Overview
You will also develop advanced Spanish language skills and a cultural awareness of Spain.
The course is offered by the School of Law in collaboration with the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures.
Applicants must have studied A level Spanish and the course includes a year abroad in Spain.
Support
The school provides specialist advice to help you with your legal skills. The aim is to ensure that every student has someone they can approach to discuss their legal study skills.
We also offer optional skills workshops on a wide variety of topics including presentation, communication and negotiation. These are delivered by a range of law firms and chambers from across the UK.
The University library houses a law collection of approximately 60,000 books, law reports series, journals and extensive electronic resources.
Key facts
Entry requirements
A levels: AAA including Spanish and excluding general studies and critical thinking
All A level subjects in the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences are regarded as acceptable (except for general studies and critical thinking). However, offers are not normally made to students presenting more than one non-traditional or practical subject (such as art, art and design, computer and information technology, dance, drama and theatre studies, graphics, media and communication studies, and sports and physical education studies). A higher score in the LNAT examination may be required of those applicants presenting non-traditional subjects.
The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
All applicants, including mature and overseas applicants, must take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) exam.
How are results used?
The role of LNAT is to act as a second filter to distinguish between large numbers of similarly qualified applicants and to allow applicants to demonstrate their aptitude for law - it does not replace A levels and/or other qualifications. It is not possible to say what LNAT score will be required in any particular year.
How do I book?
Please visit the LNAT website to create an LNAT account - you will then be able to book your exam. The earlier you book, the more chance you have of getting a test slot on the day of your choice. You will need to enter your UCAS Personal Identifier number on your LNAT profile. If you take your LNAT exam after submitting your UCAS application, you must go back and enter your UCAS Personal Identifier number on your LNAT profile.
You may only sit the LNAT once in each admissions cycle (any subsequent results will be void) and results cannot be carried forward.
What are the key dates?
LNAT registration begins: 1 August 2019
Testing beings: 1 September 2019
Deadline to register/book the test: 15 January 2020 (to ensure that you take your test before the final deadline)
Deadline to sit the test: 20 January 2020 (for the University of Nottingham)
International applicants may submit their application after these deadlines - however, courses may close early depending on the volume of applications. We would still advise you to sit your exam and submit your UCAS application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Contact details
Please contact LNAT for any other questions. Alternatively, if you have an enquiry that is specific to the University of Nottingham, please contact us.
English language requirements
IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 7.0 in any element)
For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.
If you require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education, which is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
Students who successfully complete the presessional course to the required level can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking IELTS or equivalent.
International applicants
For country-specific information including entry requirements, contact details and representatives, see our website. If you need a visa to study, the University can provide all the information and advice you need.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information in our guide for mature students.
Alternative qualifications
Our admission process recognises that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and may have followed various educational pathways. Please view the alternative qualifications page for details.
Flexible admissions policy
In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, the University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.
Notes for applicants
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the programme of study and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors additional to, and in some cases instead of, formal examination results.
Candidates taking examinations in other systems (for example International Baccalaureate and other EU systems) will be expected to achieve an equivalent level of attainment. Please view our frequently asked questions for further information.
Additional information
Accreditation
This course is recognised by the Bar Standards Board as a qualifying law degree.
Study abroad
On this course, you will spend your third year studying abroad in Spain.
You will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your employability by experiencing another culture. You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts back in Nottingham or expand your knowledge by taking other options. Teaching is typically in Spanish.
Year one
In year one, you will take core modules in the Law of Contract, Public Law and Understanding Law and core language modules as well as an introductory module into the study of Spanish.
Core modules
Introduction to Contemporary Iberian History
The overall aim of this module is to provide you with a solid understanding of the major issues and themes in recent Portuguese history and of the formation of the Portuguese society.
The module will begin with a consideration of the economic and political position of Portugal in Europe at the end of the 18th century. It will then proceed through the periods of absolutism, constitutionalism, republicanism, military rule, dictatorship, democracy and the European Union. While these themes will guide the study of Portuguese history, close attention will also be paid to the development of changes in Portuguese society.
Law of Contract
This module is concerned with aspects of the substantive principles of general contact law. Topics include aspects of contract formation and vitiating factors, the contents of contracts, and discharge and remedies.
Public Law
This module examines the nature of constitutionalism and the structure of the UK state. Core constitutional concepts - limitations on governmental power, the rule of law, human rights - are analysed.
The module examines changes that have taken place in relation to the traditional notion of parliamentary sovereignty with reference to the UK's membership of the EC/EU and the incorporation of the ECHR via the Human Rights Act.
This module also covers the procedures and major principles of judicial review of administrative action and fundamental aspects of civil liberties law, including the powers of the police.
Spanish 1
This module builds on A level Spanish to consolidate your understanding of grammar, and your ability to comprehend both structures and meanings in a variety of written and aural texts.
You will be guided in using a broader range of discursive strategies in both written and spoken Spanish, and trained in the comprehension of broadcast items, on current affairs and culture, from across the Spanish-speaking world.
Understanding Law
The module provides an introduction to the basic techniques of legal study and encourages the development of a critical approach to understanding law in its context. The module comprises two parts:
- Legal Method
- A Critical Introduction
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year two
In year two, you will take further core modules in Criminal Law, Foundations of Tort and Land Law and core language modules.
Core modules
Civil Law: A Comparative Introduction
This module introduces you to the civil law tradition as practised on the continent of Europe by comparing its history and main features with the common law tradition as practised in the United Kingdom.
It will pay particular attention to the legal systems of France and Germany (although reference will be made to Spain, the Netherlands and other European jurisdictions), and will emphasise the principal areas of private law (contract, tort and property).
It will cover:
- the structure of civilian legal systems, including the constitutional and institutional context
- sources of law and legal development
- basic features of contract, tort and property law
- harmonisation of law and the emergence of a European private law
- the methodological challenges of legal comparison
All students will be exposed to the same core content, but seminars will provide opportunities to acquire deeper knowledge of a chosen legal system. Lectures will be in English but seminars will, when possible, also be offered in other European languages so as to enable those with the necessary linguistic skills to acquire and develop a legal vocabulary in the pertinent language.
Criminal Law
This module includes an introduction to the general principles of criminal law and the study of some offences.
Foundations of Tort
The module covers the tort of negligence and other major torts.
Land Law
This module examines the nature of land ownership in English law, and the conceptual framework of the creation and transfer of estates and interests in land. This module also examines the principal third party interests affecting land, with particular emphasis on their creation/acquisition and their protection through changes of ownership.
Spanish 2
This module builds on grammatical knowledge and communication skills developed in Spanish 1, and aims to prepare you to function effectively in a university or work situation in a Spanish-speaking country.
Written classes focus on developing essay writing skills in Spanish, using a range of texts from Spanish and Spanish American sources as stimuli. Special attention is given to developing complex sentence structures and rhetorical devices. Laboratory classes use a full range of contemporary audio-visual materials to develop aural comprehension and conversational ability in Spanish.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year three
In year three, you will study at the Universitat de València. Teaching is in Spanish.
Year four
In year four, you will take the final core modules in the Law of Trusts and (currently) the Law of the European Union and core and optional language modules.
Core modules
Law of the European Union
This module analyses the legal order established by the European Union (EU) treaties. It considers the law governing the establishment and operation of the EU, including the methods for enforcement of EU law. This module also considers the substantive law of the European Union. It involves a detailed examination of the law relating to the internal market, and related areas of EU law.
Law of Trusts
This module examines the conceptual context of trusts, and the requirements for the creation and validity of express private trusts and charitable trusts. This module also examines resulting and constructive trusts, the duties of trustees and the imposition of fiduciary liability, together with associated remedies.
Spanish 3
This module capitalises on the progress made in colloquial and informal language skills during your year abroad, and trains you in a more formal, sophisticated register of spoken and written Spanish.
It uses stimulus texts from a broad range of authentic sources to impart understanding of how texts are put together, and to build up your knowledge of, and confidence in, this register, thus enabling production of written and spoken Spanish of maximum clarity and strength of argumentation.
Plus 40 credits from a range of modules on Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American studies.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Careers
This course will equip you with a thorough knowledge of English law and encourage an appreciation of Spanish law. You will also develop advanced language skills in Spanish as well as cultural awareness.
A high proportion of our graduates go on to qualify as solicitors or barristers. Those seeking careers outside of law use their degree to gain access to a wide variety of professions and organisations such as consultancies, business advisory services, marketing, civil service, public relations, accountancy and campaigning.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised by the Bar Standards Board as a qualifying law degree.
Average starting salary and career progression
98.5% of undergraduates from the School of Law had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £19,875.*
The School of Law ranked 5th in the UK for boosting graduate salaries, with graduates earning an average of £4,844 more than expected five years after graduation.**
* Known destinations of full-time home undergraduates who were available for work 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
** The Economist British university rankings, 2017.
94% of undergraduates from the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £21,000 with the highest being £60,000.*
* Known destinations of full-time home undergraduates who were available for work 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2019, High Fliers Research).
Fees and funding
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £2,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
International/EU students
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Excellence Scholarship is available for select students paying overseas fees who achieve 38 points or above in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. We also offer a range of High Achiever Prizes for students from selected countries, schools and colleges to help with the cost of tuition fees. Find out more about scholarships, fees and finance for international students.
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Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.