Law Senior Status

Durham Law School is a world leader in legal education and research. Our two-year LLB Senior Status is an accelerated version of our standard LLB for those who already have a university degree. It provides an in-depth understanding of the law of England and Wales, as well as legal research and practice. It provides the foundations of the professional training you need to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister.

The Law School is home to a number of leading research centres and groups, and all teaching staff are actively involved in research. This research feeds into the curriculum to create a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment which is in step with developments in the real world. Academic expertise is supported by a range of first-class learning facilities. Alongside your studies, you will have opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities like moot courts, pro bono work, networking opportunities, law societies, and career events.

The LLB Senior Status offers a tailored, core structure of mandatory and optional modules across two years of study. During their studies, students will gain core knowledge in Contract Law, Tort Law, Public Law (Constitutional and Human Rights), EU Law and Criminal Law, as well as optional modules of their choice. They will also undertake a supervised dissertation as part of their degree, gaining skills in independent legal research and writing.
The rigorous academic curriculum, first-class facilities and supportive learning environment provide the legal and academic skills you will need to progress to a career in the legal sector, as well as equipping you with the transferable skills that are in demand across a wider range of sectors including business, local and national government and academia.

Course Modules

Durham Education 2027

The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.

For current module information please visit our course page.

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/law-senior-status-m105/

Course Learning and Teaching

Learning takes the form of lectures, tutorials and seminars. We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching. The small-group teaching format and one-on-one attention from a personal academic advisor are embedded into the learning experience to help you get more out of your studies. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.
As you progress through the course there’s an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research, particularly around the dissertation, as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.
Specialist facilities in the Law School include an interactive Harvard-style lecture theatre and academic workrooms. The moot court and pro bono room give you the space to develop your skills in a simulated legal environment.

Assessment

We use an array of assessment methods including essays, oral presentations and written examinations completed throughout the year. Throughout their studies students will also have the opportunity for formative assessments in order to scaffold their learning.
You will also complete a 12,000-word dissertation, which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.