LLB (Hons) - Law (Integrated Foundation Year)

How you will learn

As a student at the University of Cumbria, you are part of an inclusive learning community that recognises diversity. Students will have opportunities to learn by interacting with others in a collegiate, facilitative and dynamic learning environment.

Teaching and student support will afford equal opportunities for you to optimise your potential and develop autonomy. We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learners, whether on campus, remotely, on placement, or in the workplace. Facilitated by our expert practitioner staff, you will experience a learning environment that is well equipped, flexible, and stimulating.

Though out your foundation year transferable skills are a priority. Modules utilise the full range of UoC digital resources and learning technology where suitable. For example, through the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard and Virtual Law Clinic. Vocational practice opportunities form an essential part of the programme and encourage you to make meaningful links between theoretical concepts and real-world environments.

During the foundation year, you will learn alongside students from across the Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership. Modules may be delivered by multiple tutors to ensure you receive specialist insight into each topic. Additionally, guest speakers from local industries and organisations may give talks regarding their role, practice, and community.

The programme assumes no prior legal knowledge, study, or experience.

Instead, tutors will support you in the development of foundational skills, values, and attitudes regarding personal and social responsibility and your ability to think independently.

Learning materials will be supplied before class so that tutors may spend contact hours deepening your understanding of these materials through discussions and problem-solving activities. 

How you will be assessed

Whether graded or not, assessments are an integral part of learning. This programme aims to deliver engaging and challenging opportunities to demonstrate your learning.

In your foundation year, you will be introduced to a variety of assessment types you may encounter across your degree. Knowledge will be tested formally in seminars, workshops, and individual or group tasks. Whereas, summative assessments aim to build on formative assessments at set times throughout the year. Deadlines and assessment outlines will be supplied by tutors and available to view on Blackboard.

At level 4, you will create a reflective portfolio to aid in personal development. Tutors will regularly give feedback on the contents of this portfolio throughout the year and prior to submission. This portfolio will then be used throughout levels 5 and 6 as a place for further reflection.

Formative assessments may include legal research, presentations, teamwork, and critical analysis through essays and reports, research proposals, poster and oral presentations, moots, multiple-choice tests, mock trials, and written examinations.

There is a strong emphasis on group working across the foundation year through class activities and assessments with students having the opportunity to do group presentations and investigations and to set up and run an event or social enterprise.

Tuition Fees

2021 - 2022

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some textbooks. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books and Journals

The University library holds copies of core texts (including some as ebooks accessible online). It is recommended that students purchase their own copies of textbooks. Please note that recommended textbooks are updated annually and these change to reflect modern approaches and updates in the law. To give you a rough estimate of what you may be spending, please see below for costing: In the first year, approximately £175 - approximately £35 per textbook each, there will be 5 modules. In the second year, approximately £30 per textbook each, there will be 6 modules. In the third year, approximately £40 per textbook each, there will be 5 modules.

Stationery

Students will incur costs for stationery and printing and other basic materials whilst on course and should budget accordingly. Where specifics are required they will be detailed below but items denoted are an outline rather than indicative list. Stationery for your own personal use (pens, papers and folders, etc.) Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £10 - £20 per year for these.

Clothing and Equipment

No special equipment is required beyond your enthusiasm and commitment. Computers – fixed and laptops – loaded with the software (Microsoft Office365, Adobe Acrobat, Internet Explorer, etc.) you will require, are available at various locations across the campus for your use. You have a Terabyte (1TB) of storage in your UoCOneDrive - which equates to tens of thousands of files You may wish to purchase a USB Flash Drive for your own peace of mind and suitable drives (32Mb / 64Mb) are available for £7 - £15.

Other

Certain events arise during the academic year for which additional fees are charged to cover expenses. Student participation is optional, though is recommended. These include - membership of the Student Law Society (currently £5); attendance at the annual Law Ball (up to £25); trips to law enforcement and legislative branches of the legal system outside of Carlisle will incur a subsidised travel/accommodation rate.