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Introduction
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Course structure
In semester 1, we’ll help you take your oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to a standard where you can thrive in higher education. You’ll get to grips with key legal concepts and develop your studying techniques that will help equip you for your future studies. You will study modules including Introduction to Law and Study Skills.
Semester 2 covers important themes in criminal, constitutional and contract law. You’ll complete a small research project to further develop the skills you’ll need for your undergraduate degree, with one-to-one support from a supervisor.
Throughout the year, you’ll receive guidance from an academic adviser. They will help you plan your next steps after finishing the course, whether this is further study or finding employment.
Overview
Develop academic and workplace skills – including skills of communication and research – that will help you thrive in education and beyond. Successfully completing your Foundation Diploma in Law diploma guarantees you a spot on one of our undergraduate law courses.
The programme is ideal if you need to top-up your A-level grades before coming to university, or if you’re returning to study after a break from education.
On the course you will:
develop key legal skills such as statutory interpretation and case reading
enhance your problem solving and oral skills
gain highly-valued competencies in legal research and writing.
You’ll be taught by academic staff whose diverse experience will shape your learning. The support you’re given will help you succeed at Oxford Brookes and beyond.
Modules
Semester 1
Compulsory modules
Introduction to Law
In this module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of the English and Welsh Legal System. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to study law at degree-level, as you get to grips with the role of the courts. You’ll have a firm grasp of the sources of law in a common law system, and how the courts work in England and Wales. You’ll also visit a court, and gain an understanding of how courts operate.
Principles of Criminal Law and Reading Cases
In this module, you’ll gain a crucial skill in a key area of Law - the ability to read legal cases with precision, rigour, and clarity. You’ll also explore some fundamental concepts of criminal law, including what constitutes a criminal act or criminal mindset.
Research Skills
In this module, you’ll gain the core knowledge to succeed in your Foundation in Law course. You’ll develop key skills in how to undertake a research project in law. You’ll get to know legal databases, and the process of managing and carrying out a research project.
Study Skills
In this module, you’ll develop the tools you need to study Law successfully at university. You’ll gain excellent organisation and time management skills, crucial to studying the law in the full workload of an LLB Degree. You’ll gain the critical skills to read widely and purposefully. You’ll also learn how to take notes effectively while reading, as well as write clearly and correctly.
Semester 2
Compulsory modules
Criminal Advocacy Application
In this module, you’ll develop key skills for practising law. You’ll develop core knowledge of criminal advocacy, which is when you make your client’s case to the court. You’ll get to know the criminal procedure of a Crown Court Trial, and develop your ability to communicate confidently and persuasively when speaking in public. You’ll gain the oral presentation skills you need for criminal advocacy in the Crown Court, and you’ll learn these skills through video recording, feedback and analysis.
Introduction to Constitutional Law and Essay Writing
In this module, you’ll gain core skills in legal writing, accelerating your chances of success in your Foundation in Law course, and later LLB degree. You’ll learn how to use journal articles to enhance your legal analysis. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice your legal writing, allowing you to improve continually.
Principles of Contract Law and Problem Solving
In this module, you’ll get to grips with the law of Contract, which governs and enforces how, and when, we make legal agreements. You’ll understand Contract Law from the point of view of a consumer, and understand the most recent law on consumer rights. You’ll gain a strong understanding of statutory interpretation - how courts interpret and apply the law. You’ll also gain key skills in problem solving, vital to practicing the law.
Research Project
This module gives you the chance to do independent research on a fascinating legal subject. You’ll gain core skills for studying the law at degree-level, as you identify, define and complete your own research project. You’ll base your project on one of three topics, centered around our staff’s research interests, meaning you’ll always be taught by an expert. You’ll have expert guidance and one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will help you as you get to know your topic.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 72
A Level: DDD
IB Points: 24
BTEC: MMP
Specific entry requirements
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
the Welsh Baccalaureate
the Access to Higher Education Diploma
a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
the International Baccalaureate Diploma
the European Baccalaureate Diploma
Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
a recognised foundation course
T-levels*.
* T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
For students without English as a first language, an IELTS score of 6 is required.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn in a highly supportive environment that encourages a broad range of learning styles.
Our course modules originate from the School of Law. This means that we draw on a range of content, approaches and expertise from within the Faculty.
You will learn through a variety of teaching and learning methods including:
lectures, seminars and workshops
supervised independent learning
court visits
skills acquisition sessions
work with a wide range of practical resources.
During your studies, you’ll gain a range of personal and professional skills which will be a springboard for your future career development in a number of industries.
Assessment
Assessment methods are diverse. While some modules require formal exams, we will mostly assess you by coursework, including:
essays
reflective logbooks
critical commentaries.
Career Opportunities
Careers
After successfully completing the course you are free to progress on to one of our LLB programmes: Law, Law with Business, or Law with Criminology. Your academic adviser will help you decide which course is your best option.
You’ll have learned techniques in academic study and interpersonal communication, boosting your self-confidence.
Your new skills in presentation, independent learning, teamworking, and research will be useful in a variety of workplaces.
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