Nottingham Trent University Course Specification LL.B (Honours) Law Full-time Basic Course Information 1. Awarding Institution: Nottingham Trent University 2. School/Campus: Nottingham Law School (City Campus) 3. Final Award: Course Title: Optional Pathway Course Title: Modes of Study: 4. Normal Duration: Full-time 3 years 5. UCAS Code: LL.B FT: M100 LL.B (Honours) Law LL.B (Honours) Law LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Full-time 6. Overview and general educational aims of the course The LL.B (Honours) Law Full-time degree provides you with an opportunity to study law modules which are of vital interest in the modern world. You will acquire highly valued transferable legal skills which will significantly develop and enhance your analytical, evaluative, reasoning, communication and problem-solving abilities. There is significant emphasis upon career planning and ensuring that our graduates are attractive to a wide range of potential future employers. The degree is a Qualifying Law Degree which enables you to progress to further study if you wish to become a solicitor or barrister. Nottingham Law School is one of the largest full service University law schools in the UK, enjoying a national and international reputation for the excellence of its modern legal education and training across a broad range of both academic and professional courses. A great many of the Law School staff are professionally qualified as either solicitors or barristers and the School has extensive links with the legal and other professions both nationally and overseas. Key professional skills such as problem-solving, case analysis, legal advocacy (mooting), report writing, professional advice and negotiation skills are directly incorporated within core law modules ensuring that such skills are developed within a relevant context. Modules are focussed upon the application of law to real-life situations and reflect current legal issues. In the second year there are opportunities for you to undertake an alternative split year pathway. In the first half-year you will complete the Foundation modules as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. In the second half-year there are opportunities for you to: 1
study overseas at one of a number of specially selected partner universities in a range of different countries undertake a work placement in either legal or non-legal professional practice to enhance your work-based skills participate in clinical legal education activities enabling you to practise key legal advice skills in a simulated work environment study a range of Business modules, delivered by Nottingham Business School, to enhance your commercial awareness All of these second half-year opportunities are credit-rated and therefore contribute towards your final degree classification. The course includes a wide range of optional law modules enabling you to further tailor your degree to your particular interests and career aspirations. Such optional law modules include a final year Path to Professional Practice module designed to assist your transition into professional employment and/or postgraduate vocational legal training. Alternatively, in your final year, there is an opportunity to undertake the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway which combines paid employment and related work based learning within the financial services industry with block teaching weeks and related online teaching and learning within a minimum 45 week period. Your final year is therefore spent employed in company rather than studying at the Law School and successful completion of the relevant work-based modules culminates in the award of the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Degree. This Pathway provides a framework for acquiring advanced knowledge and understanding of the law and practice of financial services and of the regulatory, business, operational and organisational context of a professional work environment and of related work place functions so as to enhance your employability both within and outside of the traditional legal professions. You will be allocated a supervisor by your employer to help you during the time which you spend on the course employed in company and a visiting tutor, who is an academic member of the Law School, will also be assigned to you. The University will assist you in obtaining an appropriate salaried full-time employment position within the financial services industry although it should be noted that such an opportunity cannot be guaranteed. You will be invited to elect to undertake the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway during your second year of study at the Law School and will then commence a special In Company Preparation Programme. Such Programme will prepare you both for the selection and interview procedures being adopted by the relevant employer and for the period of work-based learning itself. Students considering the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway will not therefore be able to undertake 2
the second year split year pathway since they will need to be available for the In Company Preparation Programme and relevant employer recruitment procedures. The standard LL.B (Hons) Law Full-time course degree can itself be combined with an additional award, the Certificate in Professional Practice. This involves undertaking mini work placements during vacations to gain experience of a professional work environment. The special features of the LL.B (Hons) Law Full-time course are: Providing opportunities to you to undertake overseas study, work placements, clinical legal education activities or business related modules integrated within your programme of study Guaranteeing you a place on our Legal Practice Course for intending solicitors following successful completion of the LL.B (Hons) Law Course with honours (2.2 or higher) Preparing you for the professional work environment through the incorporation of key professional skills within core modules Enabling you to experience mooting, involving legal research, legal reasoning and advocacy skills Outstanding facilities including mock courtrooms enabling you to learn in a realistic environment Facilitating your transition into professional employment and/or postgraduate vocational legal training through the provision of a Path to Professional Practice module directly informed by the needs of employers Providing opportunities for you to participate in national and international mooting competitions Offering you the opportunity to participate in summer schools in Strasbourg, Berlin and Geneva The LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway further provides opportunities for you to: Gain practical experience of a financial services workplace combined with advanced knowledge and understanding of the law and practice of financial services and of related financial services workplace functions Observe, develop and employ a range of professional work based skills and competencies and audit and appraise your own personal and professional development within a professional work environment 3
Develop enhanced knowledge and understanding of the regulatory, business, operational and organisational context of a professional work environment We have an enviable graduate recruitment record. Our students are highly successful in gaining employment or in continuing with further studies. The transferable legal skills which you will acquire on the Course are very highly regarded and our graduates are sought by both legal employers and employers in financial services, industry, commerce and the public sector. When you graduate, there is the opportunity for you to apply for entry to one of our very highly regarded professional training courses, namely the Legal Practice Course for intending solicitors or the Bar Professional Training Course for intending barristers, or to study on one of our range of academic masters courses. Nottingham Law School provides a wide range of education and training for all those either in or wishing to join the legal profession. The aims of the LL.B (Honours) Law Full-time Course and of the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway are: To provide a Qualifying Law Degree which enables you to become professional and employable, meeting the needs of a wide range of potential future employers both within and outside of the legal profession To provide an environment which enables you: o o to acquire high-level knowledge and understanding of the law and its function and application in the modern world [with particular reference to the financial services workplace (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] to acquire highly valued transferable legal skills which will significantly develop and enhance your analytical, evaluative, reasoning, communication and problem-solving abilities [with particular reference to the law and practice of financial services (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] o [to gain practical experience of a financial services workplace and to acquire related work based competencies and professional skills together with enhanced knowledge and understanding of the regulatory, business, operational and organisational context of a professional work environment (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] 7. Course outcomes Course outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of your course if you take advantage of the opportunities for learning that we provide. 4
Knowledge and understanding By the end of the course you should be able to: (Outcomes marked (B) have been informed by the QAA Benchmark Statement for Law) Subject abilities Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of legal institutions, legal rules and legal principles(b) Recognise and assess the context in which the law operates (B) Apply knowledge of the law and solve legal problems [with particular reference to financial services law and related financial services workplace functions (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] (B) Reflect critically upon your own knowledge and understanding and identify issues to research independently(b) Qualifying Law Degree Demonstrate the study in depth of the Foundation modules required for a Qualifying Law Degree as prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board Skills, qualities and attributes By the end of the course you should be able to: (Outcomes marked (B) have been informed by the QAA Benchmark Statement for Law) Transferable Intellectual Skills Analyse and synthesise complex information [with particular reference to the law and practice of financial services and related financial services workplace functions (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] (B) Evaluate critically and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions(b) Make and present a reasoned and logical argument and exercise critical judgment as to the merits of competing arguments(b) Employ a critical understanding of the regulatory, business, operational and organisational context of a professional work environment (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] [Organise and manage your own learning (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] and plan, research and learn independently(b) Reflect upon your own learning and seek and respond to relevant feedback(b) Professional Skills Communicate effectively in writing and orally, presenting information which is relevant and understandable to others [and as appropriate for graduate practice within a professional work environment (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] (B) Employ effective IT skills(b) Use, present and evaluate numerical information(b) 5
Work in groups as an effective participant to achieve an agreed task(b) Demonstrate a professional and business awareness together with an appreciation of social and cultural diversity and an understanding of, and responsiveness to, changing environments [Observe, develop and employ a range of professional work based competencies including operational awareness, risk mindfulness, regulatory responsiveness and the integration of academic learning within work based practice (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] [Audit and appraise your own personal and professional development within a professional work environment and demonstrate an aptitude for continuous professional development (for the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway)] Evidence an ability to accept responsibility in determining and achieving appropriate outcomes(b) 8. Teaching and Learning Methods Each taught module is normally delivered through a series of lectures in order to enable you to develop relevant knowledge and understanding. The lectures act as a stimulus to encourage you to undertake further independent reading and research. You will also participate in regular seminars which are linked to the lectures. Seminars provide you with a vital opportunity to test your knowledge and understanding and to develop your skills through student focussed debate and discussion, problem-solving, reasoned application of the relevant law, and analysis, synthesis and evaluation of your own reading. Seminars require independent planning, research and reflection and facilitate the development of your communication skills. Tutor feedback provided in seminars provides a platform for your continued progress and improvement. Your development is further supported through a range of practice assessments designed to produce both accuracy of knowledge and understanding and demonstration of relevant skills. Detailed tutor feedback on all such practice assessments enables you to target specific areas of substantive knowledge, understanding and relevant skills requiring improvement. All students are provided with a range of e-learning activities integrated within your relevant course of study. These will focus upon both the confirmation of relevant understanding as well as on-going skills development. As the course progresses, you are expected to demonstrate greater independence in your planning, preparation, research and reflection and to exhibit increased learner autonomy. This is reflected in the design of the relevant seminar materials and practice assessments, and the greater focus upon project work in the final year option modules. 6
Teaching and learning during the In Company year of the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services Pathway will be primarily focussed upon work-based learning achieved through the student s engagement with their financial services workplace, relevant financial services workplace functions and related reflective practice. This will be supported through online guidance materials and interactive and collaborative online activities including audio-visual presentations and related online diagnostic exercises with appropriate online tutor monitoring and feedback to ensure active participation and engagement and the effective valuing of and reflection upon relevant workplace practice and experiences. Direct contact teaching and learning during the In Company year will be provided during two intensive one-week teaching blocks comprised of workshop activities designed to underpin and enhance related work-based learning. Relevant workshop activities place an emphasis upon facilitating discussion of the issues and problems created by relevant legal concepts for financial services practice, in developing understanding and awareness of how relevant legal skills impact on certain financial services workplace functions and providing experiential learning activities as to the effective use of such legal skills in simulated financial services workplace function performances. The In Company year will place an emphasis upon independent planning, research and study using both paper and electronic resources and appropriate review and reflection upon relevant workplace practice. Ongoing supervision of the student s work-based learning, including guidance in respect of their related Applied Financial Services Independent Legal Research Project and the production of a Reflective Portfolio of relevant work samples, will be provided by a Workplace Supervisor allocated by the relevant employer in conjunction with an assigned academic member of the Law School staff acting as a visiting tutor. Consultation with the visiting tutor may be undertaken by telephone, online by email or video communication or by pre-arranged meeting in person during block release teaching periods or by combination thereof as agreed by the student and relevant visiting tutor. 9. Assessment Methods Assessments are designed to measure your achievement of the learning outcomes. Each assessment task is provided with clear assessment criteria which are consistent with the aims and outcomes of the module which are themselves consistent with the aims and outcomes of the Course. The assessment criteria will tell you what is expected from you. Assessments are diverse and reflect the integration of skills within substantive law modules. Examples include oral presentations, case analysis exercises, research 7
projects, group projects, reports, problem-solving assignments, mooting and both seen and unseen examinations. Assessments on the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway reflect the focus upon work-based learning and the integration of academic learning within work-based practice. Examples include extended case study assessments focussed upon relevant workplace practice and related workplace functions, an applied financial services law independent research project focussed upon the workplace functions being undertaken or experienced by the student and a reflective portfolio requiring critical reflection upon specific examples of the student s workbased practice. End of module assessments are combined with formative and summative in course assessments which are managed to ensure an effective distribution of the relevant workload and avoid undue interference with key teaching and learning periods. Assessments reflect a developmental approach to the acquisition of skills through the Course. Mooting skills are built upon oral presentation skills, multi-issue problem assignments follow single issue assessment tasks and independent research work is based upon experience gained in report writing and mini-project work. Opportunities to practice assessments in order to receive and reflect upon relevant tutor feedback are provided through seminars, workshops and staged formative and diagnostic assessments. The pass mark for all assessments is a low third. The final degree classification is based upon marks achieved in the penultimate and final years of study weighted 30%:70%. Students are permitted to progress to a subsequent year of study trailing a maximum of 20 credit points. 10. Course structure and curriculum The LL.B Full-time degree is a standard three year course of study. You will study a standard total of 16 modules comprising both compulsory and optional modules. Students pursuing the alternative split year pathway in their second year may study an increased number of modules depending upon the particular module opportunities undertaken. Students on the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway will study a total of four compulsory modules in their final year. All four modules are directly related to the student s employment in the financial services industry and involve a significant amount of work-based learning. Such modules also include opportunities to further tailor their focus towards the particular aspects of the student s employment experience. All students, regardless of the particular pathway taken, will study a standard total of 120 credits in each of the three years of the Course. One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of learning effort. 8
The compulsory modules studied in the first two years of the Course include the Foundation modules required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board in order to achieve Qualifying Law Degree status and allow progression to relevant professional training. The curriculum is delivered in a progressive manner through the successive years of the course. All students complete the compulsory Foundation modules in the first two years of the course. The initial focus is upon the provision of essential legal skills in Legal Method as well as in the Law of Contract and Problem Solving, with such skills being further demonstrated and applied through the linked private law area of the Law of Torts and the linked public law areas of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Human Rights and European Union Law. For all students, the second year comprises the study of Property Law, consisting of the linked subjects of Land Law and the Law of Trusts, with public law being taken further in the study of Criminal Law. Students on the year-long second year pathway will be taught a range of key legal skills, including applied legal analysis, negotiation, mooting and professional advice, directly incorporated within substantive law modules so that such skills are developed within a relevant context. In addition to completing the Foundation modules, such students will study Commercial Law, to introduce the business context of law and to develop commercial awareness, and select an option module from a range of subject areas appropriate to this stage of legal learning. Such second year optional law modules comprise: Employment Law, Public International Law, Family Law, Human Rights and Streetlaw, a public legal education module. Students may alternatively select a language module from the University Language Award programme. Entry onto the second year split year pathway or alternatively on to the final year LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway will be restricted due to the limit on the number of opportunities available to undertake overseas study, work placements, clinical legal education activities, business related modules or work-based learning in employment. During your first year of study you will be carefully guided through all of the opportunities available to you and invited to select your preferred programme of study. Students will only be required to select the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway during their second year of study at the Law School whereupon they will commence a special In Company Preparation Programme. In the event of over-subscription for the various pathway opportunities, students will be selected on the basis of first year academic performance, attendance record and commitment to the relevant opportunity selected. Skills are integral to the course and are introduced in a planned and structured way. The initial Law of Contract module incorporates significant emphasis upon 9
developing the key legal skill of problem solving as well as providing an introduction to oral presentation skills in the form of mooting. Other first year modules focus upon case analysis skills, group presentation and team skills. Oral skills are subsequently developed into more advanced mooting skills and problem solving skills extended to address more complex multi-issue assignments and to require applied legal analysis. Skills of case reading and analysis require increasing levels of independent research to be conducted encompassing critical evaluation of relevant materials. Writing skills become more specialised focussing upon more specific client advice and requiring more reasoned and logical argument to be advanced. The initial Foundation modules and related integration of a range of transferable legal and professional skills further provide an appropriate platform from which to progress to the study of applied law for financial services and related workplace functions on the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway. In addition, the dedicated In Company Preparation Programme provided in the second year prepares you both for the selection and interview procedures being adopted by the relevant employer and for the period of work based learning itself. Module content studied during the In Company year is structured so as to provide an initial focus upon essential law for financial services practice ensuring that you are well equipped to make the most of your work-based learning experience. The standard final year includes a Path to Professional Practice module which brings together a range of advanced legal skills building upon skills development in the previous years. Final year modules include greater emphasis upon extended essays and project work, providing opportunities to utilise a combination of acquired skills and to demonstrate full learner autonomy. An extensive range of optional law modules are available in the standard final year of the Course where, following the study of the Foundation modules, you are best placed to determine your potential career path and select appropriate option combinations. Students may also be able to select a language module from the University Language Award programme. As your final year approaches you will be encouraged to focus upon your future career intentions with all students on the standard final year being required to select either the Path to Professional Practice module, designed for students intending to progress to professional employment and/or postgraduate vocational legal training, or to undertake the Independent Research Project enabling you to directly relate your studies to your particular career aspirations. Students on the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway are similarly required to complete an Applied Independent Research Project requiring the integration of academic learning within the student s own work based practice as well as critical analysis of the regulatory, business, operational and organisational context of the students financial services workplace and of related financial services workplace functions. In addition, a compulsory Professional In Company Skills Reflective Portfolio requires 10
students to engage in relevant critical reflective practice of their work-based practice in order to inform and enhance their own personal and professional development. Both core and optional substantive law modules have a standard 20 credit point module value. The first year Law of Contract and Problem Solving module and the second year Criminal Law with Mooting module both incorporate significant key skills development and so each has a 40 credit point module value. This structure facilitates effective interchange of modules across LL.B programmes. The final year LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway includes two 40 credit point applied law modules which appropriately reflects the significant amount of work-based learning being undertaken. (C =compulsory module:; F =Foundation module required for a Qualifying Law Degree) LL.B (Hons) Law Full-time Year 1 1. Law of Contract and Problem Solving C F 2. Law of Torts and Case Analysis C F 3. Legal Method CF 4. Public Law and Human Rights C F 5. European Union Law with Group Presentation Skills C F Year 2 (full-year pathway) 1. Criminal Law with Mooting C F 2. Land Law and Professional Advice C F 3. Law of Trusts and Applied Legal Analysis C F 4. Commercial Law and Negotiation C 5. Option Module (from choice of: Employment Law; Public International Law; Family Law; Human Rights; Streetlaw ; University language module) Year 2 (half-year pathway) Half-Year 1 1. Criminal Law C F 2. Land Law C F 3. Law of Trusts C F Half-Year 2 Students select 60 credits from: International Study Module (60 credits) Professional Work Placement Modules (20, 40 and 60 credit modules available) Business Modules (each of 20 credits) 11
Clinical Legal Education Modules (comprising Student Law Office, Client Finance - Debt and Welfare and Employment and Housing Law, each of 20 credits) Year 3 1. Path to Professional Practice or Independent Research Project* 2. Choice of 5 option modules from: Commercial Law; Company Law; Comparative Law; Criminology & Criminal Justice; Critical Legal Thinking; Employment Law; Evidence; Family Law; Human Rights; Immigration and Asylum Law; Independent Research Project*; International Commercial Insurance Law; Intellectual Property Law; International Competition Law; International Criminal Justice; International Human Rights; International Trade Law; Law in Practice**; Laws of Armed Conflict; Medical Law; Mooting; Private International Law; Public International Law; Sexuality & The Law; Sports Law; Telders & Jessup International Law Mooting; United States Law; University language module***. *Students may take both Path to Professional Practice and the Independent Research Project if they wish. **The Law in Practice module may be selected in place of but not together with the Independent Research Project. ***The University language module may only be selected by students who have successfully completed a University language option module in Year 2. A University language module studied in the final year becomes part of FHEQ Level 6 of the Course for the purposes of determining awards and classification. (The provision of any particular option is subject to relevant student demand and the availability of appropriate resources) Year 3 (LL.B(Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway) 1. Applied Law for Financial Services C 2. Law for Financial Services Workplace Functions C 3. Applied Financial Services Law Independent Legal Research Project C 4. Professional In Company Skills Reflective Portfolio C 11. Admission to the Course For current information regarding all entry requirements for this course, please see the `Applying tab on the course information web page. 12. Support for Learning All students participate in an induction programme designed to facilitate initial orientation, an introduction to the Course and first year module aims and intended outcomes, familiarisation with relevant sources of both academic and pastoral support and awareness of University support services. Students receive comprehensive module packs in electronic format detailing relevant staff contacts, syllabus and assessment details, teaching and learning methods, recommended reading, lecture outlines and seminar instructions. 12
All students receive on-going face to face feedback from academic tutors during the course of their studies. Academic and pastoral support is provided by designated personal tutors and by the Course and Deputy Course Leaders. Both pastoral welfare and academic performance is monitored and reviewed by the personal tutor through the maintenance of an individual student progress file. Students are encouraged to review and reflect upon their progress and to determine academic and vocational objectives. Wherever possible the allocated personal tutor is an academic tutor who also teaches the student. In addition to individual contact with and support from their personal tutor, students also attend regular group tutorials with their personal tutor. These group tutorials support student transition into higher education, promote awareness of the professional context of legal study and assist with career planning and development. Personal tutors also monitor student attendance and are pro-active in ascertaining reasons for absence. Students in the Law School also have access to a full-time Pastoral Support Advisor providing support exclusively to law students. For students on the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway both academic and pastoral support is provided by a designated member of the Law School academic staff acting as the pathway coordinator as well as by a further academic staff member acting as a visiting tutor. Consultation with the visiting tutor may be undertaken by telephone, online by email or video communication or by pre-arranged meeting in person during block release teaching periods or by combination thereof as agreed by the student and relevant visiting tutor. Further support for the student during their period of In Company employment is provided by a Workplace Supervisor allocated by the relevant employer. Such Workplace Supervisor further acts as a key point of liaison for both the student and the Law School in respect of any issues arising in the course of the student s work-based learning including any need for pastoral support. All law students have access to a dedicated Law School Survive and Thrive Toolkit delivered via a NOW learning room. This contains a range of resources and activities to support student transition into higher education as well as help and advice in developing key academic skills and in getting the most out of the University experience. The Student Mentor Scheme further supports the development of such key academic skills through drop-in sessions and relevant student-led workshops. For students on the LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) pathway there is a further dedicated NOW learning room serving as the primary source for resources and activities designed to support and enhance the work-based learning experience. All first year students are provided with both UK and European legal information resources training through online self-study materials delivered via NOW. This is 13
accompanied by a compulsory online self-assessment exercise in respect of which students receive online feedback on their assessment performance. In addition to the on campus library and learning resources centre and accompanying IT resource rooms, all students have on and off campus access to comprehensive electronic legal information resources including law reports, full text journal articles, databases and online textbooks. All students are provided with a range of e-learning materials and activities delivered via dedicated virtual learning rooms in NOW. These are integrated within relevant substantive law modules and focus upon both the confirmation of relevant understanding as well as on-going skills development. Students are provided with opportunities to undertake practice assessments and to receive feedback in order to improve future performance. Comprehensive feedback is given on all assessed work. The University provides a range of student services including Financial Support Services, Counselling, Disability Support, International Student Support, Mature Student Support, Progression Support, Chaplains and Religious/Cultural Advisers and access to affiliated health centres. Further details can be found via the University website. 13. Graduate destinations / employability Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) figures consistently show that students in the Law School are highly successful in obtaining employment or continuing with further study. Opportunities to undertake work placements ranging from just one up to five days per week are now integrated within the course. The LL.B (Hons) Law for Financial Services (In Company) Pathway offers an opportunity for students to undertake work-based learning whilst in paid employment in the financial services industry, providing an effective platform from which to progress to graduate careers in law outside of the traditional legal professions. The standard degree can also be combined with an additional award, the Certificate in Professional Practice, which requires you to undertake mini placements during vacations to gain experience of a professional work environment and to further enhance your work-based skills. All law students have access to a dedicated Law School Events and Careers learning room in NOW which contains advice on career planning, CVs and covering letters, online career resources, key application date information, slides from employer presentations and NLS career guides to legal and non-legal careers. Students are invited to both employer presentations and to workshops delivered by graduate recruitment specialists on interview skills and assessment days. 14
The Nottingham Trent University s Employability Team is available to all students and offers a comprehensive range of careers advice and relevant resources. Dedicated Careers Advisors are available for each year of the Course. Following successful completion of the LL.B with honours (2.2 or higher) you will be guaranteed a place on our very successful LLM Legal Practice Course for intending solicitors. Alternatively, when you graduate, there is the opportunity for you to apply for entry to our very highly regarded LLM Bar Professional Training Course for intending barristers or to pursue further postgraduate academic legal study on one of our range of LL.M Masters programmes. Whilst many of the graduates of this course may progress to careers in the legal profession the transferable intellectual and professional skills which students acquire on the course are designed to be of equal importance to non-legal employers in financial services, industry, commerce and the public sector, both in the UK and overseas. Graduates from this course will be very attractive to such employers since they are able to demonstrate the necessary practical and professional skills such as research, case analysis, oral presentation skills, problem-solving, written reporting, advocacy, critical evaluation and project based skills - as acquired through the study of law. 14. Course standards and quality A Course Standards and Quality Report is submitted annually to the Course Committee comprising both academic staff and student representatives. The Report provides a summary of the on-going monitoring and review of both module and Course feedback from students together with external examiner reports, module leader reports and admission and progression statistics in order to identify and promote good practice and to inform relevant action points. There is on-going consultation with students regarding module and course developments through relevant course committees and staff/student liaison meetings. Student feedback is obtained through online questionnaires. External examiners are regularly consulted regarding intended course developments and full feedback is provided to them in respect of the responses made to any recommendations contained in their annual reports. The Course Standards and Quality Report is submitted for consideration and approval by the School Academic Standards and Quality Committee of the Law School and is used to inform relevant School strategy and policy. The Nottingham Law School operates a comprehensive audit trail procedure in order to ensure appropriate approval of both new and amended modules. In particular, such procedure ensures that all module developments remain consistent with the aims and learning outcomes of the Course and with all related strategies and policies. 15
All summative assessments are reviewed and approved in accordance with relevant internal Law School quality assurance processes prior to approval by relevant External Examiners. Such External Examiners are appointed by the Law School in accordance with the NTU Quality Handbook and are responsible for monitoring the academic standards of all law modules on the Course as well as relevant internal moderation and assessment processes. The reports of the External Examiners on relevant academic standards, the operation of the assessment processes and the quality of student learning are used to inform the Course Standards and Quality Report. The Course is accredited by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board as a Qualifying Law Degree allowing progression to further professional legal training. The Course learning outcomes have been produced with reference to the Quality Assurance Agency Subject Benchmark Statement for Law. Individual module learning outcomes are in turn mapped against the Course learning outcomes. The Course learning outcomes are also mapped against the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. Such Course learning outcomes are also informed by the NTU Strategic Plan and the attributes of the NTU graduate. The Law School was the subject of a successful University Periodic School Review in December 2013. 15. Assessment regulations The Course is subject to the Nottingham Trent University s Common Assessment Regulations as set out in its Academic Standards and Quality Handbook. Any course specific assessment features are described below: Nottingham Law School has adopted conventions regarding the exercise of the Examination Board s discretion in respect of both module compensation and final degree classification in respect of its LL.B (Hons) Degree awards. These are disseminated to all enrolled students at the start of each academic year. Application of the University s Common Assessment Regulations is also informed by guidance provided by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board regarding qualifying law degree status. A student will not be allowed to enter Level 6 (FHEQ) of the Course when modules from Level 4 (FHEQ) are still outstanding. 16. Additional Information Collaborative partner(s): Course referenced to national QAA Benchmark Statements: None Law 16
Course recognised by: Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board Date implemented: 1 st September 2015 Any additional information: Updated The LL.B (Honours) Law Full-time Course structures have been designed in conjunction with the following related LL.B (Hons) awards: LL.B (Honours) Law Sandwich LL.B (Honours) International Law LL.B (Honours) Law Flexible Learning LL.B (Honours) Law with Business LL.B (Honours) Law with Criminology LL.B (Honours) Law with Psychology LL.B (Honours) Business Law LL.B (Honours) European Law LL.B (Honours) Law with Journalism Students on the above Courses may, if they wish, and following successful completion of their first year of study, transfer to the LL.B (Honours) Law Full-time Course. 17