team of experienced careers consultants, we are here to help you succeed.
In 2015–16, we helped over 1,500 students find work placements across a range of sectors, with 250 employers attending 14 on-campus skills and careers fairs.
As a Westminster student, you’ll have access to our services throughout your studies and after you graduate.
We can help you:
find work placements related to your course
find part-time/vacation, placement and graduate jobs, including voluntary experience
find international opportunities to enhance your employability
market yourself effectively to employers
write better CVs and application forms
develop your interview and enterprise skills
plan your career with our careers consultants
meet employers and explore your career options at our employer fairs, careers presentations and networking events throughout the year
