Law with Foundation Year
Full-time
With placement
Four year
Five year
September 2025
In a nutshell
This course is also available with a professional placement year option.
To apply for this programme with industry placement or study abroad year, search Law with Professional Placement Year on UCAS, or speak to our enquiries team.
Prepare for a rewarding career in law and justice with our Law Foundation Year programme. Whether you want to better prepare for academic life, didn't get the grades you needed, or you've taken a break from studying, this course combines academic study with practical experience, giving you the tools and skills you need to succeed in your future studies.
- Build a base level of knowledge of the legal system
- Develop your academic and personal skills, preparing you for future studies
- Practice your professional skills through a range of out-of-classroom schemes and activities
Become industry ready
Our goal is to equip you with the skills you'll need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. You'll learn what employers and the legal professional need right now, and how to build your confidence, adaptability and resilience to meet these challenges.
This programme covers the foundational legal knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You’ll also gain essential digitals skills through platforms like LinkedIn Learning, where you'll learn:
- WestLaw
- Body swap technology
- Microsoft PowerPoint and Word
- Generative AI
- Microsoft Fundamentals - Microsoft 365
Your journey starts here
Ready to take the next step? Discover more by attending an open day, or speak to our dedicated course enquiries team for further information.
options available
Our LLB Law with Foundation Year course meets the entry requirements of the Bar Standards Board
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This is for you if...
You want to build a foundation of knowledge ahead of your future law studies
You’re new to higher education, want a career change or need support with academic skills
You are looking to develop a range of highly employable skills
All about the course
Our foundation year will give you a grounding in Law, preparing you for your future studies. As you progress into your first, second and third years of study, you will further develop your understanding of the legal sector, developing the skills needed to thrive after graduation.
Enhance your experience
Studying a Law programme at Salford Business School offers numerous opportunities to gain additional practical experience and practice your skills in a real-world setting.
With the opportunity for all students to complete a paid work placement or study abroad between their second and third years, you will enter the world of work with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and of key business concepts.
Discover our extracurricular and out-of-classroom opportunities to see how you can take your studies further.
"I have had many opportunities to challenge myself, meet new people, build my confidence, network with industry professionals, and engage in society competitions. I have [also] received careers support with my CV. Industry support has been embedded into my course, which includes assistance with building a LinkedIn profile, attending interviews, self-reflection, and employability." - Elizabeth Joel - LLB Law. Read the full story on Prospects.
Introduction to English Law
The purpose of this module is to give you a fundamental understanding of the key areas of English law, which you will build on in future modules. We introduce you to the core areas of law studied on the LLB course and the basic skills needed to advance to level 4. You will explore the essence of foundation legal principles, together with basic systems of law and sources of law.
English Legal Systems
This introduction to the English legal system covers
- the functions of the law in society
- the court system within England and Wales
- the manner in which law is made in England and Wales
- the individuals working within the legal profession.
The purpose of the module is to provide you with a fundamental understanding of the English legal system, which you will then build upon in future modules on the law degree.
Academic and Personal Skills
Academic and Personal Skills is delivered with your future in mind. This module takes you through how to get to grips with the technology you need to succeed, as well as using the library, how to reference and how to produce the different styles of academic writing.
It also helps you to develop yourself; you will create a CV, learn how to write a cover letter and find out what your learning style is. The module has guest speakers who share their expert knowledge and experience with you. All the skills covered in this module will help you to succeed in your chosen degree.
Further Legal Knowledge
An introduction to further areas of legal knowledge beyond the core modules on the law degree, covering cyber law, family law, medical law, human rights law, and public international law. The purpose of the module is to provide you with a fundamental understanding of non-core modules on the law degree, which you may then build on in future modules.
Introduction to Legal Skills and Attributes
This module introduces you to core academic and legal skills. The initial focus is to help you demonstrate the core legal research skills introduced in the first term of the law foundation year, so you become practised at reading and analysing primary and secondary sources of law, and applying these to solve legal problems (using Issue/Rule/Apply/Conclude “IRAC”). You will learn to plan and produce a well-referenced and argued legal essay using OSCOLA (Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities).
In addition, ILSAA introduces you to activities involving oral discourse, legal arguments, professional presentation skills and the use of technology to solve legal problems.
Employability for Life
The module aims to acquire and develop an understanding of the employability skills required to succeed in your chosen industry. This is a practical module which will help you create and develop a professional CV and will develop your understanding of the recruitment and selection process. You will learn essential life-long skills to help you succeed in job applications whether they are for part-time work whilst you are a student or for your future graduate career.
Contract Law
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties which, if it contains the elements of a valid legal agreement, is enforceable by law. The contract law module concerns itself with the rules governing such agreements. You will be acquainted with the role contract law performs in business and economic activity. The course also aims to teach the principles that underlie the common law of contract and explain the effect of legislative intervention on the common law principles of contract law. You will learn both the common law rules and legislation affecting contract law, as well as the ability to avoid contractual disputes and/or solve them
Legal Systems and Digital Legal Skills
This module will introduce you to the English legal system and its role within society. You will look at the court system and learn how the law is integrated within society, and the importance of legal principles, concepts, structures, citations and practices within English law. You will develop your skills in interpreting primary and secondary sources of law, including how to use Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA).
This module also looks at the importance of digital skills within the law. You will be supported and assessed through an eLearning legal training course in conjunction with completing the Westlaw UK Research Basic Certificate.
Legal Writing and Analytical Skills
You will learn skills that are essential for legal work, looking at legal reasoning and developing your skills in analysing legal issues. As part of the module, you will consider the different types of legal writing (problem question, essay, drafting of documents including letters and emails) as well as how to conduct legal research using primary and secondary sources of law to support legal arguments. You will also develop the key legal writing skills of planning, grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structures to be able to produce a polished piece of legal writing.
Tort Law
Tort law is an area that remains very central to all aspects of society. This essential module has been designed to ensure that you are well versed in the core areas of Tort, with emphasis on its role in day-to-day life.
We will cover the core areas of Negligence, Breach of Duty, Causation, Vicarious Liability, Psychiatric Harm, Occupiers Liability, and the land tort of Nuisance will be studied in depth.
Criminal Law
In this diverse module, we will explore the criminal law system in England and Wales, focussing on substantive criminal law. We start by looking at how offences such as theft and murder are defined. During this process, you will analyse what the defendant did, what circumstances he/she did it in and what effect it had on the victim. Questions like these lead us to identify the correct category of possible offences. Following this, we will also explore potential defences to criminal liability.
An Introduction to Legal Ethics and Concepts
On this module, you will start to develop an understanding of legal ethics and legal concepts taking into account the nature of law, legal practice, legal-decision making and real-life experience of law.
Looking at legal ethics, we will explore the moral reasoning behind the practice of law, professionalism and employability. Legal concepts enable you to develop an understanding of the nature of law, legal practice and legal decision-making.
Legal Professional Development
This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
Land Law
Land Law in England and Wales is a bit of an anomaly! While the subject of Land Law has long had a reputation for being difficult, technical and archaic, this simply is not accurate. Land Law is in fact a rich, fascinating and modern subject.
On this module, we will break down difficult legal concepts, such as: ownership versus possession; the legal ‘stealing’ of land known as adverse possession; and the various rights and interests which exist in Land.
You will apply your learning to practical scenarios which you will likely come across after you graduate as most of us encounter the peculiarities of land law at some point of our lives!
Public Law
This module will allow you to analyse the nature and structure of the UK constitutional arrangements post-Brexit. After introducing the idea of constitutionalism in general, we explore the peculiar uncodified nature of the UK Constitution, and how this is reflected in its sources and basic principles.
We will discuss two recent 'constitutional revolutions': the Human Rights Act 1998 and the devolution settlement. Then we will look at the theory and practice of judicial review of administrative action. Finally, we will look at the issue of police powers and their legitimate use
European Union (EU) Law and the UK
On this module, you will start to develop an understanding of the law of the European Union. We will consider the fundamental constitutional structures of the EU and look at the law of the single market with a focus on the free movement of goods and persons. We will look in particular at the residual effect of EU Law in the UK and consider the impact of Brexit on both the UK and the EU and the legal relationship between them post-Brexit.
Optional modules
Media Law
This module will introduce you to the key aspects of Media Law. You will develop a range of skills that are important not only for your law degree but also to take forward and develop after your graduation.
We will consider some of the legal, moral, social and political debates which exist in this area of law. We will examine issues such as the freedom of the press, reporting restrictions and pretrial publicity as well as defamation, privacy and harassment.
Commercial and Consumer Law
On this module, we will examine the law relating to the sale and supply of goods and services, agency, product safety, insurance and consumer credit. Building on the general principles of contract law, we will focus specifically on contracts of sale and supply of goods and services as well as addressing the rights and protections afforded to consumers.
While the academic knowledge is important, you will also see how the law works in practice in the commercial and retail sectors. The module includes an international dimension, looking at international consumer protection issues and how they apply in the UK jurisdiction.
This module is a base for further vocational study with SQE, ILEX or BTC or further post-graduate study. You will develop skills to help your employability, growing your knowledge of the workings of the commercial and consumer processes in contemporary legal society.
Intellectual Property Law
This module exams patents, trademarks and copyrights – some of the most valuable assets requiring protection in a developed economy. We look at the key concepts of intellectual property law and the justification for these laws bearing in mind intellectual property is firstly ‘property’ even though it is an intangible property right.
You will explore key topics including: those rights protected by statute; copyright, and trademarks; and the protection of the common law rights of passing off and confidentiality. We will look at how the landscape of intellectual property has changed in the digital era and the impact this has had on the law. You will develop your understanding by working on real world cases in terms of problem solving and legal application.
Human Rights Law
The law of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) now permeates all branches of the law and impacts an increasing number of legal relations. The Human Rights Law module focuses on understanding the scope of protection afforded by the ECHR, especially in light of its integration in the UK with the Human Rights Act 1998 and how it affects any future changes to domestic legislation.
Optional placement year
All students can apply for a one year professional placement, which takes place between your second and last years of study.
This is an excellent opportunity and, over the last five years, 90% of Salford Business School undergraduates taking a one year placement secured a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree.
We will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.
You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees. Learn more about our placement and internship opportunities.
Equity and Trusts
Equity and Trusts is a wonderful subject which is rooted in morality and the history of ‘conscience’. It is utterly unique and occurred entirely accidentally as a result of the flaws in common law. The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to an invisible system of justice which runs alongside the common law known as Equity. Equity ‘glosses’ over the harsh results sometimes incurred by the rigidness of common law and it’s development is fascinating. For anyone who feels that the legal system is sometime unjust, Equity will restore your faith. The second purpose of this module is to introduce you to the concept of a trust. This is often referred to as Equity’s greatest achievement. The trust is used in almost all financial aspects of your life probably without you even realising and thus its exploration is vital and eye-opening."
Civil and Criminal Litigation
The module builds on the fundamental principles of law during the Contract Law, Tort Law, and Criminal Law modules from Level Four, by enabling the students to gain knowledge and skills to understand how civil and criminal litigation is applied in practical situations governed by rules of civil and criminal procedure and practice.
Law in Action
You will develop hands-on legal skills, working under supervision in the University’s SILKS Law Clinic on housing, employment and family law cases.
In the Clinic you will work with real clients, observing interviews, writing advice notes, undertaking research and drafting documents.
There will be some lectures and seminars to introduce key topics, module expectations and assessment. This is supplemented by small group fortnightly supervision discussions.
There are limited places and you will apply for this module in your second year.
Company Law
This module intends to develop your problem-solving skills, focussing primarily on the enhancement of individual research and analysis, through a critical review of key legal, contractual and practical issues relevant to corporate legal practice.
Working through a fictional case study which places you in the role of a junior lawyer, you will be encouraged to demonstrate a working knowledge of key corporate law concepts and apply your understanding of corporate law processes to generate realistic and considered client-focussed solutions. The module will be of particular interest to those wishing to pursue a career in law, finance, accountancy, business and management.
Optional modules
You will choose one of the following optional modules
Family Law
You will start this module by looking at how the law defines ‘family’, and the impact that this legal definition has on how the area is regulated.
We will consider the current law on divorce, proposals for reform and how this affects the division of property and finances when marriage and co-habitation comes to an end. We will study abusive relationships, and the family law remedies available to address domestic violence; the impact that assisted reproductive technologies have on parenthood and parental responsibilities; and finally, children’s rights and the protection measures available in law to keep children safe.
This module is extremely emotive. We will look at specific examples and consider relevant case law, as well as analysing the current legal frameworks and the socio-legal research available in this area.
Employment Law
This module looks at complex issues relating to employment law. We will consider how the law defines ‘employment’ and the impact that this legal definition has on how the area is regulated. We will explore the current law on discrimination, termination of employment, the employment contract, the impact of reform and how this affects the employee and employer. We will also cover redundancy, occupational stress and employability status.
On this extremely emotive module, we consider interesting and relevant case law, as well as analysing the current legal frameworks and the socio-legal research available in this area.
Caring for Clients in the Working Environment
Although this module will be taught from a practitioner lawyer perspective, much of the material dealt with is important whatever area of industry that you enter. Client care is clearly relevant whatever career that you ultimately pursue. We begin by considering the first contact with a client in some detail in both the lecture and seminar. It will be very important that you get this right and make the best possible impression on a new client/customer. They will need to believe in you. There are specific regulations that we will assess for lawyers in this regard.
Equity and Trusts
Equity and Trusts is a wonderful subject which is rooted in morality and the history of ‘conscience’. It is utterly unique and occurred entirely accidentally as a result of the flaws in common law. The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to an invisible system of justice which runs alongside the common law known as Equity. Equity ‘glosses’ over the harsh results sometimes incurred by the rigidness of common law and it’s development is fascinating. For anyone who feels that the legal system is sometime unjust, Equity will restore your faith. The second purpose of this module is to introduce you to the concept of a trust. This is often referred to as Equity’s greatest achievement. The trust is used in almost all financial aspects of your life probably without you even realising and thus its exploration is vital and eye-opening."
Optional modules
You will choose up to five optional modules
AI and Law
Emerging technologies are having a major impact on society and transforming the way lawyers provide legal solutions to clients. This module introduces key technologies that have the potential to change how lawyers operate in practice, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). You will look at topics such as data mining, data protection, how robotics interacts with the law and the legal implications of present-day issues such as driverless cars, military applications, and care robots.
With an understanding of the interaction of the legal, technical, ethical and business issues around artificial intelligence and law, you will gain a grounding in the technical aspects of autonomous technologies that will enable you to perform better in your future roles.
Medical Law and Ethics
Medical ethics is moral decision making, made by an individual based on guidance and shared values. One way in which medical ethics operates is regulatory in nature, bearing in mind the medical profession is a self-regulating one.
The module looks at the interplay between the ethical, practical and moral dimensions which affect the healthcare professionals’ decision-making process.
We will focus on ethical discussions on pertinent issues and the corresponding legal and practical considerations. We will consider whether decision-making is ultimately controlled by ethics, morals or the law.
Employment Law
This module looks at complex issues relating to employment law. We will consider how the law defines ‘employment’ and the impact that this legal definition has on how the area is regulated. We will explore the current law on discrimination, termination of employment, the employment contract, the impact of reform and how this affects the employee and employer. We will also cover redundancy, occupational stress and employability status.
On this extremely emotive module, we consider interesting and relevant case law, as well as analysing the current legal frameworks and the socio-legal research available in this area.
Criminal Justice and Punishment
You will be introduced to the form, key features and purpose of the institutions of the contemporary criminal justice system in England and Wales and begin an exploration of the issues relating to justice and civil liberties.
Family Law
You will start this module by looking at how the law defines ‘family’, and the impact that this legal definition has on how the area is regulated.
We will consider the current law on divorce, proposals for reform and how this affects the division of property and finances when marriage and co-habitation comes to an end. We will study abusive relationships, and the family law remedies available to address domestic violence; the impact that assisted reproductive technologies have on parenthood and parental responsibilities; and finally, children’s rights and the protection measures available in law to keep children safe.
This module is extremely emotive. We will look at specific examples and consider relevant case law, as well as analysing the current legal frameworks and the socio-legal research available in this area.
Legal Research Project
This is a dissertation style module. You will undertake a doctrinal legal research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff with relevant expertise and experience.
Caring for Clients in the Working Environment
Although this module will be taught from a practitioner lawyer perspective, much of the material dealt with is important whatever area of the industry you enter.
This module will look into care for clients and how to build a good relationship. We begin by considering the first contact with a client in some detail in both the lectures and seminars. It will be very important that you make the best possible impression on a new client/customer. They will need to believe in you. There are specific regulations that we will assess for lawyers in this regard.
Competition Law and the Digital Economy
This module introduces you to the approach to competition law and policy. The module will enable you to critically analyse and discuss contemporary issues of competition law and policy. You will also learn about the digital economy and its implications for competition law outside the EU and UK borders. The module will discuss digital dominance and the behaviour of the powerful tech companies.
Industrial Law
Industrial Law in England and Wales is a rich and fascinating subject which embraces industrial safety law including corporate manslaughter and the law relating to industrial relations.
On this module, we will break down some difficult legal concepts, such as corporate criminal liability and corporate manslaughter and the various statutory duties and obligations which exist in health and safety law. We will also look at the impact of strikes and trade unions in a post-Brexit working environment.
You will apply your knowledge to practical scenarios through an individual video presentation and will complete a research essay.
International Law
You will learn about the role of law across international boundaries by considering the nature and history of international law; the way in which public and private international law is made; and distinct issues such as statehood and state immunity, and enforcement. We will look at distinct areas of public international law, including international human rights law, the law of armed conflict and international criminal law.
Company Law
This module intends to develop your problem-solving skills, focussing primarily on the enhancement of individual research and analysis, through a critical review of key legal, contractual and practical issues relevant to corporate legal practice.
Working through a fictional case study which places you in the role of a junior lawyer, you will be encouraged to demonstrate a working knowledge of key corporate law concepts and apply your understanding of corporate law processes to generate realistic and considered client-focussed solutions. The module will be of particular interest to those wishing to pursue a career in law, finance, accountancy, business and management.
Environmental Law
Civil and Criminal Litigation
The module builds on the fundamental principles of law during the Contract Law, Tort Law, and Criminal Law modules from Level Four, by enabling the students to gain knowledge and skills to understand how civil and criminal litigation is applied in practical situations governed by rules of civil and criminal procedure and practice.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Frequently asked questions
What do you study in a law course?
On the LLB Law course, students study a variety of subjects that cover different aspects of the legal system. Core topics often include: Contract Law, Tort Law, Legal Systems and Legal Digital Skills, Criminal Law, Legal Writing and Analytical Skills, Land Law and Legal Professional Development. For a full list of modules, please refer to the “Course Details” section.
How long is a law course?
Our standard law course is 3 years long, however, if you wish to add on either a foundation year or a placement year, this then increases to 4 years. If you wish to take both a foundation year and a placement year, the course is 5 years.
What GCSE’s do you need to be a lawyer?
You do not need any specific GCSEs to join the LLB Law course other than English Language and Maths at grade C / level 4 or above. You will also have to achieve or exceed the required UCAS tariff points to join this course. Though a background knowledge of law from either GCSEs or A Level/BTEC is useful, it is not essential. For full details of the requirements (including international entry requirements) for entry onto this programme, please refer to the “Course Requirements” section.
SILKS
SILKS law clinic offers free legal advice to members of the public in housing and family law. Working under the supervision of professional lawyers, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your legal knowledge and client-facing skills.
The clinic provides an innovative and immersive learning experience with exposure to real-life and simulated client meetings and first-hand experience of key professional legal skills.
What about after uni?
A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a fee discount.
Career Links
We place industry focus at the heart of our teaching. You will have the opportunity to shadow working lawyers and judges, practise your learning during a year’s work placement or study abroad and develop your client care skills by helping people looking for support from our legal advice schemes.
Studying Law opens up opportunities in a wide variety of career paths both within and outside the legal profession. Because of their rigorous intellectual training and highly developed skills in research, analysis and communication, law graduates are in high-demand by employers.
Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers with organisations across the globe, including Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Keoghs, Reeds Solicitors, Simpson Millar, Slater & Gordon and many more.
What you need to know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
APPLICANT PROFILE
You might be a school leaver looking to better prepare for academic life or perhaps you didn’t get the grades you needed. You might also be a returning student, having taken a break from studies and looking to regain your confidence in academic processes. Whatever your situation, our foundation year programmes help learners gain the skills, understanding and confidence needed to progress to further studies.
GCSE
Maths and English at grade C / grade 4 or above. Applicants who do not have the equivalent of grade C or above in these areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS Tariff points
64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or equivalent
A level
64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or equivalent
BTEC National Diploma
MPP in any subject
T levels
Pass – D or E
Scottish Highers
64 points
Irish Leaving Certificate
64 points
European Baccalaureate
64 UCAS Tariff points
Access to HE
Pass Level 3 with 64 points
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application, we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2025/26 | £5,760.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Undergraduate Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Additional UCAS Information
Law - UCAS Course ID - M100
Law with Professional Placement Year - UCAS Course ID - 8H56
Enrolment dates
UCAS information
Course ID M101
Institution S03