Greenwich Law School | llb course | llb degree

The University of Greenwich offers the best of worlds, city and country. As a student you would be on the doorstep of London, but it also offers the cream of Kent - rolling hills, pub-to-pub walks, seaside resorts and Canterbury Cathedral - not far away.

The university has three campuses: Avery Hill, in the south-east London district of Eltham; Greenwich; and Medway, at Chatham Maritime, Kent. The university offers the LLB – a qualifying law degree, which is recognised by the Law Society and the Bar Council. The law department is located in the Greenwich campus of the university.

All law lectures take place in a number of different lecture theatres in the campus, ranging from those that seat 100 to 300 students. Most theatres contain over head projectors and various other little gadgets (including comfortable seats!) to aid with learning. Seminars are generally held in normal classrooms which seat between 30 and 40 students.

The campus library contains an impressive law section which holds thousands of law books, journals, articles and other legal literature. The library is constantly updating these. There are also many areas where students may work, both individually or as a group.

The library also provides many PCs for student use, as well as designated areas for the use of laptops. PCs can also be found in other buildings on the campus. Use of the library also includes photocopying and printing and self-service machines for the issue and return of books.

The law department contains a number of law lecturers. All lecturers have defining careers either as barristers, solicitors or as well-recognised academics. All students benefit from a research environment where staff share their expertise and specialist facilities. Greenwich sets high standards of teaching quality.

The sizes of lectures vary according to the academic year. This can also be said of seminars. Lectures usually consist of 2 hours teaching and 1 hour for seminars. As such each student can be expected to receive up to 12 hours of teaching time per week. This may be more during revision periods. Generally students are expected to do 40 hours of self study per week. This is strongly advised given that time is needed to prepare for lecture and seminars and to engage in extra reading.

The first and second year of the law degree consists of compulsory topics which all students must complete successfully. However in the third and final year of the degree, students have the opportunity to choose three options in addition to the compulsory core topic of Equity and Trust. Third year options vary from Family Law to Landlord and Tenant Law. Students may be influenced to choose an option which particularly interests them or perhaps they wish to practice it in their future career.

As well as in lecture and seminars, a great level of support is provided by lecturers. Most lecturers have adopted an ‘open-door policy’, always willing to help and advise students as long as they are not busy.

There aren’t many universities that can boast a world heritage site, but the University of Greenwich is one of them. The main campus is on the banks of the Thames in three baroque buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren at the end of the 17th century. Located south of the Thames, the campus is only a short distance from Canary Wharf and the 02 Arena.

The local amenities are extensive and varied. There are a number of restaurants and eateries, and even a Greggs, for those who fancy a quick snack! There are also a number of pubs and bars in the surrounding area. Greenwich market is also only a stone’s throw away from the university. In general, the area is relatively nice; however it can often be busy given the number of students and tourists in and around the area.

The cost of the LLB is currently £2,835 on a full time basis. The cost of course books and essential reading are additional, but can usually be purchased with student discounts. The library will provide copies of all course textbooks, but these are obviously limited in number.

The university has always aimed to provide the best possible range and standard of accommodation to meet the needs of our students. Halls of Residence are available to students at each campus, offering high-specification study bedrooms equipped to the latest standards.

It can also help you find privately rented accommodation. There are a number of local buses surrounding the university, as well as the Docklands Light Railway. Many of the students visit the local restaurants and eateries for their lunch, which offer food and drink at a reasonable price. There is also a Greggs, McDonalds and a Subway close by.

There are a number of clubs and societies for those wishing to join, including a law society. Also for those who hope to one day become barristers or who enjoy public speaking then mooting is something that you may be interested in, which is also offered by the law department.

There are often many social events which the university hosts; this includes a Christmas Ball and an end of year ball, held in the 02 Arena in summer 2008 (quite possibly the best venue for a summer ball we’ve ever heard!). Some people may also be excited to know that during Christmas an ice rink is erected within the campus grounds. A number of pubs, bars and clubs surround the university, where students may go to let their hair down! This includes the Inc Bar, the local haunt for many students.

The university has its very own careers service, providing advice and assistance on your future career as well as helping you to search for part-time work whilst doing your degree. In academic year 2008, the law department successfully hosted a careers week, whereby a number of law firms and other institutions visited the university in order to provide advice and an insight into their sector of work.

This was extremely helpful to all students as it allowed them to consider various careers options, and also an opportunity to network. During the careers week, lecturers provide their help to students who are completing personal statements for law school or applications for training contracts and pupilages. The university and also the lecturers are very helpful in providing advice and assistance to currents students and even Greenwich alumni.