Leeds Law School | llb course | llb degree

Leeds Law School was established in 1899, functioning not only as a teaching institute but also an extensive research centre. Leeds in one of the better established Law Schools in Northern England, currently ranked 11th nationally in the Times Online League Table and 19th In the Guardian League Table.

It is a main choice for students who do not wish to take the LNAT required for Universities higher in the league tables, as it offers a similar reputation without the added pressure of an extra test to gain admission.

The Law School itself stretches across a number of old Victorian houses, connected by a series of corridors and stairwells. Within the main Law building where the General Office can be found is the Law Common Room. This is a reasonably large room which a vending machine, wireless internet, a comfortable seating area and a decent place to study.

All Seminars take place in the law buildings, but there are no lecture theatres, with various lecture theatres around campus used instead. The main Law Library can be found in the Brotherton Library, inside the Parkinson Building. There is a large amount of various books available as well as copies of Statues and Law Reports.

Leeds Law School has a subscription to online law facilities also, such as Westlaw and Lexis Nexis. There is also a librarian dedicated to Law who is willing to help students with any questions they may have.

There are a number of computer clusters available across the campus that are free to use, some of which are available 24 hours a day. Overall the facilities available to Law students in Leeds are excellent, and there is always somebody to help with any problem you may have.

There are approximately 40 members of teaching staff, of whom many have a wide range of experience in the legal field. Lecture size varies on the subject and the year, depending on how many students are enrolled on the module, but no matter what the size there is always the opportunity to ask questions.

Seminars are held in groups of 10-12 so that you get a better quality of teaching from the seminar tutor and time can be distributed more evenly. Seminars for modules are generally held once a fortnight. The hours per week usually depends on individual students, but there is generally around 8-10 contact hours a week, with an additional 40 hours expected for self-study.

Leeds Law School has many specialist subjects with a lot of them based around their excellent research centres. Some examples include Criminal Justice, European Law and Cyber Law. Leeds also offers the accelerated two year Senior status LLB and LLM degrees to graduate students. The level of support from the teaching staff is exceptional; they are contactable via email, phone, or in person and are always happy to help students improve their understanding of law.

Leeds University Campus is set just 10 minutes out of the city centre and 20 minutes away from the main student area of Leeds (Headingly). The campus itself covers a large area, with numerous grassed areas that can be enjoyed in summer. The student union has a number of bars and clubs inside which offer a variety of music and offers.

The city centre itself is famous for its fabulous shops, restaurants and nightlife. The Yorkshire Playhouse often has a good play on, a comedy club is open from Thursday to Sunday and Leeds Met Union plays host to some of the hottest gigs. Leeds University Union also holds gigs and there are many retail parks outside the city centre that also provide similar services.

The tuition fees at Leeds are the maximum amount of £3,145. The cost of books varies, but if you buy all the books recommended and buy them brand new then you are looking at around £500-£700. As such, students finishing the year you’re about to enter are always prepared to sell their books on for a reduced rate.

The library offers a good selection of books so it would be wiser just to purchase the core text books, and you don't have to buy them brand new unless specified by a lecturer.

The Law Society is £50 to join but lasts for your full time at Leeds, with non-law students free to join. It sounds like a large amount of money but it is worth what you get in return.

The cost of living in Leeds really depends on where you are living. Accommodation varies from £45 to £100 a week, depending on whether you’re living in self-catered halls or in a private residence.

Leeds students are famous for their social lives. With a large number of active societies there are activities every day in the University Union, from tasting sessions, to learning salsa. The law society is very active with regular social events, many of which are sponsored by top law firms.

The biggest social of the year is the Law Ball which is always spectacular and attended by students, lecturers and many law firms (so easy on the alcohol!). The law society also holds host to mooting competitions, both internally and nationally, as well as various negotiating and debating competitions.

Outside of the university there is so much to get involved in socially; Leeds has one of best night lives in the North, including nationally famous club chains such as Gatecrasher and Oceana. But one thing that proves most popular with strangers is the Otley Run, a pub crawl that includes up to 23 establishments!

The advice and support law students receive at Leeds is exceptional. There is an active careers centre that provides excellent advice and support. The Law Society in particular offers good support, holding careers events throughout the year and various networking opportunities with the top firms.

There is continuous support across all years for student, whether looking for work experience, mini pupilages, and for those intending to complete the LPC or BVC. With a dedicated careers secretary within the law society and the support of the tutors, it is safe to say any question you have can always be answered one way or the other.