Law (Including Placement Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(Integrated Master in Law:) Integrated Master in Law
Law (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Law School
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Law
MLAWMA98
13/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: ABB - BBB or 128 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in one essay based subject.
  • BTEC: DDM or 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 128 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 32 - 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655-555.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page. or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.

If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

What if my IELTS does not meet your requirements?

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Do I need to have achieved an acceptable English language qualification before I apply?

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

What if the English language qualification I hold, or am taking, is not listed?

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please contact Admissions on ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.

What are the requirements for second and final year entry?

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

  • International : To be eligible for this qualifier, you must take LW902 and 75 credits of international law options.
  • Human Rights: To be eligible for this qualifier, you must take LW924 and 60 credits of Human Rights options.
  • Commercial: To be eligible for this qualifier, you must take LW663 and 75 credits of Commercial options.

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Panagiotis Kapotas


Dr Steven Cammiss

Associate Professor

University of Birmingham

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LW102-4-FY-CO  Land Law  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LW103-4-FY-CO  Public Law  Compulsory  30  30 
03  LW104-4-FY-CO  Criminal Law  Compulsory  30  30 
04  LW101-4-FY-CO  Contract Law  Compulsory  30  30 
05  LW111-4-FY-CO  Career Development Learning Part 1  Compulsory 
06  LW100-4-FY-CO  Essex Law Key Skills  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LW201-5-FY-CO  Tort Law  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LW202-5-SP-CO  Equity and Trusts  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LW254-5-SP-CO  Legal Research Skills  Compulsory  15  15 
04  LW302-5-AU-CO  Law of the European Union  Compulsory  15  15 
05  LW234-5-AU-CO  Justice  Compulsory  15  15 
06    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
07  LW211-5-FY-CO  Career Development Skills Part 2  Compulsory 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LW400-6-FY-CO  Law Placement Year  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    LW304-6-SP or LW365-6-SP  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
02    Final year Law option(s) from list  Optional  45  45 
03    Final year Law option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Final year Law option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 4 - 2028/29

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LW948-7-FY-CO  Advanced Legal Research  Compulsory  30  30 
02    LW902-7-AU or LW663-7-AU or LW924-7-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
03    Options from Commercial Law, International Law or Human Rights Law list  Optional  45  45 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  40 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

The course provides students with an accredited qualifying law degree together with a Masters degree, as well as an option of enrolling into one of our joint degrees complementing the accredited law degree with a choice of topics ranging from Politics to Finance.

At the undergraduate level, students will study all of the foundations of legal knowledge, as prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. The course allows a wide choice of optional modules offered in the School of Law and for joint degrees optional modules offered by the relevant departments.

At the masters’ level, students will choose a specialisation into the human rights law, international law or the commercial law pathways offered. At this level, students will gain in-depth knowledge and strong understanding of the main legal rules, concepts, models, principles and institutions of their chosen pathway topic. They will develop advanced legal research and critical analytical skills throughout their masters year sharpening their research and analytical skills developed during UG studies.

Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Fundamental doctrines and principles of the law, and the institutions and procedures of the legal system of England and Wales.

A2: Social, cultural, economic and political context in which the law develops.

A3: Some substantive areas of law in depth.

A4: Those areas of law relevant for progression to professional legal training and examinations.

A101: Develop an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental doctrines, principles and institutions of international law as they pertain to the protection and promotion of human rights.

A102: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and strong understanding of rules, concepts, models, principles and institutions of international law.

A103: Develop an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental doctrines, principles and institutions of international commercial law

Learning methods

A1, A2, A3, A4 (and A101 (Human Rights pathway only), A102 (International Law pathway only) and A103 (Commercial Law pathway only) if applicable) are acquired through lectures; large group interactive classes which encourage dialogue between the students and teacher and between the students inter se; and tutorials which allow students to work in small groups and for dynamic interaction.

Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, students should use, present and evaluate relevant numerical or statistical information as appropriate.

Students are expected to undertake independent research through directed reading to consolidate and develop what they have learned in class, and in particular, for their Legal Research Project at the UG level and for their Advanced Legal Research project at the masters level.

Assessment methods

Testing of the knowledge base for A1 – A4, A101-A103 is through unseen examinations and coursework.

Coursework consists of essays, problem analysis, oral presentations, group projects and individual research projects.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B101: Identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching.

B102: Apply relevant primary and secondary legal sources.

B103: Reason critically, identify, analyse, and solve complex problems, even in the absence of complete data.

B104: Recognise, rank and collate items and issues in terms of relevance and importance.

B105: Produce a synthesis of relevant doctrinal and policy issues in relation to a topic.

B106: Critically evaluate the merits of particular arguments and advanced scholarship in the field.

B107: Present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions or methodologies and, where necessary, propose new hypotheses.

B108: Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly.

B109: Demonstrate and exercise originality of thought in the application of knowledge.

Learning methods

Skills B101 - B109 are obtained and developed through seminars and large group interactive classes where there is an emphasis on group discussion and analysis of case material and problems (hypothetical and actual).

All skills are complemented by independent research through the Legal Research Project at UG level and the Advanced Legal Research Project at the Masters level.

Assessment methods

Skills B101 - B108 will be assessed through course essays and the dissertation.

B109 will be assessed by the dissertation.

C: Practical skills

C101: Identify, select and retrieve up-to-date legal information, using both paper and electronic sources.

C102: Use and apply legal terminology and legal concepts, not only in legal settings, but to applied problems, actual or hypothetical.

C103: Plan and undertake tasks in and beyond complex areas of law that have already been studied; and plan and autonomously undertake independent research in areas of law not previously studied.

Learning methods

Skill C101 is developed through preparation for seminars and the large group interactive classes, and through research for the Dissertation.

Skills C102 and C103 are developed through seminars by way of the medium of problem solving and group discussion.

Skill C103 is particularly developed through the Legal Research Project at the UG level and the Advanced Legal Research Project at the Masters level.

Assessment methods

Skills C101 – C103 are assessed through coursework and research projects at the UG and masters levels.

Skill C102 is also obtained through unseen examinations.

D: Key skills

D101: A student should be able to: Work with the English language proficiently in relation to matters of law; Present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and relevant manner; Analyse materials pertaining to law that are complex and technical.

D102: A student should be able to: Produce a word-processed essay and other text in an appropriate form. Use the worldwide web, e-mail, and also some electronic information retrieval systems.

D103: A student should be able to: Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, use, present and evaluate information provided in numerical or statistical form.

D104: Demonstrate the ability to: Identify legal issues. Adopt effective research methodologies and appropriate presentation for legal, theoretical and practical issues.

D105: Demonstrate the ability to engage in group discussions and debates of legal, theoretical and practical issues.

D106: A student should be able: To reflect on his or her own learning, and to seek and make use of feedback. To appreciate when s/he does not know enough and needs to undertake further.

Learning methods

Skills D101 – D106 are developed through preparation for seminars and tutorials and by way of the medium of problem solving and group discussion within these interactive sessions.

Skills D102, D104, and D106 are further developed through the Legal Research Project at the UG level and the Advanced Legal Research Project at the Masters level.

Assessment methods

D101 - D104 and D106 are assessed through unseen exams, coursework and the research projects at the UG and masters levels.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.