Coventry Law School | llb course | llb degree

Coventry University is a quietly impressive place, having shaken of the ill-founded perception of being just another ‘ex-poly’ a number of years ago now. The university has received extensive funding, with new complexes and buildings springing up all over the place.

This is set to continue following the universities announcement of a £160 million scheme to revamp its already improved city centre campus. The two major developments over the next 10 years will see a new student enterprise centre constructed and various other improvements to other faculty buildings, including the school of law.

The LLB lectures take place in numerous buildings. Most law lectures are either in the Alan Berry building or the George Elliot building. There is only one law lecture theatre in Alan Berry. It is quite big though, and looks like a 'traditional' lecture theatre. The law lecture theatres in the George Elliot building are quite small in comparison.

The law library is contained in the Lanchester Library, which caters for all subjects studied at Coventry University. The law library is located on the second floor and is very well equipped for its law students. Although there are ample selections available, books inevitably become sparse at certain periods. As such, some books have a 'one week loan' proviso attached, so that the most popular books can be read by everyone. There are also computers with internet access allocated on every floor of the library. The library also has different zones, aimed at dictating the level of noise that occurs in the library.

On the whole, teaching staff at the school of law are excellent and are more than happy to assist with any queries. Modules are separated into single and double modules, with the 'qualifying' modules (except EC law) being double. Double modules involve two 1 hour lectures per week, and one 1 hour seminar every fortnight. Single modules involve one 1 hour lecture per week and a one 1 hour seminar per fortnight.

In the second year, a student can either decide to be awarded a 'straight' LLB, an LLB in Criminal Justice or an LLB in Business Law. A student can also apply to UCAS to do an LLB with English or an LLB in Eurpean Law with French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian.

The latter type of degree involves a year of study abroad. Also available is the Senior Status LLB, which allows those with a non-law degree to gain an LLB in two years.

The city of Coventry is quite small, giving the advantage of being able to get to most places on foot within a reasonable amount of time. The campus is located in the centre of Coventry, so it is very nearby to all the shops and bus links. The shops are the type you would expect to see in a small city e.g. Primark, WH Smith, Sainsburys, Topshop and Boots.

As for entertainment, there is an Odeon cinema located approximately 25 minutes by foot from the Coventry campus. Nearby the Odeon is the most popular nightclub with students, Lava Ignite. There are plenty of bars in Coventry, such as Yates, Wetherspoons and Jumpin’ Jacks.

Being centrally located, Coventry has great links to other cities, such as Birmingham, Leicester and London. With each no more than an hour’s train journey away, there are so many options. Coventry is also home to Coventry City Football Club and the newly completed Ricoh Arena. Whether it’s football or various headline acts, the Arena provides excellent entertainment away from the stresses of studying.

The annual tuition fee for 2008/2009 is £3,145. However, there are many scholarships are available, including a £2,000 per year grant for all that achieve 300 UCAS points and above. On average, the cost of law books per year comes to between £100-£150, however this can be reduced if you purchase books from the previous year group. Membership of the Law Society costs £5 and provides various discounts to events throughout the year.

The transport costs are quite reasonable, for example, you can get to Birmingham and back on the bus or train for under £4. There is also a wide range of properties available to students in and around the city centre, all reasonably priced and all very presentable.

There is the usual student housing which is located within walking distance of the campus and there are privately rented halls. These halls generally have between 4-6 students per flat, though single occupancy flats are also available. If you don't fancy getting the bus to the Tesco arena, then a mid-sized Sainsbury's is located about 5 minutes on foot from the Coventry campus.

Iceland is about 25 minutes from the campus, with other stores such as Costcutters and Marks and Spencers within easy walking distance. The Coventry market is recommended for cheap fruit and vegetables and is open most days of the week.

There are lots of student societies, so at least one is bound to grab your attention. They include the Liberal Democrats society, the Rock Society and the aforementioned Law Society. There is also a volunteering office within Coventry University called Horizon Volunteering.

A wide range of activities are available, such as helping primary school children to read and mentoring schemes. There are opportunities to undertake pro bono duties within Coventy University, as well as an opportunity to participate in the Telders Moot in the third year.

With regard to nightlife, Coventry has around five clubs to choose from, the most prominent of which being Jumpin’ Jacks. Most students will gather around the Lanes or what is known as the Skydome, a large complex full of bars and pubs. However, as with most small cities, the nightlife is somewhat limited. Despite this, Birmingham and its infamous Broad Street can be reached via train in around 20 minutes. As such, you’re never far from a good night out in Coventry.