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M Law

This pioneering course is specifically designed for aspiring legal practitioners and those wishing to enter professional roles. It combines an LLB (Hons) law degree with an integrated master’s and incorporates the knowledge and professional skills needed to succeed as a solicitor.

The course brings the study of law to life through its practical focus. In our award winning Student Law Office you will experience real legal practice and work with qualified legal professionals. Using realistic case studies and examples throughout the programme to increase your understanding of the law in context, you will develop advanced practical skills and abilities to excel in your career. You will simultaneously develop specialist legal knowledge and gain a critical understanding of how to apply this knowledge in different settings and for specific audiences.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) introduced the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in September 2021. The SQE is a two-part national assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The final year of the MLaw programme is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge to sit stage 1 of the SQE assessment (SQE1).  It also lays the foundations to help you achieve your employment goals and go on to sit the second stage of the SQE assessment (SQE2) after work experience and/or further study. Find out more about the SQE.

91% of students agree that the practical activities on the course has helped them learn

Learn from the best

The majority of our academic staff are qualified solicitors or barristers, with considerable experience of legal practice. Our staff are active researchers, publishing on a number of legal topics. We have expertise in a range of areas, including an international reputation in the fields of evidence and criminal justice studies.

Our staff are committed to ensuring that you learn in a way that equips you for a professional career.  The practical expertise of our academic staff and the focus on excellence in teaching, ensures the course is of a consistently high standard, designed to meet the practical needs of our students. You will also benefit from our close links with the legal profession.

The quality and expertise of our teaching and staff has been recognised through a wide variety of awards and nominations including:

-          Attorney General’s Pro Bono Award

-          Law Teacher of the Year Award

-          Northern Law Awards

-          Student Led Teaching Awards

Teaching and Assessment

This course is focused on learning the law through a range of innovative approaches. The important feature of both LLB and MLaw in the first two common years is that the theory of law and practice are taught together. This approach enhances understanding of law. 

You will develop professional expertise by working in our multi award-winning Student Law Office. In this environment you will represent real clients under the supervision of our legally qualified staff, developing the legal and transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

You will be able to tailor the programme to your interests by selecting from a range of legal options. You can choose to study a range of specialist legal areas taught by experts and will be able to develop customised knowledge and analytical skills through a dissertation or work/practice orientated project. You will also have the option to study abroad for one semester to further broaden your studies.

You will learn advanced analytical, intellectual and communication skills, essential for the modern workplace. This will be achieved through the use of innovative teaching methods with an emphasis on practical learning and interactive teaching approaches including lectures and small group sessions.  The use of technology, such as bespoke web-based materials, lecture recordings, electronic reading lists and online support enhances your learning experience.

The course embraces a variety of different assessment formats including open and closed book examinations, multiple choice tests, coursework, portfolios, presentations and a dissertation/work based project. You will be supported in preparing for assessments via feedback provided during teaching sessions, through opportunities to submit practice answers and by accessing technology such as recorded lectures and online practice tests.

Learning Environment

Northumbria Law School is based in City Campus East, located on a purpose built £70 million, multi-award winning development in central Newcastle. Our modern building has excellent teaching facilities, including lecture theatres, classrooms and IT hubs, which makes for an inviting workspace. There are a variety of collaborative working zones, where you can work with your fellow students on group projects.

Our Student Law Office has dedicated premises consisting of PCs, client interview rooms with full recording facilities, and space for over a hundred students to be working on real legal cases at any time.

We also have a realistic courtroom in which you can develop your practical advocacy skills and stage mock trials.  You will have access to our specialist Law Practice Library which contains practitioner materials, journals and law reports.

Research-rich Learning

Northumbria Law School is one of the largest law schools in the UK and is ranked 7th amongst UK law schools for research power in REF 2021.  We have a national and international reputation for excellence in legal education, enriched by the research excellence and professional practice expertise of our staff. This enhances your learning experience, giving you the very latest understanding of key legal issues.

During the course you will be introduced to a variety of research techniques. For example you will be required to find, read and interpret a range of materials to understand what the law is and use it to solve problems. You will also be able to apply your skills in the practical setting of the Student Law Office, researching the law and advising clients on their legal rights. The course culminates in an in-depth specialist research project drawing on your legal interests.

Give your career an edge

You will benefit from extensive embedded careers support throughout your course to help you plan your career and promote your professional development.

A fundamental way you will be prepared for your future career is through participation in the Student Law Office. Working in a real legal environment requires you to comply with professional rules and conduct legal cases, meaning you are equipped to deal with the demands of legal practice upon graduation.  

Our staff are well placed to provide support due to their extensive knowledge of the legal profession. You will also have the support of the Law School’s expert careers advisor and you can network by attending regular presentations and careers lectures, which are delivered by law firms and associated professions.

We have a specialist Student Employability Centre which can assist in finding work experience and placements. You are encouraged and supported to participate in voluntary activities such as mooting, mentoring, judicial shadowing, and engaging with student societies based in the Law School.

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad lending an international flavour to your studies, which is attractive to the global legal community.

Your Future

A law degree opens the door to a wealth of professional career opportunities. The course will provide you with a thorough grounding knowledge, so you are prepared to undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination part 1, progress onto further study or choose a different career path entirely. To enhance your employability, you’ll have regular support from our Careers Service, which can assist you to identify your goals and plans.

 

You can undertake an optional study abroad or placement semester which will further enhance your prospects. The Student Employability Centre supports your career by promoting volunteering opportunities, placements and overseas study.

 

We have a range of projects which are sponsored by law firms, giving you the chance to work on live projects and network with legal professionals.

 

The course provides a platform to an extensive range of professional careers and graduate level roles. Our range of optional modules allows you to develop areas of specialism tailored to your career aspirations.

 

Graduates of this course can choose to enter the legal profession and are also able to work in a variety of other sectors including banking, finance and tax advice, legal publishing, central and local government, journalism and personnel work.


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