Law LLB (Hons)
- Law, criminal justice and criminology
- Undergraduate
Kickstart your career in law with the Law LLB (Hons) at Kingston University. Ranked No.1 in London for Student Voice and Learning Resources in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, our law degree is your gateway to a wide range of careers in law, business, public service and beyond.
What is an LLB law degree?
An LLB, or Bachelor of Laws, is an internationally recognised undergraduate law degree in the UK. It is equivalent in academic level to a BA or BSc and is typically studied over 3 years full time.
Interested in a career in legal practice? Kingston’s Law LLB (Hons) covers the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for the academic component of Bar training. The course also integrates legal knowledge and practical skills core to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), providing you with a competitive edge as you prepare for professional qualification.
Alongside your academic study, you’ll develop practical legal skills through activities such as mooting, and opportunities with the Kingston Legal Advice Centre.
The seven foundations of legal knowledge
These core area of law provide a strong grounding in English law:
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Land Law
- Equity and Trusts
- EU Law in Context
If you are considering qualifying as a solicitor
To qualify as a solicitor, you will need to pass SQE1 and SQE2, complete 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s character and suitability requirements.
Kingston’s Law LLB covers areas of legal knowledge relevant to the SQE and can help you develop practical and professional skills. You will, however, need further preparation before taking the SQE assessments.
If you are considering a career as a barrister
Your LLB will provide the academic grounding needed to progress towards a career at the Bar, while helping you develop legal research, advocacy and analytical skills. Alongside your legal studies, Kingston’s Future Skills programme will also help you build transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking and adaptability.
With this foundation, you'll be well placed to embark on the next stage of your legal training, progressing to vocational Bar training and pupillage on your journey towards becoming a practising barrister.
Law at Kingston University
Hear from staff and students as they talk about what it's like to study undergraduate law at Kingston University.
The campus is great and the teaching staff are excellent – they really take an interest in your development, even after you leave.
Why choose this course?
At Kingston, you’ll join a close-knit Law community where your lecturers know you as an individual. Accessible, supportive and deeply invested in your personal growth, our team will help you excel academically, navigate your career aspirations, and seize opportunities to build your experience, skills, and confidence.
Learn law through practice
You’ll learn through doing. From day one, you’ll apply legal knowledge to real-world situations through activities such as mooting, mock trials, advocacy, client interviewing, negotiation and mediation. Working independently and collaboratively, you’ll explore current legal issues, critically interpret legislation and case law, and develop the confidence to research, question, communicate and build a persuasive argument.
Use law to make a difference
A standout opportunity is the Kingston Legal Advice Centre. Once you have built the knowledge and professional skills you need, you may have the opportunity to work under academic and professional supervision to support members of the local community with real legal problems.
You’ll develop practical skills in client interviewing, legal research, case preparation, drafting and professional communication, while seeing how law can make a difference to people’s lives. It is an opportunity to put your learning into practice while contributing to Kingston’s wider commitment to social justice, community engagement and responsible legal practice.
Access to one of the world’s leading legal centres
With London on your doorstep, it becomes part of your legal classroom. You’ll have opportunities to visit courts, Parliament and other legal institutions, bringing classroom learning to life and gaining insight into professional legal environments.
You’ll also learn from legal professionals, including judges, barristers and solicitors, as well as Kingston alumni who have gone on to successful careers in these roles. Through guest lectures, workshops, networking events and the annual Law Fair, you’ll gain insight into different areas of law, build professional connections and discover opportunities for your career.
Previous students have also secured internships with organisations including SecurityWomen, and Minority Rights Group International.
Build skills for your future
Together, these experiences help you develop Kingston’s Future Skills, including clear communication, advocacy, critical thinking, teamwork, ethical judgement, professionalism and adaptability.
Whether you're interested in qualifying as a solicitor or barrister, exploring other legal roles or pursuing a career in areas such as business, finance, public policy or government, you'll develop valuable transferable skills to support your future ambitions.
Outstanding student satisfaction
Kingston’s student satisfaction results reflect this incredibly supportive and well-organised learning experience. We are ranked No.1 in London for Student Voice and Learning Resources (NSS 2026). The Complete University Guide 2027 also ranks Kingston No.1 in London and No.4 in the UK for student satisfaction.
We place students at the heart of everything we do, continuously listening and responding to their feedback to ensure that our teaching, support and opportunities reflect their needs, interests and aspirations.
Have a question about the course? For course-related enquiries, email the Course Leader, Anna Labedzka.
We are ranked No.1 in London for five out of seven NSS 2025 themes - including Assessment and Feedback, Academic Support, Organisation and Management, Learning Resources and Student Voice.
The Complete University Guide 2027 ranks us No.1 in London and No.4 in the UK for Student Satisfaction.
Prepare for global impact
Kingston School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences offers courses in economics, law, psychology and criminology. Our degrees are underpinned by a vibrant research culture and delivered by a blend of practitioners and academics who are dedicated to equipping you with the employability skills to thrive in your career.
Course overview
Kingston’s Law LLB (Hons) combines a strong foundation in English law with practical, research-informed learning throughout your degree. You’ll build your legal knowledge progressively, applying it to real-world scenarios and contemporary legal issues as your confidence and professional capability grow.
Learn law by doing
At Kingston, you don’t just learn through lectures and seminars. Through case-based learning, advocacy exercises, client interviewing, mooting, mock trials, simulations and legal competitions, you’ll experience how legal professionals research, communicate, advocate and solve problems. You’ll develop practical legal skills alongside a strong understanding of legal doctrine.
Throughout the course these experiences become increasingly advanced, helping you develop the legal reasoning, persuasion, public-speaking skills and confidence needed to present a compelling argument.
Gain experience through the Kingston Legal Advice Centre
Once you have developed the necessary knowledge and professional skills, you may have the opportunity to work with the Kingston Legal Advice Centre, supporting members of the local community with real legal problems under academic and professional supervision.
You’ll gain experience of client interviewing, legal research, case preparation, drafting advice and professional communication, bridging the gap between academic study and legal practice in a supportive environment.
Explore law beyond the classroom
Your learning continues beyond formal teaching. You’ll have opportunities to take part in court and Parliament visits, learn from legal practitioners through guest lectures, and attend networking events, an annual Law Fair, research seminars and the Human Rights Festival, which brings together speakers and discussions exploring contemporary human rights issues.
Through the Amicus Death Penalty Clinic, Kingston students have opportunities to contribute to real-life death penalty cases and research, gaining insight into important issues surrounding justice and human rights. Students may also have the opportunity to volunteer with Amicus' London office and apply for internships in the USA, developing their practical legal research and casework skills.
Study law as it evolves
Teaching is informed by current legislation, case law, academic research and contemporary legal debate. You’ll examine how law responds to social, technological and political change, evaluate competing arguments and develop the critical thinking needed for a changing legal world.
Law competitions
Client interviewing competition
Kingston Law students participate annually in this competition that promotes development of the essential skills involved with client interviewing. It is an excellent opportunity for students who are likely to have a direct contact with clients in the legal profession (e.g. as solicitors).
National Student Negotiation competition
Our Law students regularly participate in the Regional Finals of this competition. This annual competition which aims to develop excellent negotiation skills is organised by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) in London.
International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court competition
Our students with an interest in Public International Law, International Criminal Law, and those who wish to continue their career as barristers often come together to compete annually in the final round in The Hague, the Netherlands. Kingston University Law has won the UK round twice and has finished as runner-up twice.
Space Law Moot Court competition
Law students from Kingston University enjoy participating in the European Rounds of this competition, traditionally taking place in continental Europe. The Competition, organised annually by the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), is recommended for students who would like to work in the fields of aviation, space or telecommunications law.
Human Rights Moot Court Competition
Kingston Law students participated in the 2023 regional round of this competition in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Competition is organised annually by the European Law Students' Association, and focuses on the European Convention on Human Rights.
Course content
What you will study
You’ll build your legal knowledge and confidence progressively throughout the degree. You’ll begin with the core principles of English law, then apply your learning to increasingly complex legal problems, contemporary issues and practical scenarios as you progress.
Teaching connects legal theory with real legal issues and practice through case-based learning, advocacy, problem-solving and practical exercises. You’ll also explore current legislation and case law, considering how the law evolves in response to social, political and technological change.
We offer optional modules that allow you to explore particular areas of interest, subject to availability and student demand.
Optional foundation year - Social Sciences
If you’re interested in studying Law LLB (Hons) at Kingston but aren’t quite ready to start Year 1, you can choose to study the course with an additional foundation year. This optional route will help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress onto the degree.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces you to the foundations of English law, helping you develop the legal knowledge, research skills and professional attributes needed for your studies and future career.
You'll study:
- English Legal System, Skills and Ethics: Learn how to access and use legal materials and develop the fundamental skills required for legal study and practice.
- Constitutional and Administrative Law: Explore the UK's constitution and the relationship between individuals and the state.
- Law of Tort: Examine civil wrongs such as negligence, nuisance and occupiers' liability.
- Law of Contract: Study legally binding agreements and the consequences of breach.
Through Kingston's Future Skills Navigate programme, you'll map out your career ambitions and unlock your professional potential by creating a personalised development plan to master the Future Skills employers are looking for. You'll also strengthen your legal research, analysis and writing skills, helping you build confidence and stand out to prospective employers from day one.
Core modules
Year 2
Building on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1, you'll explore a broader range of legal subjects and deepen your understanding of how the law applies across different areas of legal practice.
- Land Law: Explore the legal principles governing land ownership, property rights and the use and transfer of land, including how competing interests in property are resolved.
- Criminal Law: Examine how criminal responsibility is established, exploring offences such as murder, theft and sexual offences, alongside the principles that determine criminal liability.
- Exploring EU Law: Discover how the European Union's legal system operates and influences its 27 Member States. Explore the continuing relevance of EU law in the UK following Brexit and the evolving legal relationship between the UK and EU.
- Commercial Law: Building on the principles of Contract Law studied in Year 1, explore the legal frameworks governing commercial transactions, including the sale and supply of goods, consumer credit and consumer protection.
Alongside your academic studies, you'll engage with Kingston's Future Skills Explore programme, developing your professional identity, global citizenship and understanding of the diverse contexts in which legal knowledge is applied.
Through personal development activities, reflective practice and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, you'll continue to strengthen your professional skills, evaluate your progress against personal goals and build a portfolio of experiences to prepare you for advanced study and employment.
Core modules
Optional modules (choose one)
Optional year
Between Year 2 and your Final Year, you may have the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of Kingston’s partner universities overseas or complete a professional placement year in the UK or abroad.
Professional placement year
This course has a professional placement option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year. During this professional placement year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.
Final year
In your Final Year, you'll deepen your legal knowledge and explore areas of law that reflect your interests and future ambitions.
You'll study:
- Equity and Trusts: Explore how trusts are created, managed and used to protect assets and manage property. Examine the legal responsibilities of trustees and the role of trusts in areas such as inheritance, charitable giving and commercial arrangements.
- Optional modules: Choose from a range of modules that allow you to deepen your knowledge of particular areas of law and explore your interests further.
Alongside your academic studies, you'll undertake Kingston's Future Skills Apply module, designed to help you showcase the graduate attributes that will distinguish you in the workplace.
You'll begin by assessing your existing skills profile and identifying the attributes most relevant to your career ambitions. Through coaching conversations with students from across the University, guided reflection and a personalised programme of development activities, you'll strengthen your professional identity, confidence and employability.
Core modules
Capstone modules (choose one)
Optional modules (choose one 30-credit module and one 15-credit module)
Skills you will develop
Throughout your law degree, you’ll develop the practical and professional skills employers value alongside a strong understanding of the law. Through activities such as legal research, case analysis, mooting, client interviewing, presentations and group work, you’ll build the confidence to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios.
You’ll develop:
- Legal research and analysis – using case law, legislation and independent investigation to explore legal questions and solve problems.
- Legal writing and drafting – communicating clearly through coursework, legal documents and structured legal arguments.
- Oral advocacy and mooting – presenting persuasive arguments in simulated court settings and competitions.
- Client interviewing and communication – building the confidence to listen, ask the right questions and communicate clearly, including through practical exercises and opportunities such as the Kingston Legal Advice Centre.
- Critical thinking and logical reasoning – analysing complex legal issues, evaluating evidence and constructing well-reasoned arguments.
- Negotiation and dispute resolution – exploring practical approaches to resolving disagreements and reaching solutions.
- Commercial awareness – understanding how law operates within business, society and the wider legal profession, supported by employer engagement and guest speakers.
You’ll also build transferable skills including teamwork, professionalism, ethical decision-making, adaptability and confidence. These will prepare you for your life and career beyond graduation whether in law or the wide range of graduate roles beyond the legal profession.
After graduating I was awarded the Sweet and Maxwell Law Prize for best final-year student and the Jean Monnet Prize for the top student in European Union Law. These achievements, coupled with a strong academic record, resulted in me receiving offers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge for postgraduate study.
What career opportunities does this course have?
A Law LLB can open up a wide range of career paths. You may decide to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, pursue other legal roles such as paralegal, legal assistant or court clerk, continue to postgraduate study or apply your legal knowledge and professional skills in sectors such as business, finance, public policy, regulation and government.
Throughout your degree, you’ll build the legal knowledge, practical experience and Future Skills employers value. Employer events, guest speakers, networking, the annual Law Fair, mooting and opportunities such as the Kingston Legal Advice Centre can help you build confidence, explore your options and make professional connections before you graduate.
Study abroad and international opportunities
You'll have the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of Kingston’s partner institutions in North America, Europe, Australia or Asia.
Studying in another country can give you a different perspective on law and legal systems around the world. You’ll experience new cultures and approaches to law while developing independence, adaptability and intercultural communication skills.
Discover the Department of Law
Hear from our academics and discover what it’s really like to study in the department. Explore the skills you’ll develop, as well as the opportunities available to you throughout your studies.
How to apply
For most of our undergraduate courses, you apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You should submit your UCAS application between the beginning of September before you come to university and mid-January if you're a UK or EU applicant.
How to apply for undergraduate courses (UK and EU students)
International students
Are you an international student? Have you decided Kingston is the place for you? If so, you can apply for this course directly, rather than having to go through UCAS.
Key features
Future Skills
We don’t just teach you a subject – we prepare you for career success in a fast-changing world.
Whichever course you take at Kingston, you’ll master the Future Skills employers are looking for.
Read about how Future Skills will benefit your studies
Adobe Creative Campus
As a Kingston student, you’ll have access to Adobe Creative Campus, giving you free use of industry-standard creative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro.
You’ll be supported to build your digital and creative skills, whatever your course or experience level.
Find out the advantages of Adobe Creative Campus
TEF Gold
We're rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognising our outstanding teaching, student experience and graduate outcomes.
This reflects our commitment to helping every student at Kingston achieve their goals.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
Inside the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences
Hear from current students, graduates and our academics as they talk about what it's like to study in the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Fees and funding
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Isola Bursary
Kingston alumnus, Peter Isola, set up the Isola Bursary to help those from under-resourced backgrounds pursue a career in Law. Priority for the Isola Bursary is given to those from households with an income of £25,000 or less however, meeting the criteria does not guarantee a bursary, as there is a limited number available.
Eligible students will be identified automatically and you do not need to apply for the bursary. However, please ensure that you do apply for your student finance support as you must have a household income assessment fully completed by the relevant organisation (with all evidence verified) in order to be considered for the Isola Bursary.
Kingston University Law Fair
Discover our annual Law Fair, where our students meet legal professionals, explore career opportunities and gain valuable insights into the world of law.
Life at Kingston
Student life
Being part of Kingston means joining a diverse community where you can connect with others, build confidence and shape your own university experience both on campus and beyond.
Read more about student life at Kingston University
KU Connect blog
Hear from our students, staff, alumni and partners as they share what it truly means to be part of Kingston University.
Explore the articles on our Kingston Connect blog
Chat to our students
Want an inside view? Chat with our current students to hear honest insights about studying, campus life and what it’s really like to be part of Kingston, helping you feel confident about your next step.
Chat to our student ambassadors
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Specifications for this course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
FAQs
Frequently-asked questions
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
