Law, LLB (Hons)

Durham Law School leads in legal education and research, offering a top-ranked LLB as the foundational stage for qualifying as a solicitor or barrister. This research-driven program delivers an in-depth exploration of English and Welsh law, alongside legal research and practice, with optional modules for specialization in areas like public, private, and international law. Supported by active research centres and expert faculty, the curriculum fosters a dynamic environment enriched by real-world developments. Students benefit from excellent facilities, including moot courts and pro bono rooms, plus opportunities through law societies and a potential year abroad at partner institutions, extending the degree to four years.The program equips graduates with essential legal and transferable skills for careers in law, business, government, and academia. In Year 1, core modules cover Tort Law, Contract Law, EU Constitutional Law, UK Constitutional Law, The Individual and the State, and Introduction to English Law and Legal Method, providing foundational knowledge of legal structures and principles. Assessment includes essays, oral presentations, exams, and a 12,000-word dissertation in the final year, comprising one-third of marks.

Year 1 Core modules: Tort Law provides a general understanding of the structure of the law of tort in England and Wales. You will examine the nature of the major torts and the place of tort law within the legal system. Contract Law offers an understanding of the nature and functions of the law of contract in England and Wales. You will critically examine key elements of the law of contract and begin to develop an understanding of the common law in action. EU Constitutional Law gives a overall understanding of basic institutions, concepts and principles relating to the European Union. This module covers elements such as the historical, political and economic foundations of the EU, institutions of the EC, the legal structure of the EC and judicial protection of ‘community rights’. UK Constitutional Law provides an understanding of the basic institutions, concepts and principles relating to the constitution of the UK. This module includes elements such as the nature of the UK Constitution, The Rule of Law, parliamentary sovereignty, and the separation of powers. The Individual and the State provides a general understanding of the basic institutions, concepts and principles relating to the relationship between the individual and the State. You will study aspects of The European Convention on Human Rights, The Human Rights Act 1998, and judicial review of administrative action. Introduction to English Law and Legal Method gives a hands-on grounding in legal research, analysis, writing and IT skills. It seeks to establish critical analytical and transferable skills essential in your legal studies and beyond. It introduces you to the English legal system and the diverse forms legal analysis can take.