Course summary

Law is an interesting and challenging discipline which impacts at every level, from people's individual daily lives to the operations of Government on the international stage. Increasingly the international dimension to legal study has become more important, across a wide range of legal areas, as the influence of the European Union and international organisations have become so significant. This course provides you with the foundation subjects required to obtain a Qualifying Law Degree, along with an exciting and dynamic educational experience which includes the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of our partner universities in France, gaining invaluable experience of another legal culture while acquiring knowledge of its legal language and legal system. It will also equip you with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development. Depending on your language skills and overall performance, while in France you may have the opportunity to study for a Licence en Droit and, if successful, obtain an additional qualification. A law degree is seen as a valuable asset by a variety of employers, as is knowledge of another European legal system and another European legal language. This course will prepare you for a range of legal careers including practice as a barrister or advocate, solicitor, clerk, officer of the court or legal executive. Our graduates also pursue careers in legal interpreting, the Civil Service, international organisations, NGOs and local government. When you apply, you will need to demonstrate a good working knowledge of French to ensure you are able to study in France. Student mobility takes place under the Erasmus+ scheme. Alongside the foundation Law modules necessary for a Qualifying Law Degree, you will study French language modules in Year 1 and 2 (Credit Levels 4 and 5) to prepare for study in France. In Year 2 you will also study a specialist module on French Law and Legal Language, to gain knowledge of the basic elements of French private and public law and legal language in preparation for your year abroad. You will then spend ten months at a French university and study law in French, giving you the opportunity to obtain a French legal qualification. Arrangements exist between the University of Westminster and the universities of Bordeaux, Paris-Ouest-Nanterre and Toulouse-Capitole. Upon successful completion of your year abroad you will return to Westminster in Year 4 to complete your studies. You may also qualify for an Erasmus+ grant to cover some of your expenses during the year abroad. Teaching methods include lectures, seminar-based discussion, class presentations, invited guest speakers and practical group exercises. Assessment methods include open and closed book exams, in-class tests, oral presentations, and written coursework.