Study information

Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

LLB English Law and French Law/Master 1 (Maitrise)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameLLB English Law and French Law/Master 1 (Maitrise) Programme codeUFL4LAWLAW06
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2021/2
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The four year LLB in English Law and French Law/Master 1 (Maitrise) is fully accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board and has a series of compulsory modules which give you exemption from the academic stage of professional training. On graduation, you will be able to proceed to the Solicitors’ Legal Practice Course or the Barristers’ Bar Professional Training Course.

In addition to being exempt from the academic stages of professional training in the UK, graduates will have the necessary knowledge for passing the aptitude test which enables lawyers from EU member states to practise as a lawyer in France. 

During this programme, you will spend your first three years in Exeter studying (in English) the necessary foundation subjects for the LLB. At the same time, modules in French law are studied with lectures given, and essays written, in French. You must be competent in the French language, evidenced by A level or equivalent. The lecturers in French Law at Exeter Law School are French lawyers who offer tuition in small groups.

In the fourth year you will study at the Law Faculty of the University of Rennes 1 and follow one of the Master 1 (Maîtrise en Droit) programmes . Upon successful completion, you will obtain the dual qualification of LLB (European) (University of Exeter) and Master 1 (Maîtrise en Droit) (University of Rennes 1).

We aim to offer as many activities as possible to help broaden your career development and equip you with the skills employers find most valuable. These include activities and skills developed through learning and teaching, such as group work, research and analysis, communication and argumentation, and advocacy and negotiation; as well as other extra-curricular activities, including a team building exercise, employer visits, mooting, pro bono and other skills sessions (such as CV building and employment applications), which provide many opportunities to gain transferable skills and to meet and interact with potential employers.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To provide you with a thorough knowledge of the foundation subjects of English and French law which meets the requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board for the academic stage of legal training, and give you the opportunity to acquire and develop essential analytical, practice-facing and marketable transferable skills
2. To enable you to extend your legal knowledge and understanding beyond the foundation subjects of English law by providing you with at least a basic knowledge and understanding of selected principal branches of French law.
3. To enable you to identify, locate and critically appraise English legal materials and French legal materials.
4. To enable you to apply the principles of law and legal rules in both common law and civil law jurisdictions, to solve and analyse practical problems, and to advise what to do in practical situations.
5. To enable you to understand some of the major theoretical foundations of law and to evaluate them.
6. To enable you to understand law and its operation in its social, political, economic and legal practice context.
7. To encourage you to reason logically, supporting the process with legal authority, academic commentary and by reference to other relevant materials.
8. To provide you with a comprehensive and integrated legal education through the study of individual modules and through the complimentary interaction of modules across the programme.
9. To provide you with the educational and cultural experience of studying in a university abroad.
10. To provide you with the opportunity to enhance and develop your written and oral communication skills in English and French
11. To provide you with the necessary personal and key skills to enable you to develop as an independent, autonomous and reflective individual and generally as a developing professional.

4. Programme Structure

The programme is studied over four academic stages and is University based throughout that time. The final academic year is spent in France, at the Law faculty of the University of Rennes 1. The Exeter based programme is divided into units of study called modules. Modules have a credit rating of 15 or 30 credits. A distinctive feature of the programme is the four-tier approach of interactive lectures, student syndicate meetings, tutor-led seminars and surgeries, which emphasise both legal knowledge and understanding as well as the acquisition of legal and interpersonal skills. The Master 1 (Maîtrise en Droit) programme comprises modules chosen from a list of prescribed modules, which in total amount to 120 credits (60 ECTS credits).

Innovative features of programme:

The programme provides the opportunity to obtain a Master 1 (Maîtrise en Droit)  from the University of Rennes 1 as well as the degree of LLB (UK) from the University of Exeter.

French Law modules are taught at Exeter at levels one, two and three by academics trained in the French jurisdiction who teach and research in their own legal tradition. All the teaching and examination of the French Law modules at Exeter is accordingly conducted entirely in French.

The fourth year abroad is undertaken under the auspices of the Erasmus programme. You are required by the Erasmus programme to undertake 60 ECTS credits in your year abroad, which is the equivalent of 120 credits at Exeter.

For the assessment, progression and classification conventions of the  Law School in relation to this programme see the Undergraduate Handbook: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/ug/. Note that any failure in any Law School module taken in a Law School programme cannot be condoned. A failure in a non-Law module within a Law School programme may be condoned.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/undergraduate/exeter/modules

You will take modules adding up to 120 credits each year. You will combine modules on English law with modules in French law 

Stage 1

You will take four modules of 30 credits each. 

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW1004 The Law of Contract 30Yes
LAW1013 French Constitutional Law 30Yes
LAW1035 Constitutional and Administrative Law 30Yes
LAW1036 Legal Foundations 30Yes

Stage 2

You will take three modules of 30 credits each. 

 

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW2015 The Law of Torts 30Yes
LAW2017 Land Law 30Yes
LAW2033 French Administrative Law 30Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW2034 European Union Law OR30Yes
LAW2103 European Union Law And 15 Credits of optional Modules to be taken from those offered in the Law School15Yes

Stage 3

For current option modules, see:

 
https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/study/currentstudents/ 
 

You will take three modules of 30 credits each. 

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW3003 Criminal Law 30Yes
LAW3041 Trusts 30Yes
LAW3051 French Law of Contract 30Yes

Optional Modules

30 credits of optional modules or a 30 credit non Law module.For current opton modules see:

 
https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/study/currentstudents/ 

Stage 4

Stage 4: French Law at the Law Faculty of the University of Rennes 1

The final year is spent at the Law Faculty of the University of Rennes 1 where you follow one of the Master 1 (Maîtrise en Droit) (Master 1) programmes.

https://droit.univ-rennes1.fr/masters

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the essential theoretical, conceptual and practical features of the English and French legal systems, their institutions and procedures (see Educational Aims - 1).
2. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the fundamental rules, theories, principles and conceptual framework, as well as related academic opinion, of the seven foundation subjects of English and EU Law, and required subjects of study in French Law (see Educational Aims - 1).
3. Follow and understand current developments in English and French law in the subjects of study (see Educational Aims - 1 - 3).
4. Research a legal question and demonstrate competence in applying legal knowledge in order to formulate and evaluate a response to it; (see Educational Aims - 3).
5. Demonstrate detailed and accurate understanding of some of the relevant legal practice social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural contexts within which the law operates in each of the jurisdictions studied (see Educational Aims- 1 - 3, above)

Subject knowledge and skills are acquired through lectures, syndicate meetings, tutor led seminars, and tutorials; library tuition; essays; legal skills workshops, formative work, reflective learning, travaux dirigés, exposés.

1 Unseen or seen examinations 1-5: for example, some compulsory modules involve an unseen examination; some optional modules involve a seen examination – see optional module details; 
2 Open/closed note examinations 1-5: for example, all stage one compulsory modules involve a closed note examination; some optional modules involve an open note examination – see optional module details; 
3 Assessed essays 1-5: for example, some modules  involve an assessed essay;– see module details; 
4 Dissertation 1-5: writing a dissertation is available as an optional module; 
5 Assessment of legal skills 1-5: this runs through all Law modules, but is especially emphasised in the first year compulsory Legal Foundations module; in some modules you will be required to give an Advocacy presentation; all French law modules emphasise the development of legal skills appropriate to each system;

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

6. Identify, locate, retrieve and evaluate efficiently English and French legal and other relevant information in paper, electronic and online form, with minimum guidance.
7. Use theoretical legal knowledge to provide practical advice and imaginative solutions to particular problems, independently and effectively.
8. Work independently to synthesise information from a number of primary and secondary legal and other sources, both English and French; appreciate their relative value; and separate the relevant from the peripheral.
9. Make an independent and effective critical judgement about the merits of particular arguments and make reasoned choices between alternative solutions or arguments.
10. Communicate technical legal information and argument effectively and concisely, orally and in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline and in task-specific ways.

Essays; lectures; syndicate meetings, seminars, tutorials, legal skills workshops and formative work.

6 Essays / coursework 6 -10: for example, in 2015-16 the compulsory stage two Land Law module involves an assessed essay; from 2016-17 all stage two compulsory modules in English law will involve an assessed essay; some stage three optional modules also involve assessed essays – see optional module details; 
7 Legal skills 6 -10: developing legal skills runs through all Law modules, but this is especially emphasised in the first year compulsory Legal Foundations module; 
8 Oral presentations require you to put across your arguments clearly and concisely 6 -10: all syndicate meetings, seminars and other workshops, as well as assessed presentations, require you to do this – particular examples include the assessed presentations in Legal Foundations and all compulsory module seminars to which you are expected to contribute; 
9 Examinations often contain a large element aimed at testing ability to separate the relevant from the irrelevant. 6 -10: this applies to all modules assessed by examination – see above.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

11. Manage time effectively, plan activity and prioritise tasks by working to strict deadlines and demonstrate an ability to work under pressure.
12. Work and interact effectively and proactively in a group, share information and ideas, and manage related practical matters.
13. Work independently, managing your time and learning resources efficiently, and developing appropriate task-specific strategies
14. Communicate clear and reasoned arguments, accurately and effectively, in both oral and written form.
15. Reflect on, evaluate and assess own learning and ability autonomously, and where necessary proactively seek and make effective use of advice and feedback
16. Identify, retrieve and use, independently and efficiently, a range of library-based and electronic resources with minimum guidance
17. Apply appropriate strategies for solving conceptual and practical problems, making critical judgements and choosing autonomously between alternative solutions and arguments.
18. Express yourself fluently in written and oral French.

Key skills are an integral part of the degree programme. Particular 
aspects of the programme focus on personal and key skills development.  Syndicate meetings, seminars and tutorials encourage you to work independently and in groups with the aim of presenting and criticising materials in interesting and varied forms (skills 11-18). Essay (skills 11,13-18); lectures (11,12, 13,14,17,18); legal skills seminars (skills 11-18), Personal Development Planning and Personal Tutor meetings focus upon your development of all key skills and your ability to reflect upon this and in particular skill 15.

11 Examination skills 11,13-15, 17, 18: this applies to all modules 
assessed by examination – see above. 

12 Assessed essay skills 11,13-18: this applies to all modules assessed by 
essay – see above. 

13 Oral presentations 11,13-18: this applies to all modules involving oral 
contributions and assessed presentations – see above.

7. Programme Regulations

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2, 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 4:8:2 respectively.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

As an undergraduate student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and once to discuss your overall performance. You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.

Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:  
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitize reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).

Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials 
available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.

The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory, based in the Law Library and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is  
available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.

At St Luke’s there is also a college-based open access suite (South Cloisters 14) providing access to another 20 machines. Entry is again made by use of your university card and it is open from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday.

All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card). At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.

Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf

Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

LLB English Law and French Law/Master 1 (Maitrise)

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

 ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Law

23. Dates

Origin Date

02/10/1994

 Date of last revision

23/05/2016