Undergraduate Course

LLB (Hons) Licence English and French Law

(Double Degree)

How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Licence English and French Law (Double Degree)

UCAS code: M123

Start date: October 2026

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Essex Law School

What is LLB English and French Law (Licence) Double Degree

LLB English and French Law (Licence) is a prestigious three-year double degree that allows you to study both English and French law, leading to two qualifications: an LLB from the University of Essex and a Licence en Droit from a partner university in France.

This challenging and competitive course is designed for bilingual students who want to gain a deep understanding of two legal systems and legal cultures. It places you on the right academic path to pursue legal practice in both the UK and France.

You will spend your first two years at the University of Essex, studying the core foundations of English law required for the academic stage of legal training in the UK, while also learning French law taught in French. Your third year is spent at a partner institution in France, where you complete modules in French law and obtain the Licence en Droit.

Why this course

This course gives you the rewarding intellectual experience of studying law across two jurisdictions, languages and legal traditions. You will not only learn legal rules, but also explore the role of law in society, legal philosophy, policy issues and law reform.

By studying English and French law side by side, you will develop a comparative legal perspective and a strong understanding of how different legal systems approach justice, rights and governance. This makes the course particularly well suited to students interested in international law, human rights or cross-border legal careers.

The three-year double degree structure offers flexibility for postgraduate study, allowing you to progress to a two-year integrated Master’s degree in France or an LLM in the UK or abroad.

Who should apply

Bilingual students in French and English who want to study law in both legal systems
Applicants interested in qualifying for legal practice in the UK, France, or both
Students who enjoy comparative study, legal analysis and working across cultures
Learners aiming for careers in international law, human rights, public policy or multinational legal practice

What you will learn

Core foundations of English law required for the academic stage of training as a solicitor or barrister in the UK
Key principles of French law taught in French, including constitutional and private law
Comparative perspectives on legal systems, legal reasoning and law reform
Topics such as criminal liability, negligence, trusts, consumer rights and constitutional law in the UK and France
The function of law in society, legal philosophy and policy issues affecting individuals and institutions

Your learning experience

Two years of study at the University of Essex followed by a third year at a partner university in France
Teaching informed by internationally recognised research, including work from the Human Rights Centre
Opportunities to volunteer at the Essex Law Clinic alongside practising solicitors
Participation in mooting competitions, including the Oras! Mooting Competition with international judges
Professional and social activities organised by the Double Degree student association
Peer mentoring and regular networking opportunities with law firms and alumni

Careers and outcomes

Graduates of LLB English and French Law (Licence) are well prepared for a wide range of legal and international careers, including:

Legal practice in the UK or France, including routes towards qualification as a solicitor or barrister
International law firms, multinational organisations and cross-border legal roles
Human rights organisations, public policy bodies and international institutions
Further study, including integrated Master’s degrees in France or LLM programmes in the UK or abroad

Recent graduates have progressed to roles in leading law firms, international organisations and public institutions, or have continued their studies at prestigious universities in the UK and France.

Why we're great.

Our lecturers work with the UN, the UK government, and with EU and foreign governments.
You gain work experience advising real clients through opportunities such as the Essex Law Clinic.
Our English and French Law Double-Degree was the winner of the Franco-British Lawyers Society Academic Prize (2018).

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A-levels: ABB, including A in French (or equivalent).
IB: 32 points overall. This must include 6 in Higher Level French.
French Baccalaureate: An overall mark of 14 including 12 in English in both the oral and written components and 12 in French in both the oral and written components.

We receive a high number of applications for this programme and applicants are invited to interview and offers are made based on a combination of information from the application including personal statement, grades, and interview performance. This means that not all students who meet the entry requirements will be offered a place.

If you have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English

IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Structure

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

French Constitutional Law

(15 CREDITS)

You’ll receive an overview of French constitutional law, including elements of EU law, and will focus on the techniques of legal writing specific to French law and French legal culture. You’ll acquire an in depth understanding of the style of reasoning and legal development of French constitutional law, and you’ll learn to think and work in French law alongside the English legal system.

View French Constitutional Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

French Private Law I

(15 CREDITS)

You’ll gain an overview of the French legal system and French private law. You’ll look at the legal methods specific to French private law and French legal culture. You’ll acquire understanding of the style of reasoning of French private law and the relevant use of the civil code. You’ll learn to think and work in French law alongside the English legal system, and will gain the necessary background to analyse the key concepts of French private law.

View French Private Law I on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Contract Law

(30 CREDITS)

What are the legal consequences of contract failure? How do you calculate damages? Examine key aspects of contract law. Identify legal issues in simulated case studies and learn to construct legal arguments. Apply legal principles and precedent cases to resolve simulated legal problems. Build the numerical skills to calculate damages.

View Contract Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Public Law

(30 CREDITS)

This module introduces the fundamentals of the UK constitution and the foundations of judicial review. The module explores: the nature of the constitution; the structure of governmental power; the sources of constitutional rules; and the fundamental principles underpinning the UK constitution. The module considers the functions of the three branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial) and how they are accountable. The module examines the framework for protection of human rights in the UK and introduces the grounds of judicial review.

View Public Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Criminal Law

(30 CREDITS)

How effective is criminal law? How do you break down a criminal law statute to its component parts? And how do you then interpret it? Understand criminal law in England and Wales. Read and critically analyse judicial decisions. Assess and answer factual problems, raising issues of criminal liability.

View Criminal Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Essex Law Key Skills

(0 CREDITS)

Essex Law Key Skills provides an introduction to the English legal system and helps you acquire and develop a range of key skills that are important for legal studies. The module introduces you to the key sources of law and tools of practitioners in the English and Welsh legal systems, such as statutes, case law, treaties, and principles of academic writing, including research, writing and referencing skills. The module allows students to build on their legal and academic skills throughout their first year, with dedicated sessions for ensuring pastoral support.

View Essex Law Key Skills on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Career Development Learning Part 1

(0 CREDITS)

What are the main skills expected of a law graduate? And what key personal factors will inform your career choice? Get ready for the opportunities and challenges of the graduate labour market. Undertake activities, workshops and session that help you develop, building your key skills and competencies.

View Career Development Learning Part 1 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Tort Law

(30 CREDITS)

Who is liable for causing psychiatric harm? Or for causing economic loss? Study the foundations of negligence liability, examining further aspects of tort law. Gain experience of applying the principles of negligence liability to duty-based scenarios. Read and critically analyse judicial decisions.

View Tort Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Equity and Trusts

(15 CREDITS)

What is meant by breach of trust? What are the constitutional elements of a fully constituted trust? How can that trust be terminated? Study the principles governing the law of trusts. Examine the development of equity, equitable principles and equitable remedies. Analyse social and legal contexts in which trusts arise.

View Equity and Trusts on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Land Law

(30 CREDITS)

Land law is a topic that affects all of us, playing a fundamental role in regulating people's rights over one of the most valuable and useful legal assets. This module is designed to provide you with a sound understanding of the key features of land law, including its underlying principles and its importance in regulating property relations in response to social policy needs. Students will learn about the distinction between personal property and land, the framework for establishing and enforcing various different interests in land.

View Land Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Law of the European Union

(15 CREDITS)

What are the constitutional issues around the institutional structure of the EU? How has this changed with enlargement? Understand EU law to obtain a qualifying law degree. Examine the concepts of EU law and how different areas are connected. Analyse EU law within its political and socio-economic context.

View Law of the European Union on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

French Administrative Law

(15 CREDITS)

You’ll receive an overview of French administrative law, including the elements of EU law that influences and shapes the current development of French administrative law. You’ll focus on the legal methods specific to French law and will become familiar with French legal culture. You’ll acquire an in depth understanding of the style of reasoning of French public law, and will learn to think and work in French law alongside the English legal system.

View French Administrative Law on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: CORE

French Private Law II

(15 CREDITS)

This module gives you an overview of the French law of obligations (contracts and torts), and focuses on the legal methods specific to French law. You’ll gain the necessary background knowledge of the law of obligations (including the efficient use of the civil code) in order to pursue your studies in French private law at one of our partner universities in France.

View French Private Law II on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Career Development Skills Part 2

(0 CREDITS)

This module incorporates a range of teaching activities, workshops and panel sessions that encourage you to take ownership of your personal and professional development in order to compete in the graduate labour market. You will be able to identify, articulate and evidence your employability skills, and will develop a critical understanding of your place in the world of work.

View Career Development Skills Part 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Licence

(120 CREDITS)

The year you will spend in France. After successful completion you will be awarded a Licence de droit.

View Licence on our Module Directory

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,790 per year

Students will pay University of Essex tuition fees for the first and second year of study and will pay tuition fees to their French university for the third year.

International fee

£10,965 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:

Placement year

20% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Study abroad

Full year abroad

15% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Single term abroad

Standard tuition fee

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday 11 April 2026 - April Open Day

Saturday 20 June 2026 - June Open Day

Find out more

Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full details on how to apply can be found on the filling in your UCAS undergraduate application web page.

Our UK students, and some of our EU and international students, who are still at school or college, can apply through their school. Your school will be able to check and then submit your completed application to UCAS. Our other international applicants (EU or worldwide) or independent applicants in the UK can also apply online through UCAS Apply.

The UCAS code for our University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus codes for our Loughton and Southend Campuses are 'L' and 'S' respectively.

You can find further information on how to apply, including information on transferring from another university, applying if you are not currently at a school or college, and applying for readmission on our How to apply and entry requirements page.

If you receive an undergraduate offer to study with us in October 2026 and live in the UK, you will receive an email invitation to book onto one of our Open Days. These events provide the opportunity to meet your department, join interesting taster sessions, tour our campus and accommodation, and chat to current students. You can visit our Open Days event page for more information, including terms and conditions.

A sunny day with banners flying on Colchester Campus Square 4.

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.