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Please note, we are showing standard entry requirements on this page. Clearing entry requirements are subject to change. The points will only be confirmed once you call the Clearing Hotline.

This course lets you explore Law according to your interests and career ambitions.

You have the flexibility to customise your degree by selecting from a range of pathways and optional modules that align with your career aspirations and interests.

You'll learn about Law using real-life situations and get to dig deeper into specific topics from inquests and criminal law to human rights and law in popular culture.

As part of this course you will have the opportunity to spend time in our Student Law Office, where you will work with legal professionals, gaining essential skills for your future career. You'll deepen your understanding of specific legal areas and learn how to apply this knowledge in various situations. Plus, you'll refine your analytical, thinking, and communication skills, crucial for the modern workplace, under expert guidance.

This course will equip you with transferable skills and prepare you for a multitude of career paths. For example, if you aspire to become a solicitor or barrister, you can transition seamlessly into one of our M Law pathways before you finish your undergraduate degree. With this additional year of study, you'll graduate with the knowledge and skills required for the next steps in your chosen profession as well as a master's level qualification. For more information on the MLaw Pathways, see the 'Becoming a Solicitor' and 'Becoming a Barrister' sections below.

Why choose Northumbria to study Law?

  • Top School: Law at Northumbria is ranked 6th in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide, 2026)
  • Student Satisfaction: Over 92% of students studying Law at Northumbria believed their course enabled them to develop knowledge and skills needed for their future (NSS, 2025).
  • Research Powerhouse: Law at Northumbria is ranked 7th in the UK for research power out of 69 submissions (REF, 2021). This represents a rise of 37 places compared to 2014.
  • Experiential Learning: At Northumbria, every undergraduate course guarantees real-world experience.

     

Becoming a Solicitor

What is a solicitor?

A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who deals with legal matters which may include complex problems, provides advice to clients, prepares legal documents, and represents them in various legal matters. Unlike barristers, solicitors usually work directly with clients and handle a wide range of legal matters. Solicitors can specialise in a range of areas from commercial law to family and crime, and so much more.

M Law Pathway

If you aspire to be a solicitor, this pathway is a great start. Upon completion of Level 4, you can follow the MLaw pathway, if you are eligible. On this pathway, you will have optional modules based on your interests, but will also undertake some core modules aimed at preparing you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1). You will also have the opportunity to work with real clients in the Student Law Office.

Find out more about MLaw.

Becoming a Barrister

What is a Barrister?

A barrister is a type of lawyer who represents clients in court and provides expert legal advice. They have the skills to handle complex legal arguments and present them persuasively to the judge and jury.

M Law Exempting (Bar Course)

If you aspire to be a barrister, you can follow the MLaw Exempting (Bar Course) pathway, if you are eligible. On this pathway, you will have optional modules based on your interests, but will also undertake some core modules relevant to your qualification. The programme will cover the topics relevant to your career in court, equipping you for pupillage beyond your degree.

Find out more about MLaw Exempting (Bar Course)

What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the route to qualification as a solicitor from September 2021.

The introduction of SQE means that the assessments required to become a solicitor have been centralised with every aspiring solicitor sitting the same national assessment. Under the SQE route to qualification to become a solicitor it is necessary to:

  • Have a degree or equivalent;
  • Pass the two stages of the SQE national assessment: SQE1 and SQE2;
  • Undertake a two-year period of qualifying work experience; and
  • Meet the character and suitability requirements to become a solicitor.

The SQE Assessment is split into 2 stages: SQE1 and SQE2:

SQE 1 – A test of your ‘functioning legal knowledge’ and application of law based on realistic client scenarios. This stage consists of 2 multiple choice papers of 180 questions each. To progress onto SQE2, the student must pass SQE1.

SQE 2 – A test of your practical legal skills including interviewing (notes and analysis), advocacy, research, drafting, writing, and case analysis.

As mentioned above, ‘Qualifying Work Experience’ (QWE) is also required as part of the SQE route. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) anticipate that student’s gain this experience before sitting SQE2 although this is not a requirement. A minimum of two years full time equivalent is required, and QWE is more flexible than the concept of a period of recognised training under the old route to qualification. Whilst many students may still choose to complete this requirement by undertaking one period of formal training with a law firm, work undertaken with up to 4 organisations can be used to satisfy the QWE requirement. A greater range of work experience can also count now than previously. This new development provides students with more flexibility and gives students an opportunity to widen their knowledge through a greater range of work experience increasing the potential pathways to qualification.

There is a cost of sitting the SQE assessments, in addition to any course tuition fees. The SRA regularly updates information and guidance about how to qualify under the SQE system so keep checking its website.

Dr Victoria Roper, Associate Professor at Northumbria University, answers crucial questions about the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination in the BBC's podcast series; Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees.

 

 

You can also check out all of our other Law Courses and find that one that suits you.

Course Information

UCAS Code
M102

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School
Northumbria School of Law

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2026 or September 2027

Fees
Fee Information

 

Learning Law / Hear from our students

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Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Law. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements 2026/27

Standard Entry

104 to 120 Tariff Points 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 104 to 120 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application.

To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications 

Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,790

* In relation to fees for UK students: £9,790 is the tuition fee. The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy, and accommodation fees.


Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050 (subject to Parliamentary approval, along with 2026/27 fees) Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.

*if your course is longer than one year


* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.

International Fee in Year 1: £19,850

This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.

Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050 (subject to Parliamentary approval, along with 2026/27 fees) Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.


Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options available for UK and International applicants for 26/27 entry.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

Whilst many books are made available via the University Library, there are various recommended books for purchase throughout your course, which students may wish to purchase, at an approximate cost of £700: these are against core and optional modules. The Introduction to Comparative and International Criminal Law elective module may include an optional self funded trip. Costs may vary depending on destination but, for example, a trip to The Hague cost approximately £250. Whilst the reduced study abroad tuition fee at Northumbria will be covered by your Student Finance package, and you are not expected to pay tuition fees at your host university, you should still consider the additional living costs that you will incur. For students considering the study abroad option they should be aware of the following: Please be aware that all students applying for a study visa in certain countries (mainly USA/Australia, but increasingly for Asia and also Europe, following the UK’s departure from the EU) will need proof of the equivalent of between £7,000 and £13,000 (depending on the destination country) per semester to cover your living expenses prior to your departure from the UK. This can consist of a certified bank statement from your account or your parents, or a stamped & signed memo from your bank confirming the amount currently in your or your parents’ account showing the necessary amount. You can usually use your statement from Student Finance as proof of finance too. Additional Costs Other costs that will need to be considered are: Travel to and from the country, and any other travelling you may wish to do whilst there Passport or Passport renewal Student Visa or Authorisation - varies depending on the country but will cost approx. £200-£250 Medical Insurance - the university you chose may recommend a specific health plan, but expect to pay roughly £250 - £600 depending on the length of time you are abroad and the country you are studying in Personal/Property Insurance Academic Materials (books etc.) – approx. £100 Further information can be found at the link below: https://myportal.northumbria.ac.uk/Help-and-support/Student-Life/Study-Abroad/Applying-to-study-abroad

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Law LLB (Hons)

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International applicants please apply using the links below

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