Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Laws Laws of England and Wales - September 2023, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Hello and welcome to the Master of Laws of England and Wales course. This handbook is applicable for students enrolling in September 2023. This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive module information online for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Rebecca Oglethorpe, Course Director, GDL
Welcome to the 2023/24 academic year at Leeds Law School.
We sit in the heart of Leeds, the most important legal centre outside London, and are proud to be part of Leeds Beckett University, a thriving university that puts students first and provides access to many great opportunities. This year we move into our new Law School Building in Broadcasting Place. This will provide academics and students alike with a great sense of home and will mean you will be studying in the most modern law school in the country.
Leeds Beckett University, through its founding colleges, has been teaching law since 1924 and this academic year is particularly special as it marks our centenary. Over the last 100 years we have trained many thousands of lawyers and our alumni have reached the highest levels of legal, academic and business practice. We have alumni who are judges, solicitors, barristers (and King's Counsel), professors and senior academics, managing directors, managing partners and chief executives, and I am committed to helping all Leeds Law School students achieve similar success. Many of our past students return each year as professional mentors, guest lecturers and prize sponsors.
During your studies, you will be taught by an academic team consisting of legal experts and experienced practitioners who shape our teaching programmes with their knowledge and expertise. Our academics also undertake diverse and cutting-edge research across a wide range of specialisms; their work has a positive impact upon society and ensures the content of our courses is at the forefront of legal education.
Our excellent links to legal practice see many prominent figures delivering guest lectures throughout the year, providing opportunities for you to network and hear speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Our 'Law in Practice' lecture series allows you to gain insight into developments and key issues of relevance to the legal sector and professional practice throughout your studies.
As well as supporting your academic development, we want to ensure we give you the necessary skills and experience to progress in your career of choice, boosting your employment prospects and allowing you to challenge yourself, both within and beyond your course. As such, we provide opportunities for you to participate in various extra-curricular and co-curricular activities that are tailored to your ambitions. These include mooting, insight days, networking events and trips to legal London. Our exclusive partnership with Support Through Court and our own Law Clinic will give you unparalleled opportunities to get authentic legal work experience. This personalisation continues in our approach to teaching, learning and assessment.
We maintain excellent relationships with local law firms and non-law organisations and the Law School hosts numerous employment enrichment activities each year, allowing you the valuable opportunity to cultivate relationships with professional contacts from the legal sector and beyond. I would encourage you to take advantage of each and every one of these opportunities, broadening your experience and building lifelong friendships and networks along the way.
At Leeds Law School, we pride ourselves on developing and improving the experience we offer to our students via feedback gathered through surveys, module evaluations and student course reps. If you need help or advice at any point throughout your student journey, our Academic Advisors and Course Administrators will be on hand to support and guide you.
I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year with us; please don't hesitate to contact me if you feel I can help you in any way.
With very best wishes,
Professor Deveral Capps
Dean of Leeds Law School
D.Capps@LeedsBeckett.ac.uk
Deveral Capps, Dean of School
LBSU is a not-for-profit organisation, and it's our mission to make students' lives better! We're here to support, connect and represent you and we act upon your feedback to ensure your academic experience is up to scratch. You can submit your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or our priorities for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on our Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of our services but if you've any questions on what we do and how we can support you, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Every student on the Course will be allocated an Academic Advisor. The details of each student's Academic Advisor will be published on the Course Information Page on the VLE, MyBeckett.
Michael Thackray
Postgraduate Law Administration
Email: PGDL@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 6205
The Academic Librarians for this course are: Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Maria Simões and Jennie Winterburn.
Please contact them at: llslibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online Get Help form for help with academic and research skills.
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration working and digital community platform that has channels for different projects, conversations and topics, allows you to add files, image, links, videos and more.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
MyBeckett
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/guides
We will inform you of course developments and course notifications by announcements on MyBeckett, which will also be sent to your student email account and, where relevant through the MS Teams Course Community channel.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
Although your course does not require attendance in a physical classroom, and a number of the lectures may be pre-recorded allowing you to study at times that suit you, you are advised to follow the structure of sessions, often denoted as teaching weeks or topic, outlined in your course handbook. In addition to these pre-recorded lectures, there will also be teaching and learning activities which may include some live seminar groups or support sessions. Details about the structure of these learning activities and key assessment dates will be provided in the Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) at the beginning of teaching via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The Master of Laws of England and Wales provides a student with an extensive background of legal knowledge and skills. It forms the academic stage of training (as determined by the Bar Standards Board) for those who wish to qualify as barristers in England and Wales and who hold a non-law undergraduate degree (or hold a law degree which is insufficient for the regulatory body requirements).
The course covers the seven foundations of law, namely:
- Public Law, including Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Human Rights;
- Law of the European Union;
- Criminal Law;
- Obligations, including Contract, Restitution and Tort;
- Property Law; and
- Equity and the Law of Trusts.
In addition, students will receive training in legal research and undertake a 40 credit independent legal research project module, to be assessed by way of a dissertation of 12,000 words.
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical awareness and systematic evaluation of the areas of law studied, the legal process, and the interrelationship between different areas of law in a national and European context.
- Critically evaluate and apply a range of sources of legal information to assist in legal study and to extract the essential points of that information.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to model and synthesise original academic legal theory.
- Critically evaluate, synthesise, and apply advanced and contemporary theoretical principles and emergent primary sources of law to a range of complex and open-ended issues, problems, and situations.
All courses are benchmarked against the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ-DAB). The FHEQ-DAB can be viewed on the Quality Assurance Agency website: www.qaa.ac.uk
- Demonstrate a critical awareness and systematic evaluation of the areas of law studied, the legal process, and the interrelationship between different areas of law in a national and European context.
- Critically evaluate and apply a range of sources of legal information to assist in legal study and to extract the essential points of that information.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to model and synthesise original academic legal theory.
- Critically evaluate, synthesise and apply advanced and contemporary theoretical principles and emergent primary sources of law to a range of complex and open ended issues, problems and situations.
Assessment & Feedback
On this course students will be assessed by a range of assessment types. Assessment tasks include portfolios, coursework, time-release examinations and a research project.
Two of the legal foundation modules are assessed by way of timed-release online examination, where the examination is available to students during a certain period. Students are not required to attend the campus to sit their examinations.
Three of the legal foundation modules are assessed by a portfolio, consisting of various pieces of work, completed during the module, together with one previously unseen question.
The remaining two legal foundation modules and the Independent Legal Research Project are assessed by coursework.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on MyBeckett once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can be found on MyBeckett and on individual module MyBeckett pages.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in Section 3 of the Academic Regulations at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
When you submit your work through Turnitin, it will 'match' your work with a massive global database of books, e-books, journals, websites and other students' work. You can see if parts of your work 'match' work in the database and you can see if you have attributed this to the source. Turnitin can only help you if you submit drafts of your work a reasonable length of time before the submission deadline.
Please be aware that Turnitin guarantees to 'match' your work and return the result to you within 48 hours. Sometimes it may be quicker than this, but there is no guarantee. The second time you submit a draft of this work Turnitin guarantees that it will 'match' and return your work within 24 hours. Again it may be quicker, but do not rely on this. If you submit a third draft of the work through Turnitin it will again only guarantee a 'match' and return within 24 hours. Therefore, if you want to use Turnitin to help you check your work you must start to submit drafts for matching at least four days before the deadline.
Turnitin cannot detect plagiarism, it can only 'match' text. If you are not sure how to interpret the 'originality report' which Turnitin makes available to you, please ask your module tutor.
Further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Results from module assessments and decisions on awards are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Designed to be as flexible as possible to meet the distance learner's needs, this course and its assessments are delivered entirely online with no live classes for students to attend.
Student cohorts on this course are typically diverse as students come from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. The learning environment is inclusive, respectful, and values the perspectives and experiences that each student can offer. The course and the teaching team promote values and practices associated with inclusive attitudes and behaviours in others.
The Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) is the delivery method used for the course. Each module (and the course) has its own area on MyBeckett to present relevant teaching, learning and assessment information (e.g. slides, activities, receive announcements, receive course information, locate course materials and assessments). In addition, discussion boards and multi-media materials are available to support learning and communication between students, teaching teams and support teams.
The course commences with a non-credit bearing induction programme on legal skills and methods to orientate students to the study of law at postgraduate level and to underpin the taught modules. The induction will identify a baseline set of skills and knowledge that students will need to develop to fully benefit from the taught modules. The induction will cover: identifying and locating relevant legal sources; using the library and online materials; reading and understanding legal and other relevant materials; critical approaches to legal study; the principles of problem analysis; and commercial awareness.
With the exception of the Independent Legal Research Project, each module carries 20 credit points representing 200 hours of activity. A standard structure is applied to the modules which cover the seven foundations of law. Each module is divided into nine units with each unit generally being studied over a week. Within the unit students can work at their own pace. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 90 hours of core directed learning per unit with a minimum of 10 hours on core study per week for each unit. In addition, there are 110 hours devoted to supplementary guided learning and assessment completion, arranged as described in each module specification to reflect the subject matter involved.
Students will access online materials in a variety of media, contribute to discussion groups and participate in problem-based, interactive, application-based exercises. This module content is delivered entirely online with no live classes for the student to attend to allow for flexibility in learning. The learning and teaching strategy used by each module is articulated in its respective module specification. Generally, preparation will steer students to both the knowledge and critical components of the module and the online learning activities will stress student-led identification, evaluation and critique of issues. The integration of students is seen as an important opportunity for students to learn by sharing their and their peers' experiences via online discussions.
Learning activities have been selected to represent a challenging and stimulating diet of activities for the students. A variety of learning and teaching activities are used across the modules and will include:
- reading;
- audio embedded pre-recorded presentations/lectures;
- participating in e-activities;
- guided and peer group discussions;
- questions and quizzes to check understanding
- working independently to research relevant topics, predominantly using electronic databases and search engines;
- completing directed activities and formative assessments, providing opportunities for feedback;
The 40 credit Independent Legal Research Project module has a more distinctive pattern of study and supervision. It is an exercise in independent student learning involving research and a substantial piece of writing, which is supported by a dissertation supervisor. The supervisor will guide a student on the planning and execution of the dissertation, the development of ideas and the organisation and structure of the work. The preparation of the dissertation will engage students with knowledge at the forefront of the disciplines concerned with their chosen subject area of law.
As a distance learner all your studying will be done online. At the beginning of your course it is a good idea to set aside dedicated time and study space to ensure you are able to engage effectively with the online teaching content on a regular basis. A typical module offers a lot of flexibility as to when you study, but it is also designed to follow a defined structure of lecture presentations, activities and community discussions broken down into topics and teaching weeks. Keeping on track with this, and engaging with your module tutors and fellow students, will help you get the best out of the course. Tutors will be in regular contact with you and there will be many ways to communicate with both your module tutors and fellow students, for example via the Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) and MS Teams.
To get a better idea of how a module will look, please visit our Induction for Distance Learners web pages.
It is also essential you check you have suitable computer equipment and broadband speed (at least 5 Mbps) to ensure you can access and engage with the online course content. Details are available on our Technical Requirements web page. This gives minimum and recommended specifications, how to check your internet speed (as our servers are UK based), the MyBeckett mobile app and other useful information, as well as access to technical support. We strongly suggest you ensure your equipment covers the recommended requirements.
Level 7
Full-Time Delivery
The course commences with the module Law, Institutions and Skills, a non-credit bearing module introducing students to the basic learning techniques particular to the study of law. Students must pass this module in order to be able to progress on to the rest of the course. Law, Institutions and Skills is delivered in the first three weeks of the course. Full-time students progress to study four taught modules in parallel during semester 1. Students will study three modules in parallel in semester 2. The Independent Legal Research Project is delivered across both semesters.
September Start Cohort
Semester 1
Foundations of Contract Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Public Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Criminal Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Property Law (20 credits)
Semester 2
Foundations of Equity & Trusts (20 credits)
Foundations of Tort Law (20 credits)
European Law in Context (20 credits)
Independent Legal Research Project (40 credits)
January Start Cohort
Semester 1
Foundations of Tort Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Equity & Trusts (20 credits)
Foundations of Contract Law (20 credits)
European Law in Context (20 credits)
Semester 2
Foundations of Public Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Criminal Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Property Law (20 credits)
Independent Legal Research Project (40 credits)
Part-Time
Year 1 of the course commences with the module Law, Institutions and Skills, a non-credit bearing module introducing students to the basic learning techniques particular to the study of law. Students must pass this module in order to be able to progress on to the rest of the course. Law Institutions and Skills is delivered in the first two weeks of the course. Students progress to study two modules in parallel during semester 1 and two modules in semester 2. The part-time course is undertaken over two years. The Independent Legal Research Project is delivered in year 2 across both semesters, with assessment submissions in both semester 1 and 2.
September Cohort
Year 1
Semester 1
Foundations of Contract Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Public Law (20 credits)
Semester 2
Foundations of Equity & Trusts (20 credits)
Foundations of Tort Law (20 credits)
Year 2
Semester 1
Foundations of Criminal Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Property Law (20 credits)
Semester 2
European Law in Context (20 credits)
Independent Legal Research Project (40 credits)
January Cohort
Year 1
Semester 1
Foundations of Equity & Trusts (20 credits)
Foundations of Tort Law (20 credits)
Semester 2
Foundations of Criminal Law (20 credits)
Foundations of Public Law (20 credits)
Year 2
Semester 1
Foundations of Contract Law (20 credits)
European Law in Context (20 credits)
Semester 2
Foundations of Property Law (20 credits)
Independent Legal Research Project (40 credits)
This is an intensive conversion course. Students are expected to commit to the teaching and learning activities as stated below.
Overall Workload for the Course | |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 384 hours |
Independent Study | 1456 hours |
Placement | Not applicable |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the Leeds Law School Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to complete and fully contribute to all mandatory sessions outlined as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your online learning activities, study activities, tutorials, seminars, discussions and other activities is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course.
We monitor your engagement, participation and presence on the course as these and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement, participation and presence we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know.
Please note that any reports covering engagement, participation and presence can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your engagement record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.Our Attendance Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Distance learning courses are designed to be flexible but there may be circumstances where your studies might be interrupted which stop you from studying (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
If you are unable to study because of illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
If you are completing your studies by distance learning overseas, immigration permission to study is not required and reporting to UKVI is not relevant. However, there may be times when you may need to travel to the university for a short visit or study block to assist with your studies. Please email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team (siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) who can provide information and advice for short term visa requirements.
For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Bar Standards Board
Legal education and training have been subject to a detailed review by professional regulators in the legal sector. The review has examined the routes and led to changes to qualification as a solicitor or barrister.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) no longer requires the study of a 'Qualifying Law Degree' (QLD), however, the study of what are referred to as the 'legal foundations of knowledge' is still required before the vocational stage of bar training. Our GDL courses meet this requirement.
The changes to the routes to qualification as a solicitor were introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in September 2021. Students starting this course in September 2023 who wish to qualify as a solicitor are required to undertake both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) (including SQE1 and SQE2). This course is not a replacement for or the equivalent of the SQE.
Students are invited to access information via the course team - in addition, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) websites have full details regarding the routes to qualification as a solicitor or barrister.
Bar Standards Board
This course is compliant with the BSB's continuing requirement that 'law degrees are compliant with the QAA subject benchmark statement for law and that the degree contains the seven "Foundations of Legal Knowledge'" subjects as well as the skills associated with graduate legal work such as legal research.' Please follow the link below for further information:
Bar Standards Board Academic Component
Solicitors Regulation Authority
This course contains the foundations of legal knowledge crucial for a practising solicitor, but it is no longer recognised by the SRA as the route to qualification as a solicitor. On successfully completing this course, students wishing to qualify as a solicitor will be required to undertake the SQE. Please follow the link below for further information:
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
Study of the seven foundation subjects will allow students to obtain a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the study of law both as an academic discipline and as an area of professional practice.
Students completing the programme will be expected to demonstrate both in online activities and in assessments that they can deal with complex issues systematically, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
By completing an Independent Legal Research Project, graduates will be able to demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of the specialist subject area while placing that subject within a wider organisational and contextual framework. They will understand current issues and thinking along with techniques applicable to research in the subject area. Graduates will have both theoretical and applied perspectives and will be able to apply a range of specialist skills to the organisations (and their context) in which they as specialists may operate.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Successful completion of this course provides the foundation legal subject knowledge required by those students who wish to go on to further training and qualify as either a solicitor or barrister.
The course contributes to students' employability skills by developing their ability to critically analyse complex scenarios; working in an intensive environment while dependent on time self-management to meet pressured deadlines. Students will develop their research skills and their approach to problem-solving, while likely facing a variety of external commitments. Writing and software skills will be developed together with an appreciation of flexible off-site working.
Learning Support
Your course team may include an Online Learning Tutor (OLT). The OLT is an academic member of staff, focused on supporting online distance learning students throughout their studies. The OLT will help you with academic skills and advice, help resolve technical issues, arrange community events, signpost you to useful resources and be in touch with you regularly to support your engagement with the course.
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
Your Distance Learning course will use content that is available online including journal articles and books, other than in very exceptional circumstances.
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) , Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
There may be occasions when you wish to access physical books and journals at Leeds Beckett or use other University libraries. In all respects you have the same rights as other students. For more information please contact the Offsite Library Service who support distance learners and students not based on campus.
As a distance learner, you have the same right to use University's campus IT facilities as other students. If you visit campus, Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
The MyBeckett portal is the Virtual Learning Environment and the gateway to engaging with your course, the university as a whole, the support services we offer, your tutors and other students in your learning community.
MyBeckett will provide access to:
- your module content including topic by topic activities over the semester, and links to required and recommended reading
- assessment details and links to submit your work
- your student community and the means to communicate, collaborate and engage with them
- library resources and people to help you
- academic and personal support and student advice
- your student email account which we strongly recommend you use, as we will use it to communicate with you
- your personal cloud file storage via MS OneDrive
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
On a distance learning course, all required resources will be made digitally available to you, although you have access to the Offsite Library Service.
Your course will primarily be delivered through our virtual learning environment, MyBeckett. Via this platform, you will be able to access learning materials, interact with your course colleagues and submit all your assessments.
An introduction to MyBeckett for distance learning students, which includes how to log in, browser requirements and finding your way around is available at: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/using_the_library/distance_learners_offsite/online_library_induction.
Your online course induction will tell you more about studying online and provide guidance on how to be a successful online learner.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
LLM Legal Studies
Postgraduate Diploma Legal Studies
Postgraduate Diploma Law
Postgraduate Certificate Law
Leeds Beckett University
Part-time delivery is usually at half the intensity of the full-time equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set, but the modules offered within each year are consistent.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
There are non-standard regulations which relate to your course.
Exemptions from certain University Academic Regulations apply to this course in relation to the pass mark and award classification.
LLM Laws of England and Wales adheres to the Academic Principles and Regulations set out by the University. However, the Professional Bodies require that courses such as this one must adhere to specific rules in relation to:
Pass mark
A student must be awarded a pass where they have passed all assessments (at least 50% in each element of assessment), one element of which may have been condoned in accordance with the rules of the Board. A student must not otherwise be awarded a pass.
An aegrotat pass is not permitted.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
There are three External Examiners associated with this course. The Chief Postgraduate External Examiner is:
Ashley Lowerson, Assistant Professor, Northumbria University
Module External Examiners: Jason Elliot, University of Ulster and Dr Jeffrey Wale, University of Bath
Appendices
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