Law Short Course

Prepare for a law degree with UEL's Introduction to Law Short Course. 10-week evening classes, low fees (£200), no formal qualifications required

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Prepare for a law degree with UEL's Introduction to Law Short Course. 10-week evening classes, low fees (£200), no formal qualifications required

Start date

January 2026

April 2026

September 2026

Attendance

Part-time

Learning mode

On campus

Course Summary

This course is subject to revalidation.

Prepare for undergraduate law study at the University of East London.

The Introduction to Law Short Course supports applicants who do not have formal qualifications and want to progress to a law degree.

You will gain: 

  • An introduction to legal study
  • Academic skills for degree-level law
  • Confidence to progress to undergraduate study

Progression routes

On successful completion, you may progress to:

In some cases, you may be offered a foundation year before progressing to your chosen degree.

Course structure

  • 10 weeks
  • Starts in September, January and April
  • One three-hour evening session per week
  • 15–20 hours of independent study per week 

Assessment includes: 

  • An academic presentation
  • A final written assessment

Who this course is for 

With low course fees and evening classes, this course is designed for learners balancing study with work, caring responsibilities or other commitments. 

The law department at UEL provides approachable teaching, academic expertise and active research.

Develop degree-level academic skills

Build your reading, writing and critical thinking skills to prepare for undergraduate legal study.

Prepare for a career in law

Build your confidence and independence while developing the skills employers value.

Flexible learning

Fit study around your work and personal commitments, with access to UEL’s learning facilities and resources.

What You'll Learn

Through a series of lectures and seminars, you will be introduced to:

  • the sources of law
  • the English legal system
  • how to read and interpret statutes
  • how to read and interpret case law. 

Skills development sessions are embedded throughout the course. You will learn how to:

  • access and use course literature
  • deliver academic presentations
  • write according to academic conventions. 

 

Academic skills development

The Introduction to Law Short Course builds on your work and life experiences to prepare you for degree-level study.

You will develop the ability to:

  • understand the expectations of Higher Education
  • read analytically using established techniques
  • think critically and engage in legal debates
  • research academic topics using UEL's library facilities
  • write academic essays
  • acknowledge sources correctly
  • work effectively in groups
  • design and deliver an academic presentation.

 

Teaching and support


You will learn through:

  • lectures
  • group activities
  • presentations
  • Guided reading and writing tasks
  • independent and online learning.
  • You will be fully supported throughout the course and have access to UEL’s facilities and support services.

This law short course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development to prepare you for undergraduate legal studies.

Entry Requirements

To start the Introduction to Law Short Course, you must pass an eligibility test

Read the Preparation document for the eligibility test before applying.

Applicants are expected to have:

  • GCSE pass at grade 4/C or above, or
  • An equivalent Level 2 qualification in English language

If you do not have or are working towards a level 2 qualification, you can still be considered for the Introduction to Law Short Course. 

You must have completed your level 2 course before starting your degree.
 

Fees and Funding

£200 (some means-tested bursaries are available for those on a low income).

 

Your Future Career

Students who complete this short course often progress to a full law degree at UEL. 

Graduates go on to careers in legal practice, corporate law and public service, as well as other graduate roles that value analytical thinking, problem-solving and strong communication skills.

A law degree prepares you for a range of professional pathways, both within and beyond the legal sector.

Explore the LLB Law page to learn more about progression and career opportunities.

What our students say

UEL University Square campus web pic
The short course helped me to gain experience in both fields of academic literature and knowledge of the subject, this also helped me to have easier access to the criminology course I am now studying. I wouldn't have been able to get onto this course had I not passed the exam, attended the course and studied the literature. I hope to further my academic education or to go into employment in criminal justice.

Athena Amos

Introduction to Law and Criminology Short Course, BA Hons Criminology and Criminal Justice

1:53

Natasha's story

‘All these people are going to think that law is not a career for me because lawyers are posh, white, upper-class old men.’

The Introduction to Law short course is a unique way to apply for a law degree, even if you don’t have formal qualifications.

How to Apply

You can apply in person, or you can telephone or email us:

  • Drop into our Advice and Guidance Centre between 9.30am and 4.30pm
  • Call 020 8223 4354
  • Email pep@uel.ac.uk

 

Visit us

The Advice and Guidance Centre is a 10-minute walk from Stratford Station:

University Square Stratford
1 Salway Road
London E15 1NF

Our Location