LAW
WELCOME TO THE
LAW SCHOOL Staffordshire University offers several unique advantages to those wishing to study for a law degree. We are situated in the heart of England with easy access to London, Birmingham and Manchester as well as to other parts of the UK. We have first rate facilities in our purpose designed building, featuring both a mock courtroom and a dedicated library with modern technology and access to a vast array of study materials. We have tailored programmes for students with different levels of ability and background and our courses are all qualifying law degrees. More importantly we have excellent staff who will look after you from the beginning of your programme through to (and beyond) your graduation. Our staff have contacts with a vast array of professionals – not just solicitors and barristers, but in many other walks of life where a law degree is a useful asset, for example in business Robert Curtis
Head of Law School
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or commerce, accounting, local government or the NHS. Many of our students look towards a career in the criminal justice system – in the police service, probation service or in offender management. We are known for developing the skills necessary to help you gain an edge in your chosen profession as well as preparing you for further study where our professors can offer channels into research and teaching based careers. We like to think we are big enough to provide you with an interesting and varied programme with all the facilities you would expect from a first-rate provider, but small enough so you will always be an individual – and we will work with you to develop your potential to its maximum. To find out more, please visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/law
IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN LAW, GET AS MUCH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AS YOU CAN. GO TO COURT, TALK TO THE LAWYERS – AND EVEN ASK IF YOU CAN DO SOME WORK EXPERIENCE. THAT WAY YOU’LL SEE WHAT THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS REALLY ABOUT. Lisa Mountford Local Magistrate and Senior Lecturer in Law
LLB (Hons) LAW UCAS code: M100
LLB (Hons) LAW (BUSINESS LAW) UCAS code: M221
LLB (Hons) LAW (CRIMINOLOGY) UCAS code: M930
LLB (Hons) LAW (TWO-YEAR FAST-TRACK) UCAS code: M101
LLB (Hons) LAW WITH FOUNDATION YEAR UCAS code: M111
BA (Hons) CRIMINOLOGY AND OFFENDER MANAGEMENT* UCAS code: TBC
*Subject to validation
CONTENTS: 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 15 Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS QUALIFYING LAW DEGREES
Recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board, all our law degrees are ‘qualifying’. That means you will be exempt from the academic stages of becoming a solicitor when you graduate.
15% HIGHER
The number of our 2011 law graduates in further employment of further study within six months was 15% higher than the national average.*
* From the Desination of Leavers (DLHE) Survey 2010/11
FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS
Our law degrees can be studied full-time or part-time. We also offer a ‘fast-track’ option – a two-year degree for students who want to graduate sooner.
SHAPE YOUR DEGREE LINKS WITH LEGAL PRACTICES
We have strong links with leading legal practices in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Birmingham, Manchester and Cheshire – all to make sure you learn from the very best.
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96% STUDENT SATISFACTION
According to the latest Unistats data, no fewer than 96% of Staffordshire University full-time LLB students were satisfied overall with the quality of their course.
To help you tailor your law degree around your ambitions, we offer a wide range of module options. They include: Family Law, Sports Law, Commercial Law, Company Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, Contract of Employment, and Discrimination in Employment.
WORLD OF WORK FACILITIES
To make your studies as realistic as possible, our facilities include a mock courtroom, well-equipped legal practice rooms, first-class IT facilities and an outstanding legal library.
WORK-READY WORLD-READY
Study with us and we’ll equip you to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
You’ll be taught by friendly, helpful, legal professionals – including solicitors and barristers. There’s even a local magistrate on our team.
INSPIRED TEACHING
To develop your practical skills, we hold regular workshops, group sessions and legal discussions. Facing real-life legal problems, you’ll practise interviewing and advising clients.
GREAT PROGRESSION
Not everyone studies law because they want to be a solicitor or a barrister. But if that’s your goal, when you graduate you can progress directly to our highly rated Legal Practice Course (LPC) – the vocational stage of becoming a solicitor, or take the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Or if you want to study a particular area of law in more detail, you can progress to one of our Masters courses.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
LEARNING AND TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS Several members of our teaching team have been awarded University Learning and Teaching Fellowships – recognition of providing consistently high levels of teaching and support, and having a positive impact on student success.
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WHY STAFFS? Studying at the Law School at Staffordshire University will give you a head start when it comes to catching the eye of employers. To make sure you graduate with the skills necessary for a successful legal career, you’ll be taught by experienced professionals – lecturers who know what a law firm wants, know the type of work you’ll carry out, and know how to make you highly employable.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
You’ll find qualified solicitors and barristers among our team, as well as local magistrates and former police inspectors. Their combined expertise provides a real insight into the legal profession, the sort of insight you simply couldn’t gain from textbooks. Our friendly lecturers are there to help you reach your full potential. Their doors are always open. While our online discussion boards let you ask questions and debate subjects whenever and wherever it suits you. To give you first-hand experience of the skills today’s law firms demand, we’ve also built strong relationships with several major practices. As well as helping you learn from the best and providing outstanding work placements, these links can often lead to exciting career opportunities.
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WORLD OF WORK FACILITIES
To make your studies as life-like as possible, our real-world facilities include a mock courtroom (ideal for honing your advocacy and mooting skills), well-equipped legal practice rooms that have been designed to simulate a law firm environment, exceptional IT facilities, and a comprehensive legal library, staffed by legally qualified librarians.
DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS
We have a great reputation for making learning highly innovative. To develop your practical skills, we’ll hold regular workshops, guest lectures and group sessions where you’ll get involved in legal discussions and presentations. Join our Student Law Society and you’ll gain access to even more events and industry speakers. While becoming a member of our Legal Advice Clinic will enable you to face real-life legal problems and even provide guidance.
A CHOICE OF WAYS TO STUDY
You’ll find that the teaching in the Law School is not only relevant, but also flexible. For example, you can gain a qualifying law degree in a number of ways to suit your qualifications, interests and skills. Although most LLB students study with us for three years full-time, we also offer part-time study options over four years, as well as a twoyear, full-time ‘Fast-track’ degree. For students who do not have the traditional entry requirements to begin a law degree there is also Law with a Foundation Year – a four-year, full-time study programme.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE Awaiting Image
“I am currently the Award Manager for the LLB programme full and part time day. I chose to work for Staffordshire University as it offers a friendly supportive environment, which goes for staff and students. As well as being the Award Manager for the main law award I also work as an admissions tutor, helping students through the UCAS process. It is really lovely meeting students as they apply to the University and then watching them walk across the stage at graduation after all their hard work. I am currently research active in the area of agricultural law and undertaking my PhD in the area of regulation of agricultural land use. I currently teach on the Environmental Law module, in the areas of planning, agriculture and principles of environmental law. In addition I am the module leader for English Legal System and Legal Skills which is a module taken by all first year students. I also teach on the Law and Society module.” Pippa Wilding, Senior Lecturer LLB (Hons), LLM, Diploma in Legal Practice, PGCHE, FHEA
“Staffordshire University provided me most importantly with superb tuition enabling me to achieve my degree in Law. It was the springboard to qualifying as a solicitor and creating a career in the Law. However, beyond that I learnt some great lessons in life while at Staffordshire University and also made some lifelong friends. I look back on my time at Staffordshire with immense fondness.” David Milburn, LLB (Hons) Law Family Solicitor and Managing Partner for Stowe Family Law, Harrogate
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Myself and Jacyn are currently both doing a one month internship at separate law firms. I am currently based in V&T Law Firm, in the Shanghai office, situated opposite the Shanghai Tower and World Financial Tower; whilst Jacyn is completing her internship at Patience Law Firm. Due to us both having internships within different firms it means we are open to different experiences and have different roles from one another. Jacyn is currently holding a position as a legal assistant-her role includes contacting law firms to discuss different positions on cases, she has also been given a case to work on which will continue in the UK when she gets back and visits clients to discuss different business ventures and legal positions. This role allows Jacyn the opportunity to improve connections both in China, at home and worldwide, in places such as Australia and Italy. This will benefit Jacyn when she gets back to University as it will be a unique aspect on her C.V – especially as most businesses are now looking to expand worldwide and her placement will display that she has the skill to do so. Myself on the other hand, am currently researching the Chinese government and its laws and regulations on Company/Commercial law; comparing this to the English system and seeing the differences, discussing with a top solicitor in the firm why certain laws exist, there fairness, changes which could be made, all to gain a greater depth of knowledge about the judicial system and business law within China. Personally for myself, the best thing about being on placement is seeing how the solicitors work, having the opportunity to work alongside them and meeting a range of new people from different nationalities and backgrounds. This placement will benefit me greatly when I come back to University, not only will it look good on my C.V but will help me move forward with my career goals. Working within one of the top business law firms within China will certainly help me towards entering into a career in business law, especially as most business now do some sort of trade or work within China.
Jessica Bradley and Jacyn Richardson Both currently studying LLB (Hons)
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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