The School of Law at Birmingham City University has been at the forefront of innovative law teaching for more than 40 years. Renowned for our emphasis on vocational courses and close links with law firms throughout the region, we have also gained an international reputation as a major centre for academically rigorous legal education and training.
Our range of high quality postgraduate courses and research degrees will enable you to acquire the skills and attitude needed to be a successful lawyer, barrister or legal professional. Courses that are aimed at professional development will ensure your skills are up to date so that you can thrive in your chosen career.
Postgraduate study
The School of Law offers four postgraduate programmes which include the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), a degree conversion course for non-law graduates, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for those wishing to become solicitors and two Masters in Law (LLM) programmes designed to give you additional expertise in a specific area of the law. Our LLM in International Human Rights offers a three month internship in America - working in an American legal firm or Public Defender's Office - as well as the possibility of working directly with human rights organisations around the world.
The School of Law is fully accredited by the Law Society and the Bar Standards Board for Continuing Professional Development. In the last grading exercise, our Legal Practice Course was awarded the highest grade of ‘Commendable Practice' in all six Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) criteria putting the university amongst the best providers in the country.
Research
The School of Law offers supervision if you wish to pursue research programmes for the award of MPhil and PhD degrees. Candidates may undertake research either full-time or part-time. Once accepted for an MPhil/PhD they will be assigned to a Director of Studies. At least one second supervisor will also be appointed.
You will be joining a thriving research community and be part of one of the University's research centres of excellence. The Centre for American Legal Studies (CALS) was established in 2010 and promotes excellence in research, teaching and consultancy in American law and policy. CALS provides a collaborative enterprise for students and practitioners, and engages both theoretical and practical teaching. As a research student in law you will be encouraged to publish in collaboration with your supervisors and to take part in research conferences.
Facilities
Our impressive learning and teaching facilities include two video-equipped mock courtrooms. You will use these courtrooms to gain experience of realistic legal scenarios and to develop your legal skills. We also have a mock legal office which is used principally by Legal Practice Course (LPC) students.
We have an exciting and developing eLearning component to supplement the delivery of all our courses. This includes a virtual solicitors' office which has been developed by our law academics. Our eLearning activities will enhance your overall learning experience.
Throughout your studies you will have access to our traditional on-campus law library and our comprehensive online law library (which can be accessed over the internet, on-campus or off-campus).
Virtual Tour
Department gallery
