Bachelor of Laws Fast-track

Accredited by: Law Society of Scotland

Our two-year fast-track LLB is available to those who already hold an Honours degree in another discipline. The programme provides a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the principal features of the legal system and law of Scotland.

The main aim of the programme, which is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the legal system and law of Scotland. You will benefit from small classes, excellent access to staff support and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through our GCU Law Clinic whilst helping the local community.

Many graduates go on to take the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (PEAT1), which is the next stage for those who wish to qualify as a solicitor.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Assessment methods

Our learning and teaching strategy aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to operate as flexible, independent lifelong learners while developing and embedding innovative and relevant learning and teaching based on sound research and scholarship.

We use a wide variety of assessment techniques across the degree, some of which are specifically designed to enhance the skills our students will need for the workplace. For example, mock courtroom exercises are adopted across a number of modules as is drafting a variety of legal documentation. We also film our students undertaking mock client interviews.

Teaching methods

The different learning and teaching methods we use are designed to ensure that the programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. A wide range of methods is used including mooting, which uses a dedicated room where students' performances can be filmed and analyzed.

We develop the digital literacy of our students; in the Skills for Legal Employment module, students are given the opportunity to engage in collaborative research supported by social bookmarking applications or to explore the use of Twitter to enhance their learning experience. Innovative modules such as Mooting and Mediation and Legal Skills also form part of the curriculum.

Our students have the opportunity to undertake credit-bearing work experience through our Professional Links module. They also have the chance to take part in the Student Law Society Mooting Competition, which takes place in our dedicated moot room. The final of this competition is held in an actual courtroom in Glasgow before a practicing judge.

We offer employability sessions within modules and as bespoke sessions in conjunction with the Student Law Society. Sessions include: Winning CVs and Applications for Law Students, Obtaining a Traineeship and Impress at Interview for Law Students.

What you will study

GCU offers the Two Year Accelerated Unclassified LLB (280 credit points) to graduate entrants.

Year 3

• Introduction to Legal Systems and study
• Obligations
• Trusts, Succession and Family Law
• Public Law
• Scots Law: Human Rights, The State, and Accountability
• Criminal Law and Evidence
• One Level 2 or Level 3 Law Option

Year 4

• Commercial Law (40 credit double module)
• Law for the Built and Natural Environment
• EU Law
• Skills for Legal Employment
• Jurisprudence and Social Theory
• One Level 2 or Level 3 Law Option

Your career

Previous GCU LLB graduates have secured employment as solicitors in a wide range of law firms, including the largest and best-known firms in Scotland such as Brodies LLP, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, Maclay Murray & Spens LLP, Digby Brown LLP, and Thompsons. Others practice as solicitors in local government and in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Some GCU LLB graduates have gone on to practice as Scottish qualified solicitors elsewhere in Europe, working within private firms and within the public sector.

Job destinations also include management and compliance roles within the banking and insurance sectors including Clydesdale Bank and Morgan Stanley, investigatory and enforcement roles within regulatory bodies including the Financial Conduct Authority, Police Scotland and Trading Standards, and other roles within organizations as diverse as Empire HR Ltd and Citizens Advice Scotland.