Double degree LLB / Maîtrise
Key facts
- UCAS Code: M120
- Duration: 4 years (2 years in Strasbourg)
- Typical UK entry requirements: AAA / AAB
- Typical French entry requirements: 14/20 in French Baccalaureate
- Interview required? Yes
- Qualifying Law degree? Yes
- Optional modules? Yes (in Strasbourg)
This double degree programme in English and French Law is designed for bi-lingual students. It is run jointly by the University of Leicester and the Université de Strasbourg. It leads to the award of two qualifying law degrees and provides students with equal competence in English, French and European law. This degree programme is the perfect foundation for those looking to work for European bodies (such as the Council for Europe or European Parliament) or in law firms with cross-border interests.
You will spend your first two years at the University of Leicester - leading to the award of the LLB degree in law (officially conferred at the end of your time in Strasbourg). In your first year you will study the fundamentals of the legal system and develop your legal skills, as well as studying three of the seven foundation subjects (Law of Torts, Constitutional and Administrative Law and the Law of Contract). In your second year, you will build upon your knowledge by studying the four remaining foundation subjects of Criminal Law, EU Law, Land Law and Equity and Trusts.
You will then spend your third and final years at the Université de Strasbourg (leading to the award of a maîtrise en droit mention “droits français et anglais” with a specialisation in private, corporate or public European law. During your time in Strasbourg you will have the chance to find work placements in one of the European institutions located in Strasbourg, assisted by the Université de Strasbourg.
Modules
| First year (in Leicester) | Second year (in Leicester) | Third year (in Strasbourg) | Final year (in Strasbourg) |
|---|---|---|---|
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Licence examination in the following four modules
and
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Maîtrise examination in the subjects required to obtain one of the three following maîtrises:
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Aims
During your degree, you will develop:
- Knowledge and understanding of Law in the UK, France and the European Union
- An appreciation of the social and policy issues underlying the law and the different approaches to the study of law in the UK and France.
- Skills in legal and academic reasoning (including logical analysis and problem solving).
- Skills in legal and academic research
- Transferable skills, particularly in oral and written communication in English and French, independent learning and information handling.
Teaching and Assessment
- Large group lectures
- Small tutorials (7–8 students)
- 11 hours of teaching time per week (approximately)
- 20 hours of self-study time (approximately)
- Assessment by essay and/or exam
- Teaching and assessment may vary at the University of Strasbourg
Career prospects
As many leading law firms have branches in other countries or undertake cross-border work , having strong language skills and qualifying law degrees in two legal systems can give a distinct competitive advantage when beginning your legal career.
The LLB element is a qualifying law degree and so will prepare you for the next step towards becoming a legal professional in England and Wales. If you wish to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in England or Wales after graduation you will need to complete the LPC (Legal Practice Course) or BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course) along with a training contract as a trainee solicitor or pupillage as a trainee barrister. The School of Law, together with the student Law Societies and the University's Career Development Service, provide comprehensive careers support to all students (whether they wish to pursue a traditional legal career or not) – helping with career choice, applications, interviews and providing information on employment and internship opportunities.
The Maîtrise element is similar in that it qualifies you for the professional examinations in France. The degree also offers students the possibility to find work-placements in one of the European institutions located in Strasbourg. The Law Faculty of the Université de Strasbourg will do its best to help students find such work-placements.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be fluent in French. Interviews in English and French are a compulsory part of the selection process in order to test language skills. The interviews are conducted by a representative from Strasbourg and a representative from Leicester during the Spring. See our entry requirements
