Undergraduate Admissions FAQ
During the LLB programme
How much time per week should I expect to spend on my studies?
Will I be able to work part time during term time?
What study support is available for students?
Do you offer financial assistance?
What is the staff/student ratio?
Has your LLB a practical component as well as a theoretical one?
Do you offer any placement opportunities?
Will I get a job after my degree?
During your LLB programme
How much time per week should I expect to spend on my studies?
The degree is full time and the programme is based on the broad assumption that a student will spend about 36 hours per week studying. On a law degree a relatively small proportion of this time (about 12 /14 hours per week) is class contact time; the remainder is for private study. The importance of the latter should not be under-estimated; law students must read widely to supplement and prepare for classes - textbooks, journal articles, law reports, statutes and a host of other materials.
Will I be able to work part time during term time?
The university recognises that students may need to take paid work during term time; it recommends that no more than 16 hours per week of such work should be undertaken.
What study support is available for students?
The School of Law has a dedicated Study Skills Advisor who can help in addressing any areas of difficulty with your studies and adaptation to University life. General study support services and workshops are also availablethroughout the year.There is also an established system of peer support for all students.
Do you offer financial assistance?
From 2008 the School of Law will award an entrance bursary of £2000 to all those students who place Reading as their first choice and then obtain AAA at A level (with the exclusion of Key Skills or General Studies).
The University also offers several scholarships and bursaries. For more information on these and other sources of funding, see Entrance Scholarships.
What is the staff/student ratio?
Within the School of Law, there are on average 20 students for each member of staff.
How is Law taught ?
All lectures are given by Lecturers, many international experts in their field. Compulsory core modules are taught by a mix of lectures and small group tutorials. The School of Law has pioneered the use of electronic resources such as Blackboard in the teaching of its modules. All students also have access to extensive legal databases as well as a well equipped dedicated law library.
Optional modules in Part 2 of your degree may also be taught by way of seminars. Some modules will have assessed written work and / ororal presentations. In years 2 and 3, there is a compulsory module which requires students to produce a piece of written work based on individual research. Written examinations are held at the end of each year. In the first year, the 'January test' examines progress in your first term and is a useful guide as to your approach to undergraduate study.
Has your LLB a practical component as well as a theoretical one?
There are a variety of excellent opportunities for keen lawyers wishing to develop a more hands-on approach to the study of law. From our Streetlaw, CAB and community mediator programs to the more traditional 'mooting competitions' we make sure that our students develop the skills and aptitudes required in modern day legal practice and in the labour market at large. Some of the activities may also be used as part of an optional final year pro bono module.
Do you offer any placement opportunities?
Our primary preoccupation is to offer to all our students the support needed to apply successfully for vacation placements in a number of workplaces. We have close links with a number of firms and companies who welcome students from Reading on vacation placements and assistance is available to students applying for placements. The School of Law also organises regular career events and has a dedicated career's advisor.
As from 2007 the International Bar Association has agreed to make two 3-month internships available to Reading law students. One internship is for a Part 2 undergraduate student and the placement is likely to be between July – September. The successful candidate will work within the Human Rights division of the IBA, based in London. A small allowance will be paid to the successful candidate.
Will I get a job after my degree?
Here at Reading we strive to make sure that our graduates are second to none in terms of 'employability'. Most Reading law graduates find paid employment or pursue postgraduate study after Graduation. Along with our reputation for academic excellence, we ensure that you develop the skills necessary to thrive in what is an increasingly competitive market.You will create a Personal Academic Record during your time at Reading, which along with support from the University Career Service and your tutors, will ensure that you sell yourself to all prospective employers. During your degree, there is also the opportunity to participate in commercial awareness workshops organised by international firms such as Vodafone and Shoosmiths. The School of Law also hosts an annual pro bono fair which brings together students and pro bono providers with whom you may gain valuable working experience as well as contributing to society.
You can be sure that your law degree from the University of Reading will provide you with a solid academic qualification as well as practical skills which will be attractive to a range of employers.