Newcastle Law School | llb course | llb degree

Newcastle University is one of the oldest universities in the North East. Founded as a School of Medicine back in 1834, it was originally a college of Durham University. Gradually, it grew to its present size and the two institutions were formally separated in 1964.

The university is a prominent member of the Russell Group (a group of the top 20 research-intensive universities in the UK). Academics and students have been involved in numerous cutting-edge projects including stem cell research, for which the university is one of the only two licensed institutions in the country.

As far as teaching Law is concerned, it is certainly one of the best places to go to. In the Research Assessment Excercise (RAE) 2008 85% of the School’s research reached international standards of quality in RAE 2008.  In the previous RAE in 2001, the School was awarded a grade 5, the second-highest point on a seven point scale.

The excellent staff-student relations are demonstrated by the fact that in the 2009 survey, Newcastle Law School was placed in the top performing group.  98% of those Newcastle Law School students surveyed in the National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSSS) gave the Law School the highest overall ratings for student satisfaction, placing us as the top Russell Group Law School and the second best Law School nationally.

The Law School is situated in a nice Victorian house in the city centre. The three-floor building also houses the Law library. The school boasts a large lecture theatre with presentation facilities and wireless internet access. Most of the seminar rooms also have projectors for presentations and group exercises.

The Law library is where you'll probably be spending most of your time (or at least you should!). You can find almost anything on the shelves, from essential textbooks to law reports, Halsbury's Laws, recommended reading and journals.

Journal articles may seem like they've been written by people with too much time to spare but these people possess cunning legal minds, therefore consulting their words of wisdom before embarking on the daunting task of writing law essays is highly recommended. The librarians are also first rate, being really supportive when you need it.

Also in the library you'll find the mooting room where you can practise your legal manners in the hope of impressing a judge ( more about mooting later), and two small but useful computer clusters. If there are no computers available, the main library (with its five computer clusters) is literally a stone's throw away.

After long hours of study or revision you might be tempted to go relax in the common room. There is also a cafeteria in the main library or the student union is nearby.

Newcastle Law School has a very strong tradition in research. That goes to say lecturers do go the extra mile to ensure their teaching reflects the latest developments in the law.

The school has good links with the other departments at the university and is usually involved in interdisciplinary projects and research. The latest example is co-operation with the university's new Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability.

There are 29 teaching members of staff – professors, lecturers, part-time lecturers and research assistants. They are all very supportive and easy to contact. The university's computer system allows you to get in touch with any member of staff at the press of a button. Every student has regular meetings with his/her personal tutor to offer guidance, discuss progress and address any other issues of concern.

Every member of staff has his/her spheres of interest. The school is particularly strong in Public Law, International Law, Environmental Law and Human Rights. This of course doesn't mean that any other subject is neglected.

In your first year you would usually have around 12 hours of lectures per week. This may not seem a lot but don't be fooled. The catch is that you're supposed to do about 30 hours of independent study a week – following up on lectures, reading essential and recommended material, etc. Seminars are held every other week. They are hour-long discussions in small groups on key topics that have been covered so far.

Seminars provide an opportunity to explore certain aspects of the law in greater depth. You should allow about 5-6 hours for preparation as that would allow you to form an opinion on the topic that's being discussed and raise questions. A word of advice – don't leave it till the last day!

Newcastle Law School is situated in the heart of the city centre. On campus you can find anything you'd expect from a red-brick university. Although it occupies most of the city centre, the campus is compact and it doesn't take long to get from one place to the other.

For those of us with a bad sense of direction, there are maps everywhere and all routes are clearly signposted. The university is currently busy splashing £200 milion on an ambitious programme to construct new buildings and rennovate existing parts of the campus.

Being right in the city centre has many advantages. Northumberland Street, with its many shops and food outlets is a two-minute walk from the school. There are also a few pubs around Haymarket. So whether you're after a quick pint, a large bacon stottie or a shopping spree in Eldon Square – all tastes are catered for.

Law books are expensive. Really expensive. The average cost of a first-year textbook is around £25. It's worth having a look at Amazon before rushing to the university bookshop. Students from the year above would be more than happy to sell you their textbooks but you have to make sure you're getting the latest editions. Also bear in mind that you don't have to buy every single book on the reading list – you can borrow them from the library.

The union tries to maintain reasonable prices (average drink price: £2.30). Accommodation-wise, the average rent for a catered room in a uni hall of residence is about £80 per week; rents vary across the different sites. Water bills, heating, electricity and internet are included in the rent.

Transport in Newcastle is not expensive either. Bus tickets are around £1-1.20, with metro tickets slightly more expensive. There is a range of student travelcards available at any Travelshop. If you're planning to bring a car you should know that parking on campus is limited, especially around the law school.

There's always something happening on campus. The focal point for most activities is the student union. Every Friday night the bars at the union have massive promotions and slash prices almost in half – the best way to start the weekend!

Newcastle is well known for its nightlife. Famous areas for clubbing include Bigg Market and the area around Central Station. The Quayside with its bars is somewhat more sophisticated.

There is a ubiquitous passions for sports. There are strong intramural leagues in almost every sport – football, rugby, lacrosse, etc. Different halls and departments also compete with each other. In short, there are plenty of opportunites to go outside and chase a ball in the rain.

Newcastle's Law Society is called the Eldon Society, named after Lord Eldon. They charge £50 for a 'lifetime membership' which may seem a lot but it's worth every penny.

The society is actively involved with the Careers Service. They organize a CV writing exercise in the first week of term. The Careers Service is also in charge of organizing law fairs. The Eldon society is responsible for client interviewing ( which forms part of your first year exams) and mooting (mock trials where a team of 'lawyers' presents an argument before a 'judge').

On the social side of things the Eldon Society organizes the Law Ball for 3rd year students and also runs a buddying scheme, whereby freshers are 'adopted' by second-year students.