LLB Law top-up online

Awarding university and fee

This degree is awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The fee is all-inclusive.

About the LLB Law top-up

Entry requirements

You need a Pearson BTEC HND Level 5 in Business Law or a closely related subject. Not there yet? The HND is the first two years of the route, and you can study it at ABC Horizon.

Careers after an LLB Law degree

Other top-up degrees

What is an LLB top-up degree?

An LLB top-up is the final year (Level 6, 120 credits) of a UK Bachelor of Laws with honours. It is designed for students who already hold a Level 5 qualification in law, such as a Pearson BTEC HND, a Foundation Degree in Law or Legal Studies, or a Qualifi Level 4 and 5 Diploma in Law. Instead of starting a three-year law degree from the beginning, you join the final year and graduate with a full LLB (Hons) Law in about 12 months.

LLB stands for Legum Baccalaureus, the Latin name for a Bachelor of Laws. It is the standard name for an undergraduate law degree in the UK, and it sits at Level 6 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework, the same level as any BSc or BA honours degree.

Who is the law top-up for?

• HND or Foundation Degree graduates in law, legal studies or business law who want a full honours degree.
• Working paralegals, legal assistants and compliance staff who need a degree to move up.
• Students who plan to continue to an LLM, an MBA or a professional legal route after graduating.
• Anyone in Turkey, Syria, the Gulf or elsewhere who wants a UK law degree without moving to the UK.

How the final year is built

The University of Central Lancashire top-up combines four core modules with options. The core covers Equity and Trusts, Land Law, Law for Entrepreneurs and Graduate Professional Skills and Employability. You then choose 40 credits of options: either an independent research project, or two modules such as Company Law, International Humanitarian and Criminal Law, Medicine and the Law, Street Law or Human Trafficking. Assessment is mainly by coursework, so there is no need to sit exams in the UK.

Legal careers after an LLB top-up

An LLB gives you a recognised law degree, but becoming a practising lawyer is a separate step that depends on the country where you want to work:

• Solicitor in England and Wales: the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) requires a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification, then SQE1, SQE2 and two years of qualifying work experience. An LLB gives you strong preparation for SQE1.
• Barrister: the Bar route has its own academic requirements. Check with the Bar Standards Board before you rely on a top-up degree for this route.
• Practising in your own country: most countries require a local law degree recognition or bar membership. Check the equivalency rules of your ministry or bar association first.
• Further study: you can apply for an LLM or another UK master's degree after you graduate.

How to apply in four steps

1. Send your documents: your Level 5 certificate and transcript, passport copy and, if you have one, an English test result (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
2. Check your eligibility: we review your law modules and confirm whether your qualification meets the entry requirements.
3. Receive your offer: the university reviews your application and issues the offer.
4. Pay and start: pay the all-inclusive fee and begin studying online at the next intake.

Frequently asked questions