Law (with Placement Year)

Investigate systems and challenge injustice with our hands-on, London-based Law degree
Think critically, construct arguments, and make life-changing decisions with our Law degree. You will build detailed and analytical knowledge of the law, covering areas such as criminality, human rights, business, and the healthcare sector.

Our law programmes are Qualifying Law Degrees (QLD). After successfully completing this course, you can become a barrister through the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) or a solicitor through the Solicitor’s Qualification Exam route (SQE).

Bring your learning to life
With our undergraduate law course, you will learn through diverse hands-on experiences, such as:

• simulated negotiation exercises
• pro bono initiatives.

Due to us being based in London, you will have numerous opportunities to visit:

• the Supreme Court
• Houses of Parliament
• Isleworth Crown Court

Getting you ready for the future

• Only at SMU can you take clinical modules that see you working at the Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Family Court.
• You can help Amicus – a legal non-profit organisation fighting for those in the US facing a death sentence – make a difference protecting human rights. You'll help real people facing the death penalty. Amicus can also train you in US capital defence law and procedure, legal research, evidence, and professional conduct.
• At St Mary’s Law Clinic, you’ll collaborate with the leading law firm Hodge, Jones & Allen to analyse real legal problems and advise the local community.

Be taught and supported by experts
Our lecturers, who have recent practical expertise in law, will get to know you and be committed to your development. At SMU, you’ll get:

• a personal tutor for academic support
• a pastoral tutor dedicated to your wellbeing
• learning and development lecturers to help you build solid study skills
• a university wellness team.

That's why 100% of SMU Law students say teachers are good at explaining things, and 96% say teachers have supported their learning well (National Student Survey, 2024).

Hear from our students
Sophie, law student – “The support that students are offered is nothing short of excellent and I've really enjoyed working as a part of a smaller cohort.”

Muksaan, law student – “My lecturers have played a significant part in guiding me as they go out of their way to help and provide guidance.”

About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.

It will enable you to:

• apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting

• build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in

• develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace

• get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way
Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

Why St Mary’s?
You will gain skills and support to make a positive impact – for yourself and for others – through high-quality teaching, real-world experience, and a community that lifts each other up. Our campus is a London oasis – blending city energy with open green spaces to think, connect, and grow.

During the first year of the programme, you will be introduced to the nature of law and its interaction with society and to some of the 'Foundations of Legal Knowledge.' In the second year you will build on the knowledge and skills in the first year and continue to study the 'foundations of legal knowledge' develop the key skills of analysis and fact management. During the second year you will be able to choose from a range of specialist option modules, according to your own academic interests and potential career aspirations. In the final year you study subjects in greater depth and will study the final 'Foundations of Legal Knowledge', Equity and Trusts. As a single honours student you will also carry out supervised research project on a topic of your choice. You will be able to enhance your specialist knowledge through studying a range of dedicated modules.