English and German Law Dual Degree LLB
London (Bloomsbury) for years 1 and 2, Universität zu Köln, Germany for years 3 and 4
English and German Law Dual Degree LLB (2024)
Our vision is of a faculty which provides a diverse, inclusive and deeply non-discriminatory home for both staff and students – competitive as well as caring to achieve excellence and to allow all its members to flourish. With growing demand in Europe for lawyers qualified in more than one jurisdiction, this four-year dual degree programme involves two years of study both at UCL and at the Universität zu Köln in Germany, leading to the award of a Bachelor of Laws degree from each institution.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
Programme starts
September 2023Application deadline
25 Jan 2023UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- Complete fluency in German required.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- BBB more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- Complete fluency in German required.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Complete fluency in German is required.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 32 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Complete fluency in German is required.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Pass in Access to HE Diploma, with a minimum of 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades A*AA. Complete fluency in German is required.
A1,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A1,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher). Complete fluency in German required
D2,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Complete fluency in German required
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Additional tests
LNAT
All students applying for Law programmes must take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) before their application will be considered. More information is also available on the UCL Laws website .
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 4
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
The Law Faculty offers a wide range of subjects and employs a variety of teaching methods. The degree programme provides both a general liberal education and a basis for careers not only in the legal profession but also in fields as diverse as the civil service, local government, the social services, higher education, the armed forces, business, industry, the media, finance and accountancy.
We start the first two weeks of the first academic year with a two-week induction programme: Laws' Connections: Legal Doctrine and Contemporary Challenges. Laws' Connections is designed to be an inspiring introduction to the study of law here at UCL Laws, and to the role of law in addressing social challenges.
You will then study compulsory modules in Public Law, Contract Law, Property I and Criminal Law during Year 1 of the programme. Students on the programme are also required to undertake a European Legal Studies (German) module (taught in German) in both Years 1 and 2 at UCL. In Year 1, the module introduces the German legal system/methodology, and core concepts of Constitutional Law.
In Year 2 you will take four more compulsory modules: Tort, Property II, EU and Human Rights Law, and European Legal Studies (German). In Year 2, the European Legal Studies module includes tuition in German Contract law and the Law of Obligations.
Year 3 and 4 are spent at the Universität zu Köln studying towards the German Law degree in accordance with the host university's degree requirements.
During this time, students will be registered as full-time undergraduates of the host university. They will however remain under the pastoral care of a UCL academic mentor and the UCL Laws Undergraduate Office throughout their time in Germany.
Students are given the opportunity to remain enrolled at the Universität zu Köln after completing the UCL LLB and Köln Bachelor of Laws in order to take the German First State Exam.
Please note, to be eligible to enrol on and satisfy all academic requirements for the German First State Exam, in the instance you are applying on the basis of UK A level qualifications, you must have studied mathematics or a natural science subject as one of your three A level subjects.
The department does not offer language tuition. Throughout the programme, students will be responsible for maintaining, or, if necessary, improving their linguistic ability in German to meet the academic demands of the degree.
Please note: students enrolled on this programme will only be permitted to transfer to the three-year LLB degree in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of both institutions.
What this course will give you
This programme leads to the award of two LLB degrees: the LLB Bachelor of Laws from UCL and the LLB Bachelor of Laws from the Universität zu Köln.
You will be taught by distinguished academics who are cutting-edge researchers in their fields. Their knowledge of law and their significant experience and influence will enrich your learning.
The international scope of our degrees is reflected in the content of different topics, itself reflecting the expertise of our staff in international and comparative law.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a LLB (Hons) in English and German Law Dual Degree.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
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We start the first two weeks of the first academic year with a two-week induction programme: Laws' Connections: Legal Doctrine and Contemporary Challenges. Laws' Connections is designed to be an inspiring introduction to the study of law here at UCL Laws, and to the role of law in addressing social challenges.
You will then study compulsory modules in Public Law, Contract Law, Property I and Criminal Law during Year 1 of the programme. Students on the programme are also required to undertake a European Legal Studies (German) module (taught in German) in both Years 1 and 2 at UCL. In Year 1, the module introduces the German legal system/methodology, and core concepts of Constitutional Law.
In Year 2 you will take four more compulsory modules: Tort, Property II, EU and Human Rights Law, and European Legal Studies (German). In Year 2, the European Legal Studies module includes tuition in German Contract law and the Law of Obligations.
Year 3 and 4 are spent at the Universität zu Köln studying towards the German Law degree in accordance with the host university's degree requirements.
During this time, students will be registered as full-time undergraduates of the host university. They will however remain under the pastoral care of a UCL academic mentor and the UCL Laws Undergraduate Office throughout their time in Germany.
Students are given the opportunity to remain enrolled at the Universität zu Köln after completing the UCL LLB and Köln Bachelor of Laws in order to take the German First State Exam.
Please note, to be eligible to enrol on and satisfy all academic requirements for the German First State Exam, in the instance you are applying on the basis of UK A level qualifications, you must have studied mathematics or a natural science subject as one of your three A level subjects.
The department does not offer language tuition. Throughout the programme, students will be responsible for maintaining, or, if necessary, improving their linguistic ability in German to meet the academic demands of the degree.
Please note: students enrolled on this programme will only be permitted to transfer to the three-year LLB degree in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of both institutions.
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Your learning
While at UCL, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and in tutorial groups of approximately 9 students. We encourage substantial student participation and discussion in seminars and tutorials on the basis of prepared work. Considerable emphasis is placed on small group teaching where you will benefit from individual attention and advice.
In Cologne you will learn to be self-organised as you will choose between certain courses and create your own schedule.
Each week of Years 1 and 2 of the programme students will have at least four x two-hour lectures and two small group tutorials each week of terms 1 and 2. In addition to formal learning and teaching events such as lectures, seminars and tutorials, you will have to undertake independent private study. Whilst everybody is different, we expect you to dedicate about 30 hours of private study per week. It may be more some weeks. Many students organise informal study groups and find working with colleagues helpful.
Assessment
You are required to pass written assessments each year for each of your modules. You may also be assessed by way of, for example, group work/presentation.
In Cologne, you are required to pass written examinations at the end of each semester. Furthermore, you have to take 5 tutorials in your two years at the University of Cologne and one colloquium in Comparative Law. It is your choice whether you undertake your research essay with UCL or Cologne (varied regulations apply).
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
The wide range of skills and subjects learned throughout your degree open up many opportunities when you graduate. Many UCL Laws graduates move directly to further vocational study and train to become solicitors or barristers. Recent graduates have also chosen employment in government, political service and a range of industries. Some have selected to undertake further academic study.
*Please note as this degree programme is small, career data has been aggregated with other LLB programmes at UCL.
Employability
As a law student, you will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of how the law works and how it may be changed, to sharpen your powers of reasoning, and to develop both the technical expertise to solve legal problems and the capacity to determine whether a solution is fair and just. This programme allows students to gain legal knowledge of both jurisdictions.
Accreditation
All our undergraduate programme degrees are compliant with the QAA subject benchmark statement for law and contain the "Foundations of Legal Knowledge" subjects, as well as the skills associated with graduate legal work such as legal research.Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £26,200 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2023/24 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.
Additional costs
This programme is taught both at UCL (Years 1 and 2) and the Universität zu Köln in Germany (Years 3 and 4). You should consider the additional travel, accommodation and subsistence costs associated with undertaking this programme in two locations.
You will pay UCL tuition fees to UCL in Years 1 and 2, and you will pay Universität zu Köln tuition fees to Universität zu Köln in Years 3 and 4.
If you have any questions or concerns about the additional costs, please contact the Laws Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information (details given on this page).
In addition, please note that if you wish to study abroad during your programme at UCL, this is likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
In 2019, UCL Laws introduced the UCL Laws LLB Opportunity Scholarship to support eligible students in financial need to study Law at UCL. The awards support eligible undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds on the LLB programme. Each of the scholarships awarded will provide the successful candidate with a maintenance bursary of £15,000 per annum for the duration of their degree. The scholarship does not cover the cost of tuition fees, but the bursary can be utilised for any purpose. Please check the Laws website for further information.
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
We are seeking dedicated candidates who have an aptitude for exploring arguments and ideas. Your ability to formulate and express thoughts and opinions is critical, as is a demonstration of the reasoning skills that are at the heart of a legal education. You should possess an informed interest in current affairs and the world around you.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Candidates are required to demonstrate complete fluency in German in addition to the standard entry requirements.
Candidates will be assessed through their UCAS applications, the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) and, in the case of laws with a language programmes, an interview to assess language capability. The LNAT is a requirement for all applicants and candidates must take this before the UCAS deadline for the cycle they are applying in. Applicants must link LNAT registration details to UCL. Although your proven academic achievements are important, a knowledge of law is not required. Demonstration of your perseverance in past achievements (e.g. in your academic work) along with a strong, genuine and intelligent motivation for studying law will contribute to your successful admission to UCL. Before applying, you must review the Laws website for further details on the application process/entry requirements and read though the list of FAQs.Got questions? Get in touch
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students. Universität zu Köln is regulated by the TBC.