M10A Law with French Law LLB (4 years) (Full-Time)
Why study this course?
- You want to learn critical awareness of the role law can play in our modern society and develop an in-depth understanding of the technical and doctrinal aspects of the law.
- Aimed at those with a strong grasp of the French language, you want to increase your international experience with a year studying abroad in France. Embrace different perspectives and challenge traditional ways of thinking to prepare for the demands of a global legal market and build your global network.
- You want to study at one of the leading law schools in the UK that emphasises a contextual approach to, and international and comparative perspectives on, the study of law.
- You want to spend a year abroad at one of our excellent partner universities in Lille, Paris or Bordeaux.
- You want to develop sought-after legal, research, writing and independent learning skills. As well as debating and presentation skills gained through interactive and group-based learning.
My year abroad in Bordeaux has exceeded all expectations. The city, the wine and the food are incredible. I'm leaving France with great memories, a solid knowledge of French law and even more solid friendships.
Jure Tuš who studied in Bordeaux, France
Course description
Throughout your studies, you will develop an excellent understanding of core legal principles of both the English and the French legal systems whilst examining the law from a modern, international and critical perspective.
You will gain insight into the impact on the law of cultural, economic and political developments and learn how law affects everyday life in the UK, France and beyond.
You will develop advanced legal, research, independent learning and writing skills and will become a confident communicator, able to participate fully in debates and to present your ideas clearly, both in English and in French.
Years 1 & 2
In the first two years at Warwick, you will gain a thorough grounding in English Law and at the same time study French Law modules in French. French Law modules are taught by lecturers qualified in the French jurisdiction and tuition is held in small groups.
Year 3
Your third year is spent at one of our partner universities in France. Thorough preparation and careful supervision while you are away ensure that you gain the maximum benefit from your year abroad.
Whilst abroad, you will take modules in French private and public law. In addition, there is a wide choice of options to study. Students in the past have taken modules such as 'Introduction au Droit penal et aux Sciences Criminelles', 'Les Grandes Théories Economiques' and 'Histoire des faits politiques, économiques et sociaux'.
Year 4
Return to Warwick to complete your final year of studies and the LLB degree. You can submit a dissertation in place of a full or half module.
How will I be taught?
Each module usually has two lectures per week, plus regular seminars which offer opportunities for legal problem solving and discussion of ethical or policy issues relating to the law. Staff also have regular office hours in which you can discuss issues outside the seminar setting. We employ a range of innovative teaching methods, such as performance based learning, reflective journals and dramatised dissertations.
Our contextual approach to law means that we ask for consistent work and for your full commitment throughout the course. In return, we will give you all the support and advice needed to help you realise your full potential.
How will I be assessed?
We offer a variety of assessment methods, with emphasis placed on continuing assessment through class tests, essays and other formative and summative written work. You can also choose to weight your degree towards either examinations or essays.
Did you know? You can tailor your degree towards your career aspirations by selecting elective modules from Warwick Law School and other approved University of Warwick departments (particularly in your final year)? By now, you've probably got an idea of the subjects you like so this is a great opportunity to specialise in a particular area or to take a broader approach to your studies.
What do I need to apply?
A level AAA (to include French)
International Baccalaureate 38 points (including 6 points in HL French)
Other Qualifications We welcome applicants with non-standard qualifications or relevant experience, and applicants with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.This course requires an adequate level of French. We do not require applicants to have passed the LNAT.
Access Courses Access to HE Diploma (QAA-recognised) including appropriate subjects with Distinction grades in Level 3 units. Substantial study of Law is highly recommended.
Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP) All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only). For full details of standard offers and conditions visit the IFP page.
General Studies/Critical Thinking General Studies/Critical Thinking – normally excluded from offers
Further Information
Taking a gap year
Applications for deferred entry welcomed.
Interviews
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your predicted and actual grades, along with your personal statement. Occasionally, some applicants may be interviewed, for example candidates returning to study or those with non-standard qualifications.
Departmental Open Days
Applicants offered conditional or unconditional places will be invited to attend a Departmental Open Day, normally held on a Wednesday in late February, mid-March and early May.
Students studying at European partner universities (ERASMUS+ programme) do not have to pay tuition fees at the host institution. Tuition fees to the University of Warwick are reduced during the year abroad. Currently fees are £1,350 for Home/EU students and £1,800 for overseas students. The year abroad fees for 2017/18 entry students are not yet confirmed. For details see:
Further information on tuition fees is also available via the Student Finance Office.
The ERASMUS+ programme also supports students studying abroad at European partner institutions by providing a so-called “Erasmus+ grant”. This financial contribution can, for example, be used for travel and maintenance costs under the ERASMUS+ scheme. For further information contact the International Student Office – Study Abroad team.
Please note, you will normally still be eligible during the year abroad for any funding support you receive. Further information on funding is available via the Student Funding Office.
Course regulations 19/20
Scheme of Study
Four years full-time study leading to the degree of:
- LLB (Honours) or
- LLB (Pass) or
- LLB (Honours) (QD) - Qualifying Degree status (QD) indicates professional recognition
Students will spend the third year at a university in France with which the University has a formal exchange agreement. Students must take modules to a total of 60 ECTS points.
Students studying abroad are required to take such modules at the host university as the Law School may designate from time to time.
Module Options by Year
Qualifying Degree
Core Modules
Optional Modules
External Modules
You are permitted to study up to 15CATS worth of external modules during your second year of study and/or 30 CATS in your final year (up to 45 in total). These modules must be honours level and agreed by the external department. If you opt to take a language course as an external option in your final year, this cannot be a beginners course unless it is beginners accelerated.
Examination Scheme
Most modules given by the School of Law are examined by a combination of invigilated examination and course work. A small number of modules are assessed solely by coursework. In some modules the proportion of work assessed by examination is fixed, but in others candidates may choose, subject to the overall limit on assessment, different proportions of assessed work. Where the proportion of examined work is variable, the length of the invigilated examination usually varies accordingly.
Up to 55% of a candidate's work may be examined by assessment. Any candidate who wishes to exceed this limit must apply to the School of Law for special consideration. If the School approves the application it will be submitted for consideration by the Examinations Committee of the Senate.
Many invigilated examinations in Law are preceded by 15 minutes reading time. Some examinations also provide material for students' use (statutes, treaties, cases, etc.).
Year Weightings
- First Year 0% - 120 CATS
- Second Year 40% - 120 CATS
- Third Year 20% - 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
- Fourth Year 40% - 120 CATS
I studied European Law with French Law and had a really enjoyable yet thought-provoking four years. I chose this degree because I liked the idea of studying law but I knew this would not have been enough for me. I wanted to progress my language skills, experience life abroad and expose myself to an even wider job market. European Law with French Law gave me these opportunities and some fantastic memories too.
My degree allowed me to live in France, and to study and be assessed on French law. Through Warwick, I was able to compete in an international French law moot, where my journey with Gide began. I am currently a trainee solicitor at Gide Loyrette Nouel. At Warwick, I was encouraged to really think about legal topics and to think independently. Warwick’s style of teaching European Law with French Law certainly stood me in good stead for my Gide training contract and clearly made me a good match for the firm.
Chioma Ukwaige who studied in Paris, France
Looking back on it, Paris was one of the best years of my degree so far. I learned how to live in a big city where entertainment never ends - I think I visited everything from the Louvre to an abandoned garage in the north of Paris where people were squatting and playing jazz all night long.
I had the toughest time with my degree, as studying in french is not easy and there are a lot more hours than in Warwick - expect to have to hand in an essay a week for a year. But all the hard work you put in during the year is never lost, and it makes it that much easier to take your exams at the end of the year. I managed to stay on top of things because my thirst for visiting Paris and wandering around cafés would only be quenched once I finished writing my commentaire d’arrêt.
Paris has taught me that you can become anything you like, and in a city where you cannot walk around without seeing a piece of art, I decided to stay for one more month and go to the French institute of Fashion for 2 weeks of intense learning about Fashion & Business. I met some amazing people at the university - most of whom I’ve decided to see again in one year, when I go back there to finish my studies. I guess if I have one thing to say about Paris, it that your hard work and lack of sleep will be rewarded by some amazing days and nights in one of the best (student) towns in Europe.
Valentine Babey who studied in Paris, France
I've no regrets about choosing Law with French Law. It offered me the opportunity to take an intellectually stimulating course which looks good on the CV, helped me to improve my French and allowed me to experience living in a different country.
Tom Chapman who studied in Bordeaux, France
I studied on the Euro LLB programme (with French law) at Warwick between 2000 and 2004 and am now a Senior Associate in the Competition, regulation and trade team at the global law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills. The Euro LLB has benefited me in so many ways. First, it gave me the chance to study law on a degree programme with a real international focus. That was important to me, as I had studied two European languages to A-Level.
In terms of my university experience, it allowed me to maintain my French language skills and further my affinity for French and continental European culture during my time at Warwick, and allowed me to spend one of the best years of my life in Bordeaux. One of the best things about the year abroad on the Warwick Euro LLB (as strange as this might sound!) is that it's really quite difficult. Because we attended the same classes, and sat the same exams, as the French students, we really got to know them and integrated into student life. This wasn't the case for English students from several other UK universities for whom there was no need to attend classes or pass exams. The programme also allowed me to be part of a close-knit group of Euro LLB students and teachers, several of whom remain close friends.
Since graduating, there is no doubt that my Euro LLB has significantly influenced some of my most significant professional choices. Having the international perspective gained on my degree, I was ideally placed to start a career with a global law firm. More specifically, it was the EU competition law modules which I studied in Bordeaux and then in my final year at Warwick which led me to specialise in that area of law upon qualifying as a solicitor. Moreover, my knowledge of French law and experience of living and studying in France also helped me hugely in persuading my employers to second me to their offices in Paris and Brussels during the early stages of my career.
Nick Root who studied in Bordeaux, France
Lille, France
