Aberystwyth Law School | llb course | llb degree

In this large idyllic town situated on the beautiful Ceridigion coastline, amongst the spectacular landscapes of the Cambrian Mountains, it Aberyswyth University has the perfect balance of a vibrant student town atmosphere, but also a town with a large cultural and historical heritage. There is nowhere more perfect to sit on a beach and watch the sunset.

Aberystwyth Law School was founded in 1901, making it the oldest law school in Wales. Due to this, what is now the Department of Law and Criminology continues to have a good reputation in Wales and beyond. In the 2010 Times University Guide the department was ranked 37th, below Cardiff (18th) and above Swansea (38th), also ex-University of Wales institutions.

The Department also encompasses the Centre for Legal Practice which delivers the Legal Practice Course (LPC) program. In addition to the standard LLB course, Aberystwyth Law School also offers a BA in Law, themed LLBs and a two-year LLB for graduates in other disciplines. Teaching is also available on some courses in welsh.

Aberystwyth Law School is housed in the Hugh Owen building on the main Penglais campus, adjacent to the main library that also houses the law library. Most lectures take place in either A12 or the main Physics lecture theatre for the llb course, with the largest lecture theatres on the main campus. These are both comfortable and wheelchair-accessible.

Seminars for the llb course are held in a variety of rooms across the main campus. The law library is well stocked and the librarians approachable and helpful. There is a computer room very close to the library with photocopying and printing facilities available. In addition, there is a wireless connection available throughout the main campus. There is a coffee shop literally just round the corner from Aberystwyth law school as well so you're never far from a pick-me-up.

Aberystwyth Law School comprises of 25 lecturers as well as post-graduate tutors and other support staff. Staff are generally approachable with a mixture of published office hours and 'open-door' policies for those on the llb degree.

Seminar groups in the first year on the llb course are small - under ten people, although this rises in the second and third years. As with all institutions and especially on the llb degree, students are expected to put in a high number of self-study hours. Contact time (lectures and seminars) is usually about 16 hours a week, with seminars taking place on a weekly basis depending on subject. As the LLB course progressing things will obviously get more intense though.

The town of Aberystwyth began it's existence over 700 years ago, consequently, nowadays some regard Aberystwyth as the cultural capital of Wales. Aberystwyth is a quiet seaside town that is almost universally loved by its student population. It offers a pier, a harbour and a seafront dominated by Victorian/Edwardian buildings. Crime is very low and the town centre extensively covered by CCTV, with visible police patrols during the night.

Historically, Aberystwyth is extremely rich, whether discovering the Old College of the University or the castle ruins, Aberystwyth has a lot to offer. Aberystwyth is home to the longest Electric Cliff Railway in Britain climbing Constitution Hill, at the summit one can see some breathtaking views, enjoy a nice break at the cafe there or visit the World famous Camera Obscura.

The National Library of Wales is situated in Aberystwyth and very close to the university campus. In addition to the University Arts centre (the largest Arts Centre in Wales) which offers a mixture of theatre, film and music the town has one cinema - the Commodore. This is a very reasonably priced single screen cinema which has the advantage of its own bar (drinks can be taken in to watch the film). In terms of shopping opportunities, Aberystwyth has a large number of lovely small boutique shops. In addition there are a range of larger high street chains and supermarkets.

As for the position of Aberystwyth Law School, it is very much in the centre of the campus with of of the university's main amenities very close by.

The llb degree at Aberystwyth law school is in line with all other llb provider, charged at £3145 per year. Law is not a cheap subject in terms of books; expect to spend approximately £150-£200 per year. There is a bookshop on campus which offers a 10% discount to students, as well as a Waterstones. In addition, the Aberystwyth University Law Society (AULS) have opened a second hand bookshop which operates on campus where students can sell on their old books. Course fees for 2007/08 were £3070 per year for undergraduate courses.

Welsh students studying in Wales can qualify for a grant. The Aberystwyth University offers a large number of generous scholarships and bursaries which are well worth looking into and applying for.

Halls of residence are reasonably priced with self-catered accommodation ranging from £62 to £85 per week; Catered accommodation, which includes a "Meal Loyalty Card" with sufficient provision for most students, costs between £81 and £93 per week. The university offers help and advice for those wishing to find private accommodation.

In all other ways the cost of living is low. Bus services are regular and a travel card works out at about £1 a day, however main campus is easily accessible by foot from all parts of town.

The Union offers a variety of events including free film showings, comedy and poker nights. In addition, the town has three 'nightclubs', The Bay, Why Not and Pier Pressure and a huge number of pubs. Aberystwyth is extremely fortunate to have such a well-balanced selection of events at the Student's Union, catering for all tastes. For students, both the Student's Union and town are very popular. A Wednesday night at the Union is often far more popular than town attracting a large number of societies for "Reload". A Friday and Saturday night are also very popular at the Union as well as nights for "Comedy Works" and other themed nights for example, Halloween and headphone disco or roller skate disco.

The student law society, AULS is run by a very hard-working, enthusiastic and dedicated committee. In 2009, the committee pioneered its very own second hand bookshop, benefiting students who want to sell their old books and the students who wish to buy them at the more affordable prices. The society organises a Christmas Annual Law Ball which is always highly successful. There is always a high turnout of students and staff as well as a guest speaker. Throughout the year the society organises fortnightly socials and discussion groups for which they frequently involve guest speakers. The society also organises trips away to law fairs as well as London for the Inn's of Court and Westminster, alongside various leisure trips.

Aberystwyth Law School has a very active Mooting society which in addition to participation in internal and external competitions organises mock trials, visiting speakers and film nights. Starting in 2008 the Department will also have an Innocence Project. (http://www.innocenceproject.org/)

Careers advice at Aberystwyth Law School is primarily given by the Centre for Legal Practice. Each year there are a series of workshops run on topics such as finding a training contract, writing a CV, and finding work experience. A CV advice service is also available on a drop-in basis in the main careers advice centre on campus.