Law and Practice BA (Hons)

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Students in the moot courtroom at CU Coventry.

This course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the legal profession.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2023-24 2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

UCAS codes

M250 / 052M / 152M

Start date

April 2024
June 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Filled with intrigue and complexities, law is a fascinating and exciting subject area that is an essential component of every business organisation. The Law and Practice BA (Hons) aims to provide a thorough understanding of the practice of law in the modern world.

Why you should study this course

Studying the Law and Practice BA (Hons) degree could lead you to a variety of exciting career options including barrister, solicitor or a legal executive (additional education/courses and training required).
Success in this field demands discipline, strategic thinking, in-depth knowledge of legislation and the ability to adapt to different scenarios. Legal knowledge is key to success in this career, so our course focuses on theory and best practices, alongside quintessential practical learning such as making succinct legal arguments.
Focusing strongly on practical aspect of civil and criminal law, the degree covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from contracts, torts, land law, family law to employment law and EU Law.
You should have the opportunity to develop mooting, advocacy and presentation skills thereby building a solid foundation to become a competent and knowledgeable practitioner of law.
Designed to cover the different aspects of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) assessment, this course can help you better understand the functioning legal knowledge (FLK) required, in addition to the practical assessments that form the basis of problem-solving skills needed for SQE².

How can we help?

What you'll study

This year focuses on the civil justice system and property law aspects of English Law. The aim is to provide an elevated level of legal knowledge, ready for progression on to year two. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Law and Practice.

Modules

The Legal System of England and Wales and Public Law - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with a broad and critical understanding of the structure and functions of the constitutive elements of the legal system of England and Wales. You will examine constitutional issues associated with legal doctrines. In addition, it aims to provide you with insight into aspects of legal professional practice and law in the workplace.

The module introduces you to the elements of the civil and criminal systems, the framework of Legal Institutions, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the legal professions. Theoretical perspectives of law will also be investigated including the nature and function of the law.

Attention will be drawn to the practical perspectives of the courts in action and the legal workplace. You will also explore and critique some of the philosophical arguments that lie behind constitutional and human rights discourses.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will have knowledge of the principal features of the English Legal System including its institutions, civil and criminal procedures, and sources of law. You will also have gained knowledge of Constitutional principles and their impact on government. Finally, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the legal and conventional constraints on the exercise of government power, Human Rights protections, and administrative law remedies (including Judicial Review).

Compulsory

Contract Law - 30 credits

The aim of this module is to ensure you understand key underpinning concepts, terms, and processes in the area of Contract Law. This module will provide you with a foundation for study in other substantive law modules with a commercial focus. You will be introduced to the nature of contractual obligations under the common law as affected by the statute. You should gain an understanding of the operation of Contract Law in practice, the factors that have influenced its development, and the factors that may affect its future development.

At the outset of the module, you will be provided with an understanding of what constitutes a valid enforceable contract. You will then explore and should gain an understanding of resulting obligations, the rights of third parties, terms, and the interpretation of contracts. You will build upon this knowledge and explore vitiating factors, the discharge of contractual obligations, and the remedies available at both common law and equity. You will also be introduced to the role of tortious liability and will recognise the importance of the law of restitution.

This module will consider a range of skills required for successful legal academic study and will provide you with the opportunity of developing these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.

Compulsory

Advocacy and Legal Skills - 30 credits

Advocacy and legal skills form a substantial part of the career of any legal professional. The aim of the module is to provide you with a working knowledge of practical legal skills and professional ethical awareness in the areas of Advocacy, Drafting, Interviewing and Negotiation.

Advocacy aims to develop your skills in analysis, and argument and practice the skills of an effective advocate in a court or tribunal. The skills taught are particularly relevant if you are considering an advocate's role in the legal profession, but the skills learned are also transferable to any field requiring an element of public speaking. Entwined with this are drafting skills ranging from filing forms, letters, and arguments to drafting court documents. You will be expected to place importance on the content of the written piece ensuring that it is complete, relevant and accurate in accordance with legal precedents and professional standards.

In addition to this, the module will also examine the need for client care and identify how to care for clients appropriately. It will highlight effective interview techniques, record keeping, note taking, and how to disseminate information resulting from an interview. Negotiation will also be explored and a discussion revolving around types, techniques and the advantages and disadvantages surrounding the area. You will be required to demonstrate research, understanding and application of law.

Compulsory

Tort Law - 30 credits

The module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the Law of Tort and the main range of civil actions that provide remedies to those who have suffered loss as a result of a defendant’s carelessness or unreasonable conduct. It will help you appreciate the varied economic, social, and legal contexts in which the law of tort exists.

You will be introduced to the law of negligence by considering the concept of the duty of care and the relevant tests for deciding liability through the rules governing breach of duty, foreseeability, remoteness of damage and defences. Other significant torts will also be covered including defamation, trespass, and nuisance as well as the rules governing remedies in tort actions. Aspects of vicarious liability and when an employer is liable for employee’s actions will be discussed in detail.

Compulsory

This academic year builds on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level after completing the HNC, you will aim to extend your knowledge from the basic financial practices. In this year, you enter the management arena and will begin to focus on the role of leadership within accounting. Operating from a business point of view, you will primarily focus on the role of the accounting profession, legislation and governance. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Law and Practice.

Modules

Criminal Law and Practice - 30 credits

The Criminal Law and practice module is intended to introduce the key concepts of criminal law and criminal litigation in England and Wales within its applications to real-life scenarios. You will examine the general principles of criminal law and its specific substance in particular offences. The offences include those involving property, non-fatal offences against the person, sexual offences, and fatal offences. In this module, you will learn key doctrines and rules relating to a number of offences and gain insight into how criminal liability is incurred and the exclusions of liability. This includes looking at aspects of actus reus, mens rea and the general defences that exist. Case law will be examined to see how the doctrines and rules relating to criminal law have developed and whether we have certainty in this area of law.

As part of this module, you should gain knowledge in both client care and criminal litigation and should obtain an understanding of the professional requirements and skills to run a criminal file in practice. As part of the assessment strategy for this module you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the rules relating to criminal practice by producing documentation that would be required of you in practice.

This module will highlight the powers of the police in relation to arrest and detention for the purposes of investigating criminal offences. You will then examine the aspects of the principal functions and the procedures of the magistrate and crown court. Disclosure of evidence and the function and mode of the trial proceedings will be discussed and investigated. The sentencing procedure will be inspected and explored along with the provisions of funding a criminal case in relation to advice, assistance and representation at varying levels.

Compulsory

Dispute Resolution - 30 credits

You will be required to gain knowledge in both client care and civil litigation and should gain an understanding of the professional requirements and skills needed to run a civil file in practice. As part of the assessment strategy for this module, you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the rules relating to civil practice by producing documentation that would be required of you in the workplace.

The module will start with an exploration of the civil court hierarchy and the alternative methods of resolving disputes without litigating. You should gain understanding that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) aids the resolution of civil disputes without proceeding to court. You will be able to critically discuss the use of ADR by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of its use together with the ethical and tactical considerations that face a lawyer in practice. Various methods of ADR will be explored including arbitration, negotiation, mediation and conciliation.

You will then learn how to run a civil client file from the first client interview to trial. You should gain an understanding of how the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR) operate including a working knowledge of the Pre-Action Protocols.

The module will also explore the interim matters of proceedings and how a trial can be ended before a final hearing. Finally, upon completion you should be equipped with knowledge and understanding of the law governing costs and how the costs are awarded will be discussed as well as the enforcement of these costs.

Compulsory

Land Law - 30 credits

This module will study the fundamental principles of English and Welsh land law. The course will examine property rights in relation to land and deal with their definition, development, acquisition, and transfer. The Land Law module provides an awareness of the rules relating to the registration and transfer of land. It will investigate issues such as the term ‘land’ and its meaning, how ownership of land is transferred, and how land can be registered.

The module will discuss and investigate aspects of co-ownership and doctrines of trusts. Covenants and mortgages will also be examined including how they are created and discharged.

Compulsory

Solicitors Accounts Rules, Business Structures and Code of Conduct - 30 credits

This module will examine the process and the rationale for client care appropriately and within the Law and rules governing the solicitor profession. It will highlight the overarching principles governing interactions between solicitor; client and explore how this relationship functions practically within real-life situations with practical examples and workshops.

The module will introduce you to fundamental accounting and principles, including double-entry book-keeping, ledgers, balance sheets, and profit and loss accounts. It will introduce you how to draft these accounting documents from the case study scenario. With practical application of how the Solicitor’s Accounts rules place a unique burden on the day-to-day operation of financial accounts within the solicitors’ office/practice. Further how the Solicitors Accounts Rules operate in the firm uniquely from other accounting processes.

The module introduces and explores in detail the different entities or practices that may operate as a solicitor’s firm. For example, Incorporated businesses, unincorporated businesses, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, and limited liability partnerships. Further exploring the roles and responsibilities of the people operating these business structures for example the directors and partners. The module will introduce various elements of tax and insolvency and bankruptcy.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements² usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In the final year, you will build upon and develop the areas studied in the previous years, exploring EU law, employment law and equity and trusts liability. The skills and knowledge that you refine during your final year will help to prepare you for further professional development. Students who successfully complete their final year are awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Practice.

Modules

European Union Law - 30 credits

The aim of this module is to equip you with a thorough understanding of the institutional and procedural law of the European Union. The module aims to examine the history of European Union law, explore its development, and evaluate the impact of Brexit on English jurisprudence. It will discuss the supranational nature of the law of the European Union and the direct and indirect effect it has on national law.

The Institutions of the European Union will also be examined with an exploration of how the law is made, the court structure, sovereignty and the interaction with Member states. This will give rise to the discussion of the enforcement of European Union law and the rights of Member States.

Internal Markets and competition law will be considered and explored with reference to free movement of goods and services and how the law interacts with the doctrine of integration and economic principles.

Compulsory

Business Law - 30 credits

Businesses, especially companies, are responsible for the economic development of the country. The module aims to provide a deep insight into the concept of corporate personality and other forms of business. You will be required to examine the legal requirements for the formation, administration, governance, financing, and termination of a company. The module will also require you to critically evaluate the rights and duties of all stakeholders at every stage of the business.

Compulsory

Wills, Administration of Estates and Trusts - 30 credits

The aim of this module is to ensure you develop a clear understanding of the concepts, principles, and rules of equity and trust, and of their impact on the development of English Law. Upon successful completion of the module, you should be able to interpret the contents of a will and the rules of intestacy when someone has died without leaving a valid will. You should be able to appreciate the nuances involved in the administration of estates and other issues related to inheritance.

You should be able to engage in a reasoned and informed analysis about the relative merits of the use of equitable principles and institutions, notably the trust, both in law and in wider society and, where appropriate, make informed proposals for reform. The module will also ensure you have improved critical thinking relating to probate practice.

Compulsory

Legal Research and Dissertation - 30 credits

The dissertation module aims to give you the experience of carrying out an original research project where you can put into practice the skills of information collection, analysis, and presentation gained during your degree programme. It also provides an opportunity to demonstrate that you can select a methodology appropriate to your investigation and outline and discuss its philosophical basis. It aims to promote you to conduct independent secondary research from a spectrum of sources in a given period of time.

The module also aims to develop further, your oral communication skills through presentations and meetings and in groups, with members of academic staff. Depending on topic and methodology, you may gain additional practice in (among other things) using library services and your own independent research.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from module to module, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

During your degree methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments.

Course breakdown:

Coursework
Phased tests
Practical work/presentations

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND	80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree	104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND	80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree	104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an International Foundation Year. Upon successful completion, our International Foundation Year - Law will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950 per year	Not available
EU	£7,950 per year with EU Support Bursary £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£16,800 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees³ cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

If you choose to do a work placement², you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee³ of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees³:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability^{4^):}

Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café.
A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area.
Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens.
Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom.
Student support and careers advice teams.

Careers and opportunities

With an ever-growing demand for legal professionals in all industries, graduates of a law course have an expansive list of career paths to explore.

Many students graduate and find careers in the law sector, while others continue on to further study by undertaking professional qualifications or a master’s degree in specialised subjects such as international law.

On successful completion of the Law and Practice BA (Hons), you will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of legislation and processes.
Be proficient in collating and evaluating evidence, with enhanced advocacy and advisory skills.
Develop appropriate analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable and thorough research of case law, law commissions and more.
Apply appropriate presentation skills to confidently establish the significance of data produced.

Where our graduates work

Graduates of our law degree courses have gone on to further study in law, business and CILEx at institutions across the UK and internationally, or to work for leading global companies such as DWF LLP, Uber and Central England Law Centre.

Further study

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 024 7765 8787

cuc@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCU073

International students should apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 024 7765 8787

internationalenquiries.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.