How to Choose the Right Law Modules for Your LLB Degree

1. Understanding LLB Module Selection: Key Factors to Consider

LLB programs typically include a mix of core modules, including Public Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Tort Law, Land Law, Equity & Trusts Law and European Union Law (this last one is sometimes offered as option), and optional modules, such as Jurisprudence, Commercial Law and International Law.

While core modules provide a strong legal foundation, optional modules allow you to explore niche areas of interest. As you will be obliged to study the core modules, you should make sure that the optional modules don't strain you too much. This will help you keep a good balance throughout your LLB degree.

There are several key factors you should consider. Firstly, your LLB module selection should be aligned with your career goals, so that the modules you choose actually help you get your dream legal position. There's nothing as disheartening as getting to the end of your degree and realising that you didn't choose International Law as your option, when all you really want to do is become an international lawyer.

Secondly, seek guidance from tutors, peers and legal professionals. They are you support network that will help you understand how to best select your options to strike a perfect balance between study workload, expected career outcomes and your chances of getting a first. Finally, really consider the grades that you are likely to get in the available optional law degree modules. Let's dig into the details of your LLB module selected.

2. Understand the LLB Course Structure: Balancing Core and Optional Modules

Familiarise yourself with your LLB program structure. Some universities mandate specific modules in the first year, leaving more flexibility for later years. Understanding the course structure ensures you meet the graduation requirements while pursuing your interests.

You should also have a good understanding of what each module you study involves. When it comes to optional modules, you will have to consult the module descriptors at your university for more information. The core modules are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system.

Here's a handy list of what each core module involves:

Public Law

In Public Law, UK LLB students study the legal framework governing the structure and functions of the state, including constitutional and administrative law. This includes topics such as the separation of powers, the rule of law, judicial review, human rights, and the relationship between individuals and the state.

Students learn about the UK constitution, the roles of Parliament, the executive, and the judiciary, and how laws are made, interpreted, and enforced. Public Law also covers key areas such as the European Convention on Human Rights and its incorporation into UK law through the Human Rights Act 1998.

Contract Law

Studying Contract Law as part of a UK LLB degree involves examining the legal principles and rules governing contracts. Students learn about the formation of contracts, including offer and acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations. They also study the terms of contracts, conditions, warranties, and innominate terms, as well as issues such as misrepresentation, mistake, duress, and undue influence.

Additionally, students explore breach of contract, remedies such as damages and specific performance, and the impact of legislation like the Sale of Goods Act and the Unfair Contract Terms Act. The module typically includes case law analysis and practical application of contract law principles.

Criminal Law

When studying a Criminal Law module as part of a UK LLB degree, students learn about the fundamental principles of criminal liability, including actus reus, mens rea, and strict liability. They explore various offences such as homicide, assault, theft, and fraud, as well as defences such as self-defence, insanity, and intoxication.

The module also covers general principles of criminal law, such as causation, attempt, and complicity. Students analyse case law, statutes, and legal principles to understand how criminal law is applied in practice. Additionally, they may examine the role of criminal justice institutions, sentencing, and the impact of criminal law on society.

Tort Law

In a UK LLB Tort Law module, lecturers typically teach students about the fundamental principles of tort law, focusing on civil wrongs and the liability that arises from them. Students learn about different types of torts, including negligence, trespass, nuisance, and defamation. The module covers key elements such as duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and remoteness of damage in negligence claims.

Students also study specific torts such as vicarious liability, occupiers' liability, and strict liability. Additionally, lecturers may explore defences to tort claims, such as consent, contributory negligence, and illegality. The module often includes case law analysis and practical applications of tort law principles, helping students understand how tort law operates in real-world scenarios.

Land Law

Studying Land Law as part of a UK LLB degree involves examining the legal principles governing the ownership, use, and transfer of land and property. Students learn about key concepts such as the distinction between legal and equitable interests, the doctrine of tenure and estates, and the rules governing co-ownership and trusts of land.

The module typically covers topics such as leases, easements, covenants, mortgages, and adverse possession. Students also explore the impact of legislation, including the Law of Property Act 1925 and the Land Registration Act 2002, on land transactions and ownership rights. Additionally, the module may address issues such as planning law, property disputes, and the interplay between common law and statutory provisions in land law.

Equity and Trusts

In an Equity & Trusts module as part of a UK LLB degree, students learn about the principles of equity and the law of trusts. The module covers the distinction between legal and equitable rights, focusing on how equity supplements the common law. Students study the creation and classification of trusts, including express, implied, resulting, and constructive trusts. They also examine the duties and powers of trustees, the rights of beneficiaries, and the remedies available for breach of trust. Additionally, the module explores equitable doctrines such as proprietary estoppel, undue influence, and unconscionable conduct.

Students analyse case law and statutory provisions, such as the Trustee Act 2000, to understand how equity and trusts operate in practice. The module may also address the use of trusts in commercial and personal contexts, including charitable trusts and pension funds.

European Union Law

In a European Union Law module as part of a UK LLB degree, students learn about the legal framework and institutions of the European Union (EU). The module typically covers the history and development of the EU, its institutional structure (including the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, and the European Court of Justice), and the sources of EU law, such as treaties, regulations, directives, and decisions. Students study key principles of EU law, including the supremacy of EU law, direct effect, and the fundamental freedoms (such as the free movement of goods, services, persons, and capital).

Additionally, the module may address EU competition law, the internal market, and the relationship between EU law and domestic law, including the impact of Brexit on the UK's legal system. Students also analyse case law from the European Court of Justice to understand how EU law is interpreted and applied.

3. Research the Best Optional Law Modules in the UK + Top Picks for LLB Students

Some modules are renowned for their academic rigor and career prospects. Others are often seen by potential employers as too impractical for law practice. Research the best law modules UK universities have to offer by consulting university rankings and alumni reviews. The "Popular choices" section on your university page will guide you on what other students tend to choose as their modules. In general, popular choices of optional modules around the UK include modules like Jurisprudence, Legal Ethics, Human Rights Law and Medical Law.

Below is a list of 10 of the best optional LLB modules in the UK, known for their academic rigor and career prospects. These optional modules allow students to tailor their LLB degree to their specific interests and career aspirations, providing a well-rounded legal education.

Here they are:

International Law

In an International Law module as part of a UK LLB degree, students learn about the legal principles governing the relationships between states and other international actors. The module typically covers the sources of international law, including treaties, customary international law, and general principles of law.

Students study key concepts such as state sovereignty, jurisdiction, and the responsibility of states for internationally wrongful acts. Additionally, the module may explore the role of international organisations, such as the United Nations, and the legal framework surrounding the use of force, human rights, and international criminal law. Students also examine the interaction between international law and domestic law, including how international treaties are incorporated into national legal systems. Case studies and analysis of international court decisions are often used to illustrate the application of international law in practice.

Commercial Law

In a Commercial Law module, students learn about the legal principles governing commercial transactions. It usually covers the law of agency, sales of goods, and contracts. Students study topics including the formation and termination of contracts, terms of contracts, and remedies for breach of contract. Additionally, the module may address commercial practices such as agency relationships, the sale and supply of goods, and consumer protection laws.

Students also learn about the legal framework surrounding credit and security, including the law on secured transactions and insolvency. The module often includes analysis of case law and statutory provisions, such as the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, to understand how commercial law operates in practice.

Jurisprudence

In a Jurisprudence module, UK lecturers teach students about the philosophy of law and the theoretical foundations of legal systems. The module typically explores fundamental questions about the nature of law, its relationship with morality, justice, and power, and the role of law in society. Students study various schools of legal thought, such as natural law, legal positivism, realism, and critical legal studies.

They also examine key jurisprudential concepts, including rights, duties, justice, and the rule of law. Additionally, the module may cover topics such as the interpretation of legal texts, the role of judges, and the relationship between law and social change. Lecturers often use case studies, philosophical texts, and legal theories to encourage critical thinking and debate about the nature and purpose of law.

Human Rights Law

In a Human Rights Law module at UK universities, students learn about the fundamental principles and legal frameworks that protect individual rights and freedoms. The module typically covers the historical development of human rights, both internationally and domestically, including key instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and the UK's Human Rights Act 1998.

Students study the scope and application of specific rights, such as the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial. Additionally, the module examines the balance between rights and public interests, such as national security and public safety. Students also explore the mechanisms for enforcing human rights, including the role of courts such as the European Court of Human Rights and the UK courts.

The module often includes case studies and legal analysis to illustrate how human rights law is applied in practice and the challenges it faces in contemporary society.

Medical Law

A Medical Law module in a UK LLB course covers the legal principles and ethical issues surrounding healthcare and medical practice. The module typically explores topics such as medical negligence, consent to treatment, confidentiality, and the rights of patients. Students study key legal cases and statutes, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Human Rights Act 1998, to understand how the law regulates medical practice and protects patients' rights.

Additionally, the module may address controversial issues such as euthanasia, abortion, and the use of new medical technologies. Students also learn about the role of regulatory bodies, such as the General Medical Council, and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. The module often includes case studies and legal analysis to illustrate how medical law is applied in practice and the challenges it faces in balancing individual rights with public health concerns.

Environmental Law

UK LLB students studying Environmental Law learn about the legal principles and frameworks governing environmental protection and sustainability. The module typically covers key areas such as environmental regulation, pollution control, climate change law, and the management of natural resources.

Students explore the role of national and international environmental laws, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Climate Change Act 2008, and EU environmental directives. Additionally, the module may address topics such as waste management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental impact assessments. Students also examine the relationship between environmental law and other legal areas, such as planning law and human rights law.

The module often includes case studies and legal analysis to illustrate how environmental law is applied in practice and the challenges it faces in addressing global environmental issues

Intellectual Property Law

Studying Intellectual Property Law as part of a UK LLB course involves learning about the legal principles and frameworks that protect intellectual creations, such as inventions, designs, trademarks, and copyrights. Students typically explore the key concepts of intellectual property, including patents, copyright, trademarks, and designs, and how these rights are protected under UK and international law.

The module covers the creation, registration, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, as well as the legal remedies available for infringement. Students also study the balance between protecting intellectual property and promoting innovation and competition. Additionally, the module may address specific areas such as trade secrets, domain names, and the impact of digital technologies on intellectual property law.

Case studies and legal analysis are often used to illustrate how intellectual property law operates in practice and the challenges it faces in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Family Law

When studying Family Law as part of a UK LLB degree, students learn about the legal principles and frameworks governing family relationships and domestic issues. The module typically covers key areas such as marriage, divorce, civil partnerships, cohabitation, and the legal rights and responsibilities of family members.

Students explore topics such as child law, including parental responsibility, child arrangements, and adoption, as well as financial provision and property disputes arising from family breakdowns. Additionally, the module may address issues such as domestic violence, child protection, and the role of social services. Students also learn about the legal processes involved in family law cases, including alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.

The module often includes case studies and legal analysis to illustrate how family law is applied in practice and the challenges it faces in balancing the rights and welfare of individuals within the family unit.

Criminal Justice and Criminology

A Criminal Justice and Criminology module in a UK LLB course focuses on the study of crime, its causes, and the legal systems and processes involved in addressing criminal behaviour. Students learn about the key theories and concepts in criminology, including the sociological, psychological, and biological explanations of criminal behaviour.

The module typically covers topics such as the criminal justice system, policing, the courts, and the role of the prosecution and defence. Students also study the principles of criminal law, including the elements of a crime, criminal liability, and the various defences available to defendants. Additionally, the module may explore issues such as sentencing, rehabilitation, and the impact of criminal justice policies on society.

Case studies and legal analysis are often used to illustrate how criminal justice and criminology theories are applied in practice and the challenges faced by the legal system in addressing crime and promoting justice.

Employment Law

When studying an Employment Law module in a UK law degree, students learn about the legal principles and frameworks governing the relationship between employers and employees. The module typically covers key areas such as employment contracts, rights and duties of employers and employees, discrimination law, and the termination of employment.

During the course, students explore topics such as unfair dismissal, redundancy, equal pay, and the protection of workers' rights. Additionally, the module may address issues such as health and safety regulations, collective bargaining, and the role of trade unions. Students also learn about the legal processes involved in resolving employment disputes, including the role of employment tribunals and the remedies available for breaches of employment law.

In employment law, case studies and legal analyses are often used to illustrate how employers and employees' rights and interests are balanced.

4. Choosing Law Modules: How to Align Your Choices with Career Goals

Your choice of modules should reflect your long-term career goals. For example, if you aspire to specialise in human rights law, prioritise modules like International Law or European Union Law. In contrast, those interested in corporate law should focus on modules such as Commercial Law or Corporate Governance.

Consulting with academic advisors or faculty members can provide invaluable guidance in selecting the best modules for your career path. These professionals have a deep understanding of the curriculum and can offer insights into how different modules align with various legal specialisations. Additionally, they can help you identify the prerequisites and recommend LLB modules that complement your interests and strengths.

In general, here are some popular career choices for students who chose the following optional modules during the LLB degree:

International Law

Popular career choices for students who studied International Law during their UK LLB degree include roles in international organisations, government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private sector firms with a global focus. Many graduates pursue careers as international lawyers, specialising in areas such as human rights, environmental law, trade law, or international arbitration. Others find opportunities in diplomacy, working for foreign affairs departments or as legal advisors to embassies and consulates.

International organisations like the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization often seek candidates with a strong foundation in International Law. Similarly, NGOs working on global issues such as refugee rights, climate change, or international justice frequently hire lawyers with expertise in this field.

For those inclined towards academia or policy-making, studying International Law can lead to roles in research institutions or think tanks, where they contribute to shaping international legal frameworks. Additionally, some graduates opt for careers in multinational corporations, advising on compliance with international regulations and treaties.

By strategically selecting International Law as an optional module and complementing it with related areas such as Human Rights Law or European Union Law, you can significantly enhance your employability in these competitive and impactful career paths.

Commercial Law

Students who studied Commercial Law during their UK LLB degree may find employment in corporate legal departments, law firms specialising in business law, and financial institutions. Law graduates with Commercial Law experience often become corporate lawyers, advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance.

Commercial Law students are also well-suited for positions in banking and finance, where they handle legal aspects of transactions, risk management, and financial regulations. Some graduates work as in-house legal counsel for corporations, providing guidance on business operations, intellectual property, and commercial disputes.

Additionally, roles in regulatory bodies or government agencies are common, as these organizations require legal experts to oversee compliance with commercial laws. For those interested in academia or policy-making, opportunities exist in research institutions and think tanks focused on business law and economic policy.

Choosing Commercial Law as an optional module and combining it with related subjects such as Corporate Governance or Intellectual Property Law can help you enhance your employability and align their legal education with their career goals.

Jurisprudence

Students who studied Jurisprudence during their UK LLB degree often pursue careers in academia, legal research, and policy-making. Jurisprudence provides graduates with a thorough understanding of legal philosophy, enabling them to critically analyse and interpret the foundations of law. This background is particularly valuable for those interested in teaching law or conducting scholarly research within legal institutions.

Moreover, graduates with a focus on Jurisprudence may work in think tanks, non-governmental organisations, or public policy roles, where they contribute to shaping legal and social policies. Their expertise in legal theory and ethics makes them well-suited to roles that involve advising on human rights, justice reform, or ethical governance.

Some students apply their Jurisprudence knowledge to excel in specialised legal practice areas, such as constitutional law, human rights law, or criminal justice. These areas demand a nuanced understanding of legal principles and their societal implications, which the study of Jurisprudence provides.

Combining Jurisprudence with other modules such as Human Rights Law, Legal Ethics, or Criminal Justice can further enhance career prospects, enabling graduates to align their legal education with their professional aspirations in both practical and theoretical fields.

Human Rights Law

Students who studied Human Rights Law during their UK LLB degree often pursue careers in international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and governmental bodies focused on human rights advocacy. These roles enable graduates to work on issues such as refugee rights, equality, and justice reform, both within the UK and internationally.

Many graduates choose to become human rights lawyers, representing individuals or groups in cases involving civil liberties, discrimination, or humanitarian law. Others work for organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, or the United Nations, contributing to policy development and campaigning for global human rights causes.

Some students pursue careers in academia or legal research, focusing on the theoretical and practical aspects of human rights law. This path often involves publishing scholarly work, teaching, or contributing to the development of legal frameworks and policies.

Combining Human Rights Law with other modules such as International Law, Legal Ethics, or Criminal Justice can broaden career opportunities, enabling graduates to work in diverse areas such as international criminal tribunals, legal advocacy, or public interest law.

Medical Law

Medical Law students often go into healthcare-related law after they get their UK LLB degree. These include positions within NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Graduates may work as legal advisers, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and addressing issues such as patient consent, medical negligence, and confidentiality.

Many students choose to specialise as medical lawyers, representing healthcare professionals, hospitals, or patients in cases involving medical malpractice, ethical dilemmas, or health policy disputes. Some work for organisations such as the General Medical Council (GMC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), contributing to the regulation and standards of medical practice.

Others pursue careers in academia or legal research, focusing on the intersection of law and medicine. This path often involves publishing scholarly work, teaching, or contributing to the development of healthcare policies and legal frameworks. Combining Medical Law with other modules such as Human Rights Law, Ethics, or Criminal Justice can broaden career opportunities, enabling graduates to work in diverse areas such as health policy advocacy, bioethics, or public interest law.

Environmental Law

UK LLB students who study environmental law often work for environmental law firms, governments, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These roles enable graduates to work on issues such as climate change, sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice.

Many graduates choose to become environmental lawyers, representing clients in cases involving environmental regulations, land use, pollution control, and renewable energy projects. Some work for organisations such as the Environment Agency, Greenpeace, or the United Nations, contributing to policy development and campaigning for environmental protection.

Others pursue careers in academia or legal research, focusing on the intersection of law and environmental science. This path often involves publishing scholarly work, teaching, or contributing to the development of environmental policies and legal frameworks.

If you combine Environmental Law with other modules like International Law, Human Rights Law, or Energy Law, you'll have more career options, such as international environmental law, climate change litigation, or sustainable development advocacy.

Intellectual Property Law

Students who studied Intellectual Property Law during their UK LLB degree often pursue careers in law firms specialising in intellectual property, technology, and media law. These roles enable graduates to work on matters such as copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.

Many graduates choose to become intellectual property lawyers, representing clients in cases involving IP infringement, licensing agreements, and the protection of creative works. Some work for organisations such as the UK Intellectual Property Office, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), or in-house legal departments of companies, contributing to the development and enforcement of IP policies.

Others pursue careers in academia or legal research, focusing on the intersection of law and innovation. This path often involves publishing scholarly work, teaching, or contributing to the development of intellectual property policies and legal frameworks. Combining Intellectual Property Law with other modules such as Commercial Law, Technology Law, or Media Law can broaden career opportunities, enabling graduates to work in diverse areas such as technology transfer, brand management, or digital rights advocacy.

Family Law

UK LLB students who study Family Law often pursue careers in family law practice, social services, and advocacy. With these roles, graduates can work on matters such as divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and adoption.

Many graduates choose to become family lawyers, representing clients in cases involving marriage, divorce, child protection, and financial settlements. Some work for organisations such as law firms, local authorities, or charities, contributing to the development and enforcement of family law policies.

Some people go into academia or legal research, focusing on the intersection of family dynamics and law. Publishing scholarly works, teaching, or contributing to legal frameworks and policies related to family law are often a part of this path. Combining Family Law with other modules such as Human Rights Law, Child Law, or Social Justice can broaden career opportunities, enabling graduates to work in diverse areas such as child advocacy, mediation, or public policy development.

Criminal Justice and Criminology

UK LLB students who study Criminal Justice and Criminology often pursue careers in areas such as criminal law practice, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. With these roles, graduates can work on matters such as criminal defence, prosecution, rehabilitation, and crime prevention.

It is common for graduates to become criminal lawyers, representing clients in criminal cases, trials, and appeals. Some work for organisations such as law firms, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), or the police force, contributing to the development and enforcement of criminal justice policies.

Some people go into academia or legal research, focusing on the intersection of criminology and law. Publishing scholarly works, teaching, or contributing to legal frameworks and policies related to criminal justice are often part of this path. Combining Criminal Justice and Criminology with other modules such as Human Rights Law, Public Law, or International Law can broaden career opportunities, enabling graduates to work in diverse areas such as criminal advocacy, policy development, or international criminal law.

Employment Law

Employment Law students often pursue careers in employment law practice, human resources, and industrial relations following their LLB studies. They can work on matters such as employment contracts, workplace disputes, discrimination, and redundancy..

Many graduates choose to become employment lawyers, representing clients in cases involving employment rights, unfair dismissal, and workplace grievances. Some work for organisations such as law firms, trade unions, or in-house legal departments, contributing to the development and enforcement of employment law policies.

Some people go into academia or legal research, focusing on the intersection of employment law and workplace dynamics. Publishing scholarly works, teaching, or contributing to legal frameworks and policies related to employment law are often part of this path.

Combining Employment Law with other modules such as Human Rights Law, Commercial Law, or EU Law can broaden career opportunities, enabling graduates to work in diverse areas such as employment advocacy, policy development, or international employment law.

5. LLB Module Selection: Seek Guidance from Tutors, Legal Professionals and Peers

Your law tutors, lecturers, and peers can provide valuable insights into module selection. They can share their experiences, highlight challenging modules, and recommend those that align with your strengths and interests. For example, you can ask older law students who studied a particular module in the past about how challenging they found it and whether they would have taken it again given the choice.

But be careful not to rely on their opinion too much. Pay attention to the things they found hard or difficult and reflect on whether the same would apply to you. By carefully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that enhance your academic experience and prepare you for a successful legal career.

Additionally, seeking advice from practising lawyers or attending law fairs can offer a practical perspective on module relevance. For example, you can ask solicitors and barristers what modules they usually look for on law students' transcripts and why.

This holistic approach ensures you select modules that not only align with your academic strengths, but also prepare you for the specific demands of your desired legal career path. If you have a vision of what type of law you want to work in in the future, then selecting the right modules will make you a better candidate for your dream legal job.

6. Making the Right Choices for First-Class Results

Now that you have a good understanding of the differences between core and optional modules, and how choosing law modules can affect your future career, you should consider one more factor that should drive your LLB module selection: chances of getting a first. At each university there are some modules that are commonly known as hard to pass, and others which are thought of as easy. This can be down to two factors: the area of law itself and the lecturer(s) teaching it.

Some areas of law are just a bit harder to understand than others for most students. For example, many students struggle with Jurisprudence because it is very different from traditional legal modules. In Jurisprudence there are usually no cases or statute sections to study. Instead, you engage with theories of what the law is and how it should be. That’s a big change from evaluating court decisions and legislation. Before Jurisprudence as your law degree module you should have a quick look at the textbooks recommended by the course, to understand whether you will be able to pull off writing a high quality assignment on legal theory.

Equally, in your LLB module selection take into account the reputation of the lecturers and tutors teaching each module. For example, you might be really interested in studying Environmental Law, but are you prepared to work really hard to satisfy the strict requirements of the lecturer who delivers the module? If you are, or your grades in other LLB modules you studied in the past are sufficiently good, then perhaps your interest in environmental issues is worth the risk. Just go with your instinct on this one.