STUDYING LAW LLB (Hons) Law (Luton and Bedford campuses) LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology LLB (Hons) Law with Financial Management
University of Bedfordshire Business School School of Accounting, Finance and Law
CONTENTS
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Welcome from the Head of School
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Welcome from the Course Coordinator
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Essential contacts
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What to expect during Welcome Week
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How you can keep up to date
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How you will be assessed
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Preparation for your first week
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Teaching timetable
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Frequently asked questions
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Final thoughts
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WELCOME TO LAW
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE
Welcome to Law at the University of Bedfordshire. I am delighted that you will be joining us this academic year. The Law department is based in the University of Bedfordshire Business School (UBBS), where you will be part of a close-knit and supportive community. We place great emphasis on supporting your academic development, building your confidence and preparing you for the world of work. This booklet provides you with important information that will help you prepare for your course and for your first few weeks and months at University. Have a read through, and if you have any questions, do get in touch with a member of the team. I look forward to welcoming you to the University.
Andrew Ekuban Head of School
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS LLB Course Coordinator • Dr Oke Ejims, oke.ejims@beds.ac.uk Law Portfolio Lead • Dr Silvia Borelli, silvia.borelli@beds.ac.uk Law Administration Team • adminlawhrm@beds.ac.uk
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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Student Information Desk (SiD) beds.ac.uk/sid sid@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (Students’ Union) bedssu.co.uk help@bedssu.co.uk
Student Support beds.ac.uk/studentsupport
Welcome from the Course Coordinator Hello, my name is Dr Oke Ejims and I am the Course Coordinator. We are excited that you will be joining us. The first week in the Academic Calendar is Welcome Week where you will be introduced to your course, course team and fellow students. You can find us at the Law Office in Room H209, in Block H at the Luton campus and in Block P at the Bedford campus. Make sure you click on the virtual tour and campus details on page 12 to see where we are! You will have a course coordinator, unit coordinator, tutors and a personal academic tutor (PAT) who are here to support you. Course teams have weekly office hours so you can book an appointment if you need to discuss anything with them. We will be with you every step of the way as you start your academic journey.
Dr Oke Ejims
LLB Course Coordinator
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WHAT TO EXPECT D
WEL
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DURING
ELCOME WEEK Our academic induction follows four key sessions which happen at the same time for all Business School students.
We start the week with an online session to say hello. This is also an opportunity to hear from Faculty Executive Group members. On Thursday and Friday, we host four sessions designed to help you get ready for your studies. You will meet and work with your course team and meet other members of the faculty. You should attend the following sessions which will run for the full day:
Session 1
Meet your course team – get to know members of the teaching team and understand how your course operates
Session 2
Take part in the Big Business Challenge – meet faculty executive members and some of the employers we work with, who will host a fun team challenge
Session 1
Meet your personal academic tutor (PAT) – get to know them and find out how they can support you throughout your studies
Session 2
Prepare for your first week of study – learn how to access our systems and resources so you can have the best possible start
Thursday
Friday
All the details about the different activities and where they will be held are included on our Faculty Academic Welcome pages. Check this page closer to the time for any changes to the sessions. But be assured that the sessions will take place on Thursday and Friday so you can start planning your week now. Our colleagues in the student support and learning resources teams will also host sessions for all new starters. These are designed to help you become familiar with all the essential services you will use throughout your time with us. Of course, Welcome Week wouldn’t be Welcome Week without the Freshers’ Fayre, which is run by the University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union. They will host plenty of events and activities, so keep an eye on their website and follow them on social media to find out more (see p.5). beds.ac.uk
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HOW YOU CAN KEEP
UP TO DATE We use an online noticeboard called Padlet to help our students keep up to date with everything that’s happening. This is linked from BREO, our virtual learning environment, and each subject cluster has its own individual space. You can only access BREO once you are registered with us as a student. However, the Padlet noticeboard for Law students can be accessed now via this link. Feel free to take a look and become more familiar with the exciting events, trips and discussions happening in your subject area.
ESSENTIAL LINKS How to find your Timetable Information about your learning with BREO Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub Visit the Library Begin@Beds Start your student journey Thrive@Beds My Beds Life Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
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HOW YOU WILL BE
ASSESSED
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The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the University’s teaching and learning strategy which is designed to: • Have an immediate relevance to practice • Draw on expertise by experience • Foster active learning and be learner-centred in approach A distinct feature of the course is the range of assessment tasks, including workplace relevant assessments that can have an immediate impact. This helps put into practice what you are learning at university and can help increase your confidence.
RANGE OF ASSESSMENTS These can vary depending on the course you are studying, but here’s an example of what your assessments might include:
Essays Reflective journals Exams and in-class tests Oral presentations Mooting (mock trials) Case studies
Assessments are purposefully diverse and created to relate to industry practices.
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PREPARATION FOR YOUR
FIRST WEEK REGISTERING FOR YOUR COURSE
Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will receive an email to complete your online registration. Keep an eye on your emails and junk box to ensure you don’t miss it!
SOMETHING TO WATCH • Find out more about Law through one of our LLB course pages and watch our students talk about taking part in our mooting programme • Enjoy an amazing virtual tour of our campus
SOMETHING TO READ Explore our clinical legal education projects and see how we make a difference within the local community • The Refugee Legal Assistance Project • Bedfordshire Business School – Law Clinic
ABOUT THE CAMPUS Take time to familiarise yourself with the layout of our campus and the names of buildings. This will help you get around with ease when you arrive. • Luton campus • Bedford campus
SOMETHING TO EAT • Eating and drinking on-campus
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ESSENTIAL LINKS To find out how to access your timetable go to beds.ac.uk/timetable Academic information Guide to referencing Study Hub
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TEACHING
TIMETABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDYING THIS SUBJECT Here is an example of how your timetable might look: Mon 10am 11am 12pm 1pm
Tue
Thu
Fri
E L P M A S Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Workshop
Study day
2pm
Workshop
3pm
Seminar
4pm
Wed
Study day
Workshop Seminar
In your first semester, you will study Academic and Legal Skills and the English Legal System. These units are designed to give you a solid foundation in Law and help you develop the skills to succeed in your studies and your professional career. If you are taking the LLB Law course, you will also study your first Foundation of Legal Knowledge subject, Public Law. If you are studying one of the ‘Law with’ courses, you will start to explore your specialised area of study with an introduction to Psychology, Criminology or Financial Management. In the second semester, all LLB students will study two other important core subjects, Contract Law and Criminal Law. Our teaching model includes significant time for sharing and discussing ideas in a supportive group. This is why we expect students to undertake preparatory reading when set, attend all seminar sessions and lectures and be actively engaged in their seminars and tutorials. Once you have fully registered as a student, you can access your timetable via our website. beds.ac.uk
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS Are students involved in decisions concerning their courses and units? Yes, students can express their views through the Portfolio Executive Committee (PEC). These meetings give student representatives the opportunity to engage directly with staff and feed into decisions about educational provision and support throughout the academic year.
Can I choose which specialist areas of Law I would like to study? While all Law first-year units are compulsory, LLB Law students will have the opportunity to study optional units during their second and final years. We currently have a broad and diverse range of undergraduate units that students can choose from.
What happens if I miss class due to illness or have difficulties with childcare or travel? We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your personal academic tutor or unit lead. For independent advice or for ongoing attendance issues you can contact studentengagement@beds.ac.uk
Who can help me with my assessments? The academic team is always available to guide you with the theory based content and you can book a one-to-one tutorial with your unit lead. If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact the Student Engagement and 16
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Mitigation team (SEAM) who deal with assessment extensions. Their email is: mitigation@beds.ac.uk. You can find our Mitigation Policy and form on our website
What support is available for students with a learning difference or disability? Our Disabilities team supports students with a range of disabilities including sensory and physical impairments, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia and arthritis. You may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, where you can discuss any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. You can email disability@beds.ac.uk for further information and advice.
Is there any support to help me manage my finances? Our dedicated Student Money Advice team offers confidential financial advice, information and support. They can advise you on a range of funding options such as grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships, as well as guiding you on the best way to manage your finances. You can contact them by emailing studentmoney@beds.ac.uk
Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with? Yes, the Students’ Union can tell you everything you need to know about sports clubs, activities and events for all our students. You can even set up your own society! Contact Beds SU by emailing beds.su@beds.ac.uk beds.ac.uk
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FINAL
THOUGHTS Your course is your first step towards gaining a professional qualification to become a solicitor or to practice at the Bar.
You could have the option to obtain an additional qualification, the Higher Diploma in Paralegal Practice, accredited by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP).
WHY YOU WILL LOVE STUDYING LAW AT BEDFORDSHIRE
Your course prepares you for a career in a broader range of graduate roles within the criminal justice system, including in the police, prison administration and other law enforcement agencies. Our Law courses rank 5 th for on-track graduate outcomes out of 99 HE institutions (Complete University Guide 2023) 18
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Always remember, our team is here for you! We know there’s a lot to take in when you start a new course. We’ll support you throughout, especially as you find your feet at the beginning. Some people adjust to new learning experiences more readily than others and it can take time to settle into your course and work placement. We are confident that you will enjoy your days on campus and everything the University of Bedfordshire has to offer.
Even without acquiring further professional qualifications, your course will provide you with a solid foundation for access to a range of graduate roles in the legal sector, such as a paralegal or member of court staff; in the civil service (whether in local or central government); or in third-sector organisations working with offenders and victims of crime.
You will learn important research and critical analysis skills to help you study at Master’s level and beyond.
Your course will help you to improve your career prospects by developing essential professional skills, including the ability to ‘think on your feet’ and to present your point of view in a clear, reasoned and convincing manner. beds.ac.uk
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Discover more about the University of Bedfordshire, tour our facilities, and meet some of our academics and current students at one of our Open Days. Find out about our up-coming Open Days at beds.ac.uk/open-days
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