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Law with Philosophy

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Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2024 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.

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Bachelor of Law

Bachelor of Law (LLB) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in law.

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Course overview

Our Law with Philosophy programme allows students to combine law with a complementary programme and still pass through the academic stage of the route to practice. Studying these subjects together means tackling some of the most interesting and important social issues of our times.

Introduction

This degree draws upon the existing strength of both the Liverpool Law School and the Department of Philosophy in a programme which takes you through the academic stage of the route to practice.

You will study the core modules required to obtain a law degree for professional purposes whilst being able to undertake advanced study in philosophy, through which you will learn argumentative skills, critical thinking, and how to present a persuasive case. Module options available in law enable you to specialise in relevant fields of legal study; for example, the law of contract, public law, law of tort, equity and trusts, and land law.

Liverpool Law School offers a wide range of optional modules that allow students to specialise in one aspect of law, if they choose, or to mix options from across the curriculum. Our module leaders are leading researchers in their chosen field, offering students the opportunity to learn about the law from expert scholars and practitioners.

What you'll learn

  • Research skills using a range of sources, including verbal questioning
  • Evaluation skills and the ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly
  • Analytical skills
  • Reasoning and critical judgement skills
  • Ability to formulate sound arguments
  • Lateral thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to write concisely
  • Confident and persuasive oral communication skills
  • Attention to detail and the ability to draft formal documents with precision
  • Making reasoned arguments and ethical judgements
  • Critical thinking

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Mandatory modules in year one are designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of key concepts, debates, and skills in both law and philosophy.

In addition to studying some of the modules that must be passed to gain a qualifying law degree, known as the ‘Foundations of Legal Knowledge’, students also undertake philosophy modules with a value of 30 credits in the first year.

Compulsory modules

FOUNDATIONS OF LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (LAW102)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and techniques of legal study and legal reasoning as well as the skills and attributes that you will be expected to develop as a law student. To enable this, the module will support you to actively engage in your personal and professional development and, in keeping with the identity and mission of the School, will set the scene for exploring key legal systems, processes and concepts through an explicit social justice perspective. You will develop your understanding of how the English legal system operates as well as exploring fundamental questions including ‘What is Law?’, ‘Why is Law the way it is?’, and ‘How does Law evolve?’. You will be introduced to a range of theoretical perspectives of law and explore how they help us understand, apply, and critique the application of the law in ways that promote social justice values such as equality, inclusion, fairness and access to justice.

LAW OF CONTRACT (LAW105)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

The module is a foundation subject required by the legal professional bodies for professional practice. The aim is that students should acquire a solid knowledge of the legal principles and rules applied by the courts in Contract Law, whilst also developing fundamental legal skills of case analysis, synthesis and problem-solving. Students will undertake the study of Contract Law in its social, political and commercial context.

MIND, KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY (PHIL103)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module introduces students to philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and epistemology with an emphasis on a coherent historical narrative that explains the role that early modern philosophers have played in the development of contemporary philosophical problems and debates. Taking this module will give students a grasp of why philosophers ask big questions about the nature of reality, and the scope of our knowledge, and how those questions bear on their everyday lives. The module is taught by lecture (2 x 1 hour per week) and seminar (1 hour per week). Assessment has two components, a set of 5 short pieces of writing (5 x 150 words) worth 25% of the module mark and spread through the teaching term, and a final essay worth the remaining 75%.

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (PHIL102)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces students to the main arguments and theories in the history of Western political philosophy. Taking this module will enhance students’ abilities to analyse political arguments and claims and to identify the philosophical assumptions that underlie them. The module is taught by lecture (2 x 1 hour per week in person, or pre-recorded mini-lectures available online, depending on the circumstances) and seminar (1 hour per week). Assessment is via a take home exam (2 hour equivalent, weighted at 90% of the module mark) and a 5-10 minute seminar presentation (weighted at 10% of the module mark). Seminar presentations may be recorded by students, if in-person presentation is not possible.

PUBLIC LAW (LAW106)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

Public Law concerns the law creating and relating to the UK’s system of government. The module covers key issues in constitutional and administrative law, exploring legal questions and principles in the wider context of the practice of political actors and institutions. The module’s programme of lectures and seminars will support students in developing a range of core legal and transferable skills, and becoming effective independent learners.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Your experience

Your course will be delivered by Liverpool Law School and the Department of Philosophy, in the School of Law and Social Justice Building.  Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are a short walk from the Sydney Jones Library. Based in the Knowledge Quarter, a 10 minute walk from the city centre, students are surrounded by history and culture.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place to study law

  • Dedicated to small group teaching
  • Taught by leading researchers in the field
  • Access to a vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities, including visiting lecture programme
  • A friendly and fun student community with supportive staff
  • Excellent links with employers and employability opportunities including the possibility of participation in our own award-winning Law Clinic.

Careers and employability

Our programmes are empowering, engaging and make you employable. Our Employability team offer specialist advice and support with work placements, professional mentoring, employability-focused activities and the HEAR award. Students can also gain invaluable experience at Liverpool Law Clinic, assisting in-house, qualified lawyers provide free and confidential legal advice to members of the public. You will develop a range of social scientific, analytic and communication skills and a variety of transferable skills valued by many employers in a range of industries (e.g. legal sector, media organisations, local government and charitable organisations, the criminal justice system and commercial and financial service sectors).

The majority of our graduates enter the legal profession. However, any degree which incorporates law is recognised as a mark of academic excellence in virtually all employment spheres. Past graduates have embarked on a wide variety of professions; for example, in the civil service, banking, construction, charities and international non-governmental organisations, business management, academia, the armed forces, accounting and finance, and the police and emergency services.

Recent employers

  • AON Ltd
  • Eversheds
  • Linklaters
  • DLA Piper
  • Santander UK Plc
  • Bank of England
  • Merseyside Police
  • HM Prison Service
  • Shell

Work experience opportunities

We organise regular careers events and routinely play host to law firms who wish to come and meet our students. There is an annual law fair, giving students the opportunity to meet future legal employers. Academic staff in the Law School and Careers & Employability also offer invaluable careers advice and support. Every year, our students become members of the Inns of Court, secure scholarships for vocational training, and obtain vacation placements, training contracts, and mini-pupillage opportunities from a range of providers.

Undergraduate students can develop their legal skills through a number of extracurricular activities, such as mentoring by members of the legal profession, mooting, and negotiation competitions. There are four student legal societies which cater for the diverse career trajectories of our students and host lively extracurricular and enrichment activities.

We also help our students to take advantage of work experience placements with organisations like the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Asylum Link, Merseyside Welfare Rights, and other pro-bono service providers.

We broker a range of placement opportunities, typically offering students the chance to spend two or three weeks during the vacation period working within an international law firm or alongside in-house lawyers in major commercial companies. We also offer a number of year-long placements in China to students on a competitive basis.

The Law Clinic gives many students their first taste of professional practice: students work under the supervision of a lawyer, meeting clients, researching legal problems, and drafting advice. Confidentiality, clear communication, and client satisfaction are all emphasised as essential elements of the Clinic’s service. This helps students experience the practical aspect of law whilst contributing towards their degree through the completion of practically-assessed modules.

Postgraduate opportunities

Typical courses studied by graduates from this programme:

  • Bar professional training course (BPTC)
  • Legal practice course (LPC)
  • LLM (Master of Laws)
  • PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
  • Social Research Methods MA
  • Criminology Research MRes
  • Social Research MRes

92% of law students are in work and/or further study within 15 months of graduation.

Discover Uni, 2018-19.

Meet our alumni

Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £22,400
Year abroad fee £11,200
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAA

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE GCSE English and Maths grade C/4
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

D* and AA at A Level

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

D* D* and A at A Level

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

D*D*D*. Must be in one of following subjects:

applied human biology
applied science
applied psychology
applied law
business
business accounting and finance
computing
creative digital media production
enterprise and entrepreneurship
forensic and criminal investigation
health and social care
information and communication technology (ICT)
information technology
media
uniformed protective services
public services
sport
sport and exercise science
strategic management and leadership
travel and tourism

All other subjects have to be referred for consideration.

International Baccalaureate

36 with no score less than 4.

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

AAA in three Advanced Highers.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted, A plus AA at A Level.
Access 45 credits at Distinction in graded units in a relevant Diploma.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Law with Philosophy LLB (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

5 January 2023: Year three optional modules updated

Revised list of available year three optional modules.

5 January 2023: Compulsory and optional module changes

Year one

  • Criminal Law (LAW107) replaced with Foundations of Law and Social Justice (LAW102)
  • Public Law 1 and 2 (LAW109, LAW110) replaced with Public Law 106

Year three

  • Law of the European Union 1 and 2 (LAW313, LAW314) replaced with Law of the European Union (LAW310)
  • Optional module list updated
19 June 2023: Entry requirements update

BTEC National Extended Diploma

D*D*D*. Must be in one of following subjects:

applied human biology
applied science
applied psychology
applied law
business
business accounting and finance
computing
creative digital media production
enterprise and entrepreneurship
forensic and criminal investigation
health and social care
information and communication technology (ICT)
information technology
media
uniformed protective services
public services
sport
sport and exercise science
strategic management and leadership
travel and tourism