LLB Syllabus – Compulsory LLB Subjects
The LLB syllabus requires you to study several core LLB subjects during your three-year qualifying law degree.
There are seven compulsory LLB modules which make up this particular law degree. Along with these are several optional subjects you can choose from.
Read on to find out more about the compulsory law modules in the LLB syllabus.
Check out our Areas of Legal Practice guide to read about more law subjects of study.
Areas of the Law Guide
What are the compulsory LLB Subjects?
While the names of specific LLB modules will vary depending on which law school you choose, they will all cover the same topics. They are as follows:
- Criminal Law
- Law of Torts
- The Law of Contract
- Land Law (Property Law)
- Equity and Trusts
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- EU Law
Criminal Law LLB Module
The criminal law LLB subject explores the theories and institutions of criminal law and their place in modern society. It provides an understanding of the vital principles which shape criminal law legislation.
It’s an exciting area of law which is, unfortunately, facing funding issues. However, most lawyers who choose to specialise in this subject find it extremely rewarding.
Expect to cover the following topics and others during the criminal law LLB module:
| Homicide |
| Sexual offences |
| Complicity |
| Law of Theft or fraud |
| Defences |
| Complicity |
For more information on what exactly criminal law encompasses, read our guide >>
Law of Torts LLB Module
The law of torts is a civil law which refers to an individual’s rights to compensation for damages caused in the event of a breach in safety, emotional distress, invasion of privacy and other instances.
This LLB module focuses on civil wrongs and is explores the remedies available for the harm caused to people where it’s often not clear who is at fault, like an injury caused in a driverless car crash, for example.
The law of torts is distinct from criminal law because remedies usually include payment in order to rectify the damages caused.
Topics you’re likely to cover in this module are as follows:
| Workplace safety |
| Environmental damage |
| Defamation - also applicable to media law |
| Road safety |
| Psychiatric injury |
The Law of Contract LLB Module
The elements of a legally binding contract are essential topics covered in the contract law LLB module. During this course, you will learn about the requirements for the creation of a legal contract.
You will become inept at recognising the different sections of various contracts including mortgage and/or lease agreements.
The law of contract is a huge part of commercial law, which is one of many popular but not compulsory LLB subjects.
Topics of study for the law of contract module include:
| How contracts are formed |
| Breach of contract |
| Regulation of unfair terms |
| Invalidation of contracts |
Land Law (Property Law) LLB Module
The land law LLB subject covers the different theories relating to the law on property in economic, social and other contexts.
One of the most challenging parts of this course is learning how to apply centuries-old concepts to modern technologies used to register land.
While it’s known for being one of the more complex LLB modules, land law is relevant and useful for daily life and will come in useful whether you’re renting, buying or selling property.
Some of the topics included in this module are:
| Land registration |
| Settlements of land |
| Trusts of land |
| Nature of land |
| The distinction between registered and unregistered land |
Equity and Trusts LLB Module
The equity and trusts LLB subject closely ties in with land and property law. This LLB module explores why trusts are important in the context of the family home and in businesses too.
If you’re not familiar with trusts, they’re specific ways of managing and protecting assets which can include money, property and investments.
Students learning about this area of the law are guided by the Equitable Maxims, a set of principles which control how equity functions. So if you’re thinking of studying an LLB, it’s a good idea to get familiar with this beforehand.
| Remuneration of trustees |
| Variation of trusts |
| Trusts of land |
| Compensation |
| Duty of care to trustees |
EU Law LLB Module
European Union law covers EU and human rights law, and focuses on the constitutional and administrative justice systems in place the European Union.
This LLB module offers a firm foundation for the advanced study of a range of areas of public law.
Here are a few examples of the topics you’ll cover in this module:
| Free movement of goods |
| EU citizenship |
| EU human rights |
| Economic governance of the EU |
Constitutional and Administrative Law LLB Module
The constitutional and administrative law LLB subject is a vital part of the LLB syllabus and explores the nature, structure and operation of the British constitution.
During this module, you will consider the relationship between the legislative, executive and judicial outlets of the government.
These powers are studied against each other to help students consider which state power is subject to control and limit. This makes it particularly popular with aspiring government lawyers.
The topics of study included in this module include:
| Parliamentary sovereignty |
| The rule of law |
| Personal liberty and human rights |
| Judicial review |
| The role of tribunals |
Written by Ina France Monponbanua
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