Law
The study of law aims to help you to develop your powers of analysis, criticism, persuasion, problem solving, and oral and written expression. It provides you with the opportunity to study a variety of subjects, and you will obtain a thorough understanding of the workings of the legal system. In the National Student Survey, Law at Reading is rated highly in terms of student satisfaction.
With its internationally recognized law teachers and scholars, the School of Law is one of the top law schools in the UK. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2008), the Law School was ranked 7th with Cambridge, for world-leading research and international excellence. It came 11th out of 67 across all research categories. Located in Foxhill House on the Whiteknights Campus, the school offers students a rich academic programme and participation in a dynamic, student-centred community.
A choice of programmes
LLB (Hons) over 3 years of LLB (Hons) Legal Studies in Europe (over four years, with one year spent in a European University.) Both programmes allow study of the core modules for a Qualifying Law Degree, as well as a range of options in the final year. The four year Law wih Legal Studies in Europe gives you the oppurtunity to spend one year in one of the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. In The Netherlands and Sweden, classes are delieverd in English so no prior language knowledge is required. Students wishing to study in any of the other countries, should have knowledge of the relevant language and a langage option can be taken during the first two years in Reaidng to enhanc eyour language skills. Both programmes offer an extensive choice of co-curricular activties involoving outreach into the community, interaction with professionals and engagment with our partners. Ample oppurtunity is given to developing individual research intersts, supported by world-class experts in the respective fields.
A stimulating and supportive learning environment
Through a variety of teaching methods and delivery, you will become independent learners, gaining transferable skills to equip you for your future career. Teaching throughout the programme is by a mix of lectures, small group tutorials or seminars. Your learning will be enhanced by the latest electronic supports and a well resourced library. All students are allocated a personal tutor who can advise on academic, career and pastoral issues. There is also a dedicated Study Support Adviser and a Peer-Support group within the law school. There is an acive Student Law Society which hosts both academic and social events including mooting, the book sale, the Law Fair and the Annaual Law Dinner. Collaboration with Taylor's University College and the presence of other international law studets makes the School of Law a cosmopolitan community.
Employability and career development
The LLB (Hons) is well respected in the employment market. It is recognised as providing students with exceptional practical skills that are relevant to a variety of career paths. Former graduates have developed their careers in the legal profession as either solicitors or barristers, in the Civil Service, the Police Force, Teaching, Banking and the City professionals to name but a few. The School of Law boasts a dedicated career's adviser and a calender of career orientated events. Support for CV writing, placements application and interview technique is embedded throughout the programme. The school also hosts commercial awarness workshops and business games in collaboration with some of our commerical sponsors.
Unparalleled professional experience and oppurtunities
The School of Law offers unparalleled oppurtunities to engage with the professions and service-providers inthe wider community through a range of in-house training and events, as well as the oppurtunity to undertake pro-bono (voluntary) work in the community. The annual pro bono fair is organised to enable students to get involved with local charities and other institutions. The school provides in-houuse training to become a Citizen Advice Bureau adviser or a trained Community Mediator. A Streetlaw programme is ell established and we also provide oppurtunities to run a Law Clinic in collaboration with Shoosmiths in Reading.
A funded internship at the International Bar Association is avaliable to a Reading law undergraduate and placements are also avaliable at the Death Penalty Project. Students are also eligible to apply for an entreprenurial placement with local industry. There are numerous oppurtunities to network with our community partners at both organised career training events and more social gatherings, such as the Annual Law Lecture. The School also provides all students the oppurtunity to participate in competitive mooting, under the guidance of a mooting coach, in both internal and external competitions. Negotiation teams are also entered for internal and external competitions.
Professional recognition
Both of the LLB (Hons) programmes provide a Qualifying Law Degree for entry into the legal professions. They are full recognised by the Law Society and Bar Council as exemption from the first stage of professional training.