Overview
Our LLB will give you an in-depth knowledge and understanding of legal principles, theories, institutions and rules – as well as the wider social and political context in which Scots law operates. This two-year course gives you a well-rounded qualification that can be your first step towards becoming a Scots lawyer. On completion, graduates wishing to become lawyers in Scotland can apply for entry to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice course.
The main objectives of this accelerated law degree are to help you:
- develop fundamental in-depth knowledge and understanding of:
- the principles, concepts, values, substantive rules and development of the Scottish legal system and core areas of Scots law;
- the wider context within which the Scottish legal system operates;
- the main institutions and procedures of the Scottish legal system.
- develop intellectual rigour, independence of mind, critical thought and legal problem-solving and research skills to a highly advanced level, as well as more general transferable intellectual skills which are of value in the practice of Law and a wide range of careers;
- gain the in-depth knowledge, understanding and independent research skills needed to progress to further studies in Law, or in multi-disciplinary areas involving law;
- get the self-confidence, knowledge, understanding and skills that will provide added benefit to you as individuals, to the legal profession and to society as a whole.
You’ll also develop your commercial awareness in the module on the Business of Law which has been designed to enhance your employability. Spread over the duration of your degree, this module will draw on your own experience, external industry speakers and interactive seminars to enhance your business skills and develop entrepreneurship which is sought after by employers. It will culminate in a tailormade project on an area of legal business that interests you.
This LLB Law: Accelerated Graduate degree is accredited by The Law Society of Scotland and recognised by the Faculty of Advocates. Further study is required beyond this course to qualify as a solicitor and to practise as an advocate in Scotland.
The Law School offers academic prizes at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class Honours degree 2:1 preferred. If you don’t have these formal qualifications but have significant relevant work and life experience we still encourage you to apply.
How to apply
To apply for a full-time undergraduate degree, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges
Direct applications
If you would like to apply only for this accelerated degree course, you can use our direct application
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
The Accelerated Graduate LLB course is a two-year degree, with two semesters in each year. You'll take all of the professional modules required by the Law Society of Scotland:
- Commercial Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law and Evidence
- Delict
- Family Law
- Property Trusts and Succession
- Public Law and Legal System
You will also take two other required modules:
- The Business of Law
- Jurisprudence (required by the Faculty of Advocates)
You can choose to take one or two non-honours Law modules:
- Private International Law (required by the Faculty of Advocates)
- Public International Law
You'll also have the chance to take four honours-level subjects to develop an even deeper understanding of the law in context. We have a wide range of options, including:
- Alternative Commercial Dispute Resolution
- Children’s Rights
- Competition Law
- Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
- Contemporary Issues in Scots Private Law
- Constitutional Law
- Domestic Relations
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law
- European Law (required by the Faculty of Advocates)
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Human Rights
- Labour Law
- Media Law
- Private International Law of Commercial Law
- Private International Law of Family and Succession Law
- Roman Law (required by the Faculty of Advocates)
- Sports Law
- Work Placement in Law
Honours modules are subject to change and may not run annually.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
Modules are primarily delivered by face-to-face lectures and seminars, sometimes supplemented by podcasts. Throughout your degree you will be expected to spend a significant proportion of your week reading the material required for seminars and tutorials.
Assessment is by class tests, essays, presentations and final examinations which take place at the end of each semester. The coursework assessment methods and format of final examinations vary according to the specific requirements of each module.
The Law School runs a successful Work Placement module which is available as an option in your final year.
Fees and funding
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual course fee | £9,135 | £17,220 |
For all students
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you’ll be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Our courses are modern and relevant to employers and our professional modules are reviewed by solicitors and advocates to ensure that they are in line with requirements of current practice. We’ve also set up a Law Advisory Panel made up of employers from a number of businesses, including the legal profession, to tell us what employers look for in graduates. That helps us to equip you for your chosen career.
Graduating with the Stirling LLB will enable students who want to become Scots lawyers to apply for entry to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, which is offered by a number of universities in Scotland, and is the next stage in qualifying as a lawyer in Scotland. Students who want to practise law in England and Wales will have to undertake their Solicitors Qualifying Examination and most of our courses are not directly relevant for those examinations.
The LLB Law: Accelerated Graduate degree is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and recognised by the Faculty of Advocates.
Where are our graduates now?
Stirling LLB graduates have gone into Scottish legal practice have gone with firms such as:
- Brodies LLP
- Balfour and Manson LLP
- ACH Shoosmiths
- CMS Cameron Mckenna
- Cowan Douglas
- DWF Biggart Baillie
- Digby Brown LLP
- Katani and Co
Our graduates are practising in all areas of law including property, criminal defence, private client, commercial and corporate law.
We invite employers to regular law careers events throughout the duration of the course, including representatives from major law firms, the Government Legal Service of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Standard Life, the In-House Lawyers Group and voluntary bodies such as CAB to advise our students on career options.
