LLB (Honours) Law
Three years full-time
UCAS code • M100
Location • Collegiate Campus
Subject area • Law
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The law clinic is a fully-fledged solicitors' practice, which enables students to work on real-life cases. Here you can watch a video of a real life law clinic case.
Watch an interview with Amy Smith talk about her experience of the law in practice module and how it led to her current job.
Watch a screencast to find out more about the Innocence Project UK.
Some of our students can go on placement in the United States in a Public Defenders Office. Watch videos explaining more about the placement experience and justice in the United States.
View profiles of students on this course
The practical modules available on the law courses.
Watch videos about the Amicus internship opportunity.
Visit the Department of Law website to view profiles of staff who teach in this subject area.
At a glance
This fully qualifying law degree prepares you for a professional career in law or the wider public, business and commercial sectors. The course has a practical focus where your academic learning is combined with developing the essential skills for employment. We provide you with opportunities to work on real life cases and build an impressive CV as you study.
Key points
• Take a degree that is fully qualifying and covers core law subjects.
• Gain experience with our range of practical legal modules.
• Build your CV working in a legal service provider on our law in practice placement modules
• Gain international experience working and studying overseas.
What is law?
An often fast-paced and far-reaching system of rules designed to ensure equality in society and protect individuals' rights. The legal profession has two different strands, both aimed at securing the best possible outcome for their clients. As a barrister, you plead cases on behalf of your client in Court. As a solicitor you manage your client's case from the very beginning right the way through to its conclusion.
This course
Our Law School is renowned for its innovative approach to teaching based on the application of key legal skills in the workplace. We pioneered this practical approach to learning and continue to be recognised as a market leader in this area. This provides an excellent foundation for all students whether they wish to enter the legal profession or move into other careers.
You can prepare for a career in law on this fully qualifying law degree designed and developed in consultation with our extensive network of employers. It satisfies the standards of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Council for academic legal training. On the course you study all the core law subjects required by the professional bodies as well as being able to choose from a variety of law options.
You benefit from our extensive experience of clinical legal education. You gain hands-on experience with our fully integrated clinical programme. The course includes a number of unique work-related modules designed to give you that practical edge needed in today's competitive employment market.
Key areas of study
This course provides you with the opportunity to study a number of key legal areas including • criminal law • civil law • corporate law • public law • human rights and negligence.
We also have a range of modules directly related to the legal profession, which involve work on real client work.
Law clinic
Our law clinic is a fully regulated solicitors' practice where you work under the supervision of qualified solicitors on real cases from first interview to county court or employment tribunal. It gives you an insight into the pressures and demands of the legal profession.
Law in practice
You can build on practical experience in law by applying to spend one day each week with a legal service provider to gain invaluable experience within a professional setting. Law in practice is often in a solicitor's office working on real-life cases.
Law in practice (international)
To gain a greater understanding of law in practice in an international setting, you can apply to spend the summer working at law firms across the USA.
Innocence Project UK programme
You can apply to work on a real case of an alleged miscarriage of justice on our Innocence project. You will gain a unique insight into the criminal justice system which many do not experience until they are working in practice.
Law in the community
You work in a team to research and deliver presentations on different areas of law to various community groups. This develops your legal research and presentation skills.
Mooting
Being able to advocate is an essential part of a solicitor's or barrister's career. You represent fictitious clients in a mock trial, usually on a matter of civil law. This takes place in our on-campus moot court.
International opportunities
You may be able to study overseas in the second year through the Erasmus programme. Overseas study counts towards your final degree.
We have links with
• HES Amsterdam School of Economics and Business, Holland ( taught in English)
• Anadolu University, Turkey (taught in English)
• University of Silesia, Poland (taught in English)
• University of Toulouse, France (taught in English)
• University of Innsbruck, Austria (taught in Austrian German)
• University Jaume I de Castellon, Spain (taught in Spanish)
• University of Milan, Italy (taught in Italian)
You may also be able to spend a placement year with Carleton University, Canada or Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Mooting and Debating Society
We have a very active Mooting and Debating Society and members take part in both internal and national competitions. We have enjoyed considerable success in these competitions. In 2009 we beat over 60 university law schools to win the final of the Oxford University Press (OUP)/BPP National Mooting Competition and were finalists in 2010.
The Law Department at Sheffield Hallam University were shortlisted for the prestigious Lawworks National Pro Bono Awards for Best Contribution by a Law School 2012.
Related courses
You apply for this course through UCAS.
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• examinations • coursework • group assessments • presentations • moots • reflective reports • vivas
This qualifying law degree exempts you from the Common Professional Examination of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Council.
Key Information Set 
Law clinic introduction (1:19)
The law clinic provides a free legal service to Sheffield Hallam staff and students who are in need of legal advice or assistance. It is run by law students under the supervision of academic staff who are qualified solicitors or barristers.
In this video, two Sheffield Hallam students, Luciano and Sumita, interview a client of the law clinic, Mrs Sellars. Here they explain the role that students in the law clinic perform on behalf of the client.
Ascertaining (0:25)
Students Sumita and Luciano ascertain from the client, Mrs Sellars, the nature of her problem.
Interaction (1:20)
Students Sumita and Luciano is discussion with their client Mrs Sellars about the documentation she has received from the company she has a dispute with.
Interaction 2 (1:14)
Students Sumita and Luciano empathise with their client Mrs Sellars as to the nature of her problem.
End of interview (00:45)
Students Sumita and Luciano close the interview with the client, Mrs Sellars and agree the next steps.
Satisified customers (2:34)
The client, Mrs Sellars later returns to the Law Clinic to update students, Luciano and Sumita, on the outcome of the case.
Amy Smith (02:03)
From graduation to career
Amy Smith graduated from her LLB Law course in 2010. She completed the Law in Practice module as part of her degree and through this she secured a training contract with a local law firm.
In this video Amy explains what her current role entails and how this is preparing her for her future career as a solicitor.
Amy Smith - Mentoring (01:55)
Sheffield Hallam Mentor Scheme
Amy talks through her experience of the support and guidance she received from her tutors while studying. Amy also explains the Sheffield Hallam Mentoring scheme which graduates take part in to help current students at the university pursue their chosen career.
Amy Smith - law modules (03:11)
LLB Law modules and practical experience
The LLB Law course at Sheffield Hallam offers a lot of options for students to get involved in real life law cases. Amy explains how the options she chose helped her in her current role and made her CV stand out to her current employers.
Amy Smith Studying at SHU (02:21)
Studying Law at Sheffield Hallam
Amy explains why she chose Sheffield Hallam and what it is like to study and live here.
More videos
Amy Smith (02:03)
From graduation to career
Amy Smith - Mentoring (01:55)
Sheffield Hallam Mentor Scheme
Amy Smith - law modules (03:11)
LLB Law modules and practical experience
Amy Smith Studying at SHU (02:21)
Studying Law at Sheffield Hallam
Innocence project (3:56)
This is a screencast of the process a person who has been convicted of a crime would need to follow if they were claiming their innocence if they needed pro bono help via Sheffield Hallam students in conjunction with the Innocence Project UK.
Chantelle Lindley (11.25)
Chantelle Lindley on placement in the USA.
One of our students, Chantelle Lindley, talks about her experiences of working on our law in practice (international) module.
Chantelle worked on placement in the Public Defenders Office in Savannah, Georgia in the United States.
The Centurion Ministries video (12:21)
Miscarriages of justice in the United States.
Here is a harrowing short film from Centurion Ministries about real-life miscarriage of justice cases in the United States.
More videos
Chantelle Lindley (11.25)
Chantelle Lindley on placement in the USA.
The Centurion Ministries video (12:21)
Miscarriages of justice in the United States.
Michelle Snedden, graduated in 2000
LLB (Honours) Law
Hometown: Manchester, England
'Before I applied to university, I had heard lots of great things about Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam, so I always planned to attend Hallam. It was my number one choice when I received offers from other universities.
'I’ll never forget the day I left Manchester and moved into Halls of Residence in Gleadless (in Sheffield). Those first 24 hours were like a whirlwind – a group of us got the bus into town and that night I met people who have become some of my best friends. One of whom was on the same course as me, lived two doors down from me and was a bridesmaid at my wedding two years ago.
'I look back with very fond memories of Sheffield. It was an interesting adventure and turned out to be three of the best years of my life. The main thing I remember in relation to the law school was that the lecturers were very approachable and seemed to really care about whether you succeeded.
'After the first couple of days, the fears that I had about going to University and facing the “real world” were put to ease by the general atmosphere and character of the University. I knew I was going to like it!
'I was a member of the law clinic and this turned out to be invaluable on my CV. [The Law Clinic is a module for law students. It provides a free legal service to staff and students of Sheffield Hallam University, who are in need of legal advice or assistance.]
'I took part in a couple of voluntary placements at law firms in Sheffield and generally tried to build my experiences.
'The day I left Sheffield was very sad. So many memories and so many friends, it was very hard to leave behind and will always be one of my favorite places.
'After graduating from Hallam, I moved to Chester to attend the College of Law and obtained my Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice with Commendation. The year in Chester didn’t go without several trips back to Sheffield with friends; we just couldn’t leave it behind!
'Everybody I knew who had already been to University went to work on a summer camp in America every summer…so I decided that I should too! I started working as a camp counsellor at a camp called Kenwood - Evergreen in New Hampshire in the summer of 1999. I loved it so much that I went back every summer until 2002.
'I would spend nine months in Sheffield (with a few trips home to Manchester), then leave for the USA for three months. Working at camp changed my life. I made so many great, life-long friends all over the world, and from my first summer I knew that I wanted to move to the USA.
'During the summer of 2002 I met another counselor from Dallas, Texas. Whom, I am pleased to say, became my husband in 2009. We dated long-distance for almost three years while I completed my legal training contract at Turner Parkinson Solicitors in Manchester. I qualified in 2004 and worked as an assistant lawyer at Turner Parkinson for a year before we decided that the 12 hour flight between Dallas and Manchester couldn’t last forever!
'I started applying for jobs as a paralegal in Dallas knowing that my qualifications in England did not automatically transfer to Texas. In May 2005, I set up five interviews during a week-long visit to Dallas. I met with several people and was offered a job in the law firm where I still work today – Shackelford, Melton & McKinley, LLP in Dallas, Texas. I went back to Manchester and started my visa application and finally moved over to Dallas in September 2005.
'After failing to find a loop-hole, I quickly figured out that if I was going to become an attorney in Texas I had to go back to law school all over again! I finally plucked up the courage to do it and started at Texas Wesleyan Law School, Fort Worth, in September 2007. I continued to work full-time at Shackelford, Melton & McKinley and would go to class Monday through Thursday in the evening for three years. As I sat in class, I wondered if others looked at me as the “mature student” in the same way I used to look at others 10 years ago at Sheffield Hallam. Was I one of those “older” students who sat at the front, actually listened in class, actually contributed to class discussions…actually wanted to be there!? I was!!
'One of my first classes at law school in Texas was torts. As soon as the professor said “Duty, Breach, Causation and Harm equals negligence” I thought “what am I doing here…am I really doing this to myself AGAIN!” Surprisingly, aside from the fact that I had no social life for three years, I actually enjoyed my time at Texas Wesleyan. It is a great school with great professors. Although there were a lot of subjects that were completely new to me (for example oil and gas), it became clear pretty quickly that although I had spent way to many nights at the Nursery Tavern, the Pomona, Pulse and Vogue in Sheffield…not only did I learn a lot at Hallam, I had actually retained a lot of it…even if it took me a little while to access it ten years later, it was definitely there and I could apply it to my classes in Texas!
'After graduating from Texas Wesleyan (magna cum laude) in May 2010, I started studying for the Texas Bar Exam that I had to take in July 2010. I can honestly say that until you’ve studied for that exam…you’ve not really studied! It’s a three day exam (aka your worst nightmare) that tests everything you studied during your law degree, plus all the subjects you didn’t opt to study!
'The month before the exam, I studied 10-12 hours every day. My husband and friends didn’t hear from me for weeks…I was determined to pass this first time around, I couldn’t go through this again! I am very pleased to say that I did in fact pass and in November 2010 I was promoted from paralegal to an associate at Shackelford, Melton & McKinley.
'My practice areas include representing clients in various business-related transactions, including real estate owners, developers and lenders in affordable housing/low-income housing tax credit projects, automobile dealers and handling general corporate matters. All this in addition to assisting clients in obtaining various types of permits in compliance with state and local alcoholic beverage regulations.
'My next goal – to open a traditional fish and chip shop in Dallas called “The Manchester”…stay tuned!'
Tomas Jackson
LLB (Honours) Law
'I chose to study law at Sheffield Hallam University because of its connections with other higher education institutions around the world. I was very interested in completing a year abroad and I was able to do this at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia in 2010/11.
'I was also impressed with the practical/clinical modules on offer such as the law clinic and mooting, and the University's connections to legal firms in and around Sheffield.
'The highlight of my course was the opportunity to study abroad. My year in Australia was both enjoyable and informative. I was able to live in a new culture and during this year, I felt I matured as a person. I was also able to take modules such as environmental law and sustainability that I wouldn’t have been able to study otherwise.
'I applied for an Amicus internship after completing a year of study in Australia and noticing differences between the UK and Australian legal systems. I was keen to learn about the American legal system and how it differed from, not only the UK system, but also another federal system such as Australia.
'Amicus are a UK based non-profit organisation, founded in 1992, in memory of Andrew Lee Jones who was executed in Louisiana in 1991. They aim to assist those facing capital trial and punishment around the world, particularly in the USA. Amicus seek to provide those individuals with proper legal representation and advocating their basic human rights.
'I have an interest in human rights law and after researching internship opportunities, Amicus really stood out as an opportunity I was interested in as it offers the chance to work alongside attorneys in the USA who also have a strong interest in human rights law.
'At the Amicus training we learnt about capital trial and how it differs from a standard murder trial. We were given an introduction into US constitutional law and how it operates within international law. In the second weekend, in the form of workshops, we were taught how to interview witnesses in the trial and how to approach them in regards to what were usually very sensitive topics.
'I found the support from tutors in my final year to be extremely helpful, all were very encouraging and determined for all students to succeed.
'The best advice I could give to any prospective students would be to take any opportunity that is offered and to actively engage in as many extra curricular activities as possible, not just to boost your CVs but also to make new contacts and to grow as a person. I started university as a very quiet shy individual but after taking opportunities such as the study abroad year and a debating competition in Cambodia, I feel I am leaving university as a more rounded, confident individual.'
Charlotte Dowson
LLB (Hons) Law, 2010 graduate
'When I came to an open event at Sheffield Hallam I was really impressed by the campus and teaching staff. I was especially interested by the practical module options I could choose such as mooting, law clinic and law in practice. It showed me that would I be learning through hands on experience. These kinds of options weren't available at the other universities I had applied to.
'So far the highlight of my time at university has been winning the OUP/BPP National Mooting Competition 2008/09. This was a massive achievement for me and involved a lot of hard work and dedication. I beat off competition from 64 universities from across the country to win.
'There have been times when I have struggled with the course. Mostly because I am juggling my degree with a part time job, caring for a horse and taking on extra responsibilities such as mooting and my position of deputy mistress of moots on the student law society. Although this has been tough at times I have still managed perform well in my degree. I believe this will be invaluable experience for later life when I will have to continue to balance my job with a home and family life.
'Mooting has been a massive part of my time at Sheffield Hallam and has helped me immeasurably by developing my advocacy skills, which will be vital for my career as a barrister. It also develops confidence in public speaking generally and teaches analytical skills as you must apply the law to a factual case. Although it is not real life, it is as close as possible to a real courtroom situation.'
Ben Waller
LLB (Hons) Law, 2009 graduate
'I chose Sheffield Hallam not only because the facilities and buildings are impressive, but because the staff I saw during the open days seemed to be knowledgeable, switched on and enthusiastic. I was also excited about the prospect of studying in such a vibrant and student friendly city.
'The variety of modules was an appealing factor. In my first year I chose psychology alongside my compulsory modules, a subject which intrigued me greatly.
'The Amsterdam Erasmus exchange was a perfect opportunity for me to expand my horizons, meet foreign people and live in an unfamiliar place for a year. I was able to widen my knowledge of both European and international law, as well as visit the European Parliament in Brussels. It also offered me the perfect opportunity to improve my language skills.
'It was a great honour to represent my country and the University as an ambassador abroad. I also found it interesting to discover how people's attitudes to life differed depending on their nationality. I learned a great deal about people's stereotypes of English people, and I hope I managed to shape some of those stereotypes more favourably. Mixing with people from such different backgrounds was something I will never forget.'
Jade Peckett
LLB (Hons) Law, final year student
From my time at Sheffield Hallam I have gained more than just a law degree; I have gained experiences that will stay with me throughout my professional and personal life.
Already, I look back upon my degree with great fondness. Sheffield Hallam has given me so many memories and experiences that I know I wouldn’t have been able to acquire from any other learning institution.
For me, my journey at Hallam really began when I undertook the Law Clinic module. This module enabled me to complete real, legal practical skills that any qualified solicitor would use every day. At such an early stage, the module allowed me to achieve my main aim for pursuing a career a law, and that was to help real people with real problems. To do this was something which I never thought I would be able to achieve at an undergraduate level.
Furthermore, as part of my law degree, I had the amazing opportunity to study, work and live in America and work alongside a Criminal Defence Attorney. The experience from my placement has been a massive contribution towards my academic and personal development. The opportunity to be exposed to another culture and see the extent of such social and demographic issues from another county has left me with experiences that will impact upon me for the rest of my life.
I found that the practical modules allowed me to flourish academically. They also contributed towards my knowledge and application of the law towards other modules that I completed. I also found that there was such a variety of modules to choose from which allows you to tailor your degree to your own area of interest.
During my degree, I couldn’t have asked for better support from the tutors who I came into contact with. What is most encouraging about the tutors at Hallam is that they are so passionate about their subject and that contributes towards your overall learning.
Although a law degree is undeniably hard work, you really do get out of it what you put in. The advice I would give to any prospective student is to make the most out of any opportunity offered to you whilst at University.
Volunteering at Sheffield Hallam has taken me many places. My personal highlights include, teaching children the laws regarding cannabis and police powers, being a tutor for sixth form students taking part in a mock trial, and even presenting to the Attorney General during the launch of National Pro Bono Week.
Jason Roscoe
LLB (Hons) Law, final year student
When I was asked what I’ve done whilst being at Hallam, my immediate answer was reading. It’s true on University Challenge when they say they are reading a degree. But my university experience at Hallam has been far from just work. There are numerous events happening all the time, ranging from skill workshops and careers events through to the annual Varsity.
I’ve also made use of the volunteering service offered by Hallam; taking up a position at the Citizens Advice Bureau so that I could make use of the skills and knowledge I’ve been developing whilst on the course.
What I’ve particularly enjoyed about the degree at Hallam is the challenge it presents. A great deal of work is required to succeed but it is an incredible feeling when you receive a result which you know is the best you had to offer. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed the characters that you meet along the way. Whether they are friends, tutors or otherwise.
Looking forward into the coming academic year, I will be in full time employment as a paralegal in a law firm (Kennedy’s) in which I completed the law in practice module at Hallam. In the years following that, I intend to complete the Legal Practice Course with the aim to becoming a fully qualified solicitor.
Hayley Merritt
LLB (Hons) Law, Final year student
I chose to do my Law degree at Sheffield Hallam University because of the types of modules it had to offer and the opportunities it provided.
The first day at Sheffield Hallam is incredibly daunting and intimidating however the three years I have been there are the fastest and best three years I have experienced so far!
Second year was more challenging; I concentrated a lot more on my studies and realised how much work was expected. I put in the work and this enabled me to come out with a 2:1.
My third year was the most interesting for me. I was on the Innocence Project, which is one of several clinical modules offered. It was more practical than other modules and I gained experience in dealing with professional people, as well as being extremely interesting. I also did Spanish in my final year, so I did five Law modules then Spanish which, for me, was a nice mixture to do and made the final year seem less intense.
Law is a challenging and demanding degree but if you put in the work you will get the grades you aim for.
Gaining work experience is key; I managed to work with a solicitor in the 2012 summer which helped me greatly.
Sheffield Hallam has helped me a lot with my future. It has a great careers service and I found the tutors are extremely helpful when it comes to questions about your future and offer beneficial advice.
I managed to secure a job after my last exam and I plan to do the LPC course after a year of working.
Profiles
Michelle Snedden, graduated in 2000
LLB (Honours) Law
Tomas Jackson
LLB (Honours) Law
Charlotte Dowson
LLB (Hons) Law, 2010 graduate
Ben Waller
LLB (Hons) Law, 2009 graduate
Jade Peckett
LLB (Hons) Law, final year student
Jason Roscoe
LLB (Hons) Law, final year student
Hayley Merritt
LLB (Hons) Law, Final year student
Practical experience (3:21)
Mark Edwards, our principal lecturer, explains the practical modules available on the law courses and how this experience will help you in your legal career.
Amicus internship (2:33)
One of our prinicpal lecturers, Mark Edwards, talks about the opportunity to go on an internship in America through the Amicus project. Our students, Hiral and Georgina descibe how we have helped them secure the internship and what it will bring to their future careers.
