Frequently asked questions

We've compiled answers to questions you may have about our Law with a Year in Industry course.

How many places are there?

We have around 13 placements in the 2025/2026 academic year.

The 2025/2026 entry placements are at Brabners, DWF, Hill Dickinson, In-House Legal Solutions, Taylor Wessing and Weightmans.

These placements are being advertised in February 2025 for a start date in September 2025. The placement will last for 12 months and will be paid within a range broadly in line with the national living wage.

How do I apply?

Visit the How to Apply page for full application information and deadlines.

The available law placements are being advertised to current second-year students for a start date in September 2025.

Applications will open on Wednesday 12 February 2025 at 12pm and will close at 5pm on 28 February 2025.

Please note that Law with a Year in Industry is not open to external applicants and students cannot apply for a place on the course via UCAS.

Can I apply to more than one firm?

Yes, but each application must be tailored to that individual firm and the work the firm does.

What are the criteria?

You must be a second-year University of Liverpool undergraduate student, studying 100% Law or a combined degree with a minimum of 75% Law.

You must pass your second-year of studies at the first attempt as there would not be time to re-sit (and have your results back) before the placements begin in September. Failure to pass your second-year at the first sit would therefore result in the Year-in-Industry placement being offered to another student.

I'm an international student. Can I apply?

Students who undertake a year in industry as an integrated part of their programme would remain on their Student Route visa for the duration of their work placement.  The employer would not need to sponsor them for immigration purposes and the student would be allowed to work more than the usual 20hrs per week max on their placement.

If accepted onto the module, it would be integral for the student to seek advice from the Universities International Advice and Guidance (IAG) team in relation to any steps they will need to undertake in relation to their Tier 4 visa.

Is there an interview?

Yes, if your application is successful, there will be an interview at the respective law firms. You will be notified in due course if you have been short listed for interview.

These interviews will take place at the law firms. The dates, times and invites to interview will be shared with students by the firms after the shortlisting process.

Where are the placements?

The placements are mainly based in Liverpool and the wider North-West in terms of geographical location. You will be largely working at the respective firm in their main offices.

However, these are international law firms and there may be opportunities for travel to other parts of the country and abroad also.

Firms may also have a hybrid-working policy meaning placements take place both inside and outside the office.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to the student. Students will receive a salary for their 12-month contract. This will be paid within a range broadly in line with the national living wage. However, the firms will be setting their own specific salary levels.

Will I get travel expenses?

No, you will be paid a salary so will be expected to pay for your expenses from that.

Will I get a grant?

No, you will be in receipt of a salary for the one-year placement making you unlikely to be eligible for a grant.

Will I be supported by the University for the year?

Yes, you will have three meetings with an academic or support staff over the course of the 12-month placement. You are also free to contact those members of staff throughout the year with any issues or queries.

What happens if I drop out mid-year?

You will rejoin your final year at the start of September 2026 at the University.

However, please bear in mind that you will have to abide with the terms of your employment agreement with your placement provider.

Will I be able to stay in my accommodation?

Yes, you will be able to stay in University accommodation if you have a place.

Am I assessed throughout this year, if so, how?

Yes, you are assessed. You will have to maintain a reflective diary detailing your experiences over the course of the year.

At the end of the year, you will give a 10-minute presentation based on your reflective diary and your experiences throughout the year.

Is there a pass mark for the year?

Yes, in that you must complete the 12-month placement to pass the year.

Is my attendance reported?

Yes, the firm will monitor student attendance. In essence you are a full-time employee of the firm, and any absence policies and procedures will be set by the firm for you to follow.

Is it 5 full days a week?

Yes, you are a full-time employee of the firm.

What will my hours be?

These will vary, but broadly speaking you will be employed from 9am until 5pm from Monday to Friday.

What if I need time off?

You will be provided with holiday entitlement per your employment contract. Your leave can be agreed with your firm employer as stated within any other contract of employment.

What if I fail this year?

You will rejoin the next availalbe third-year cohort and then complete your degree in the usual manner.

Will it change the name of my degree?

Yes, if you are a full-time LLB Law student, your degree classification will change to LLB Law with a Year in Industry. For students on combined degrees (e.g. Law with Politics), you will have to relinquish your minor subject and transfer back to LLB Law with a Year in Industry for your final-year of study and receive the classification of LLB Law with a Year in Industry.

For combined degree students, the marks from your second-year assessments, including those from your minor subject will still count towards your final grade. You may also have to complete some compulsory LLB Law modules you would have missed during second -year in your final year of study.

For more information on this, please contact the SLSJ Learning and Teaching Team at lawteach@liverpool.ac.uk.

Will this be on my transcript?

Yes, it will be marked as Law with a Year in Industry as your third-year of study between your second-year and fourth-year marks.

What is the cost of this course for the year the student is in industry? 

The current tuition fee (25/26) for all students, UK and international, is £1,905.00.

For more information about fees for the 25/26 programme, please contact feesenq@liverpool.ac.uk. 

Are the University fees covered by loans (Finance England)?

For UK students, provided they are eligible for UK funding, yes, this fee is covered.

For international students they would be self-funding or sponsored by a third party (evidence of sponsorship should be forwarded to the Fees Office)

Are the students still able to apply for maintenance?

UK students are are eligible to apply for the UK maintenance support.

Will I get any accommodation finance?

No, students will only receive the usual Student Finance maintenance support. If the placement is paid, this is likely to reduce the available amount of maintenance support

If I have been awarded a bursary, will I entitled to this?

Each case is reviewed on an individual basis and you would have to enquire with the fee's and finance by contacting them at feeenq@liverpool.ac.uk.

Does my placement count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

The majority of the law firms/legal organisations participating in the Law with a Year in Industry Programme have confirmed that placement students will be carrying out QWE for at least part of their placement.

However, this is an individual pursuit, and students, should they wish, will be expected to discuss QWE and any necessary arrangements directly with their placement firms/organisations.