Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: LLB (Hons) Indicative duration: 4 years
Start date:
Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Fascinated by psychology and law? Combine your interests, in our LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology.

This comprehensive degree allows you to explore aspects of psychology alongside your legal studies – leading to opportunities across a wide range of industries. This course is ideal if you’re considering a legal career, or a role within psychology that requires a background in law. You’ll also be prepared in part for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), or to progress onto a Bar Practice Course if you wish to become a barrister.

Touch on a variety of interesting topic areas, including:

  • the ethical principles of research and conduct set by the British Psychological Society
  • fascinating areas of human development – including neuroscience, perception, cognition, emotion and social interaction
  • the legal framework that underpins the UK judiciary, executive and parliament
  • principles of criminal liability and elements of major offences, including homicide, theft and offences against the person

Your studies culminate in a detailed research project on a related topic of your interest. Alternatively, you can select from a range of advanced modules in specialist topics.

Why we’re great

  • Experienced legal practitioners deliver your modules and help you to develop legal knowledge and skills that are required in practice.
  • Develop the skills required for careers in the legal sector, as well as related fields.
  • Become part of our established, international student community covering 140 countries.
  • Receive high quality silver rated teaching (TEF 2023).
  • Gain a recognised qualification from the University of Essex, one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025).

Course structure

The LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 360 credits.

Optional modules: choose one at Level 4; choose one at Level 5; choose modules worth a total of 60 credits at Level 6.

This module is designed to give you an introduction to the English legal system, including case analysis and statutory interpretation. You'll gain a thorough understanding of the role of lawyers in society and the duties upon their conduct. You'll also develop interpretive and critical reading skills, as well as essential skills in legal writing, presentation and interviewing.  

Gain a thorough introduction to the role of substantive criminal law, including the classification of offences and modes of participation. You'll gain an understanding of the principles of criminal liability and elements of major offences, including homicide, theft and offences against the person. You'll also explore topics such as defences, sentencing and inchoate offences.  

Learn all about constitutional law, administrative law and human rights law. In this thought-provoking module, you'll examine key constitutional principles such as separation of powers, the rule of law and constitutional conventions. You'll also cover the legal framework that underpins the UK judiciary, executive and parliament, and explore the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights.   

This defining module provides you with the toolkit to analyse how we process, store and use information about ourselves and others. You’ll learn about the role of social psychologists and explore the ethical principles of research and conduct set by the British Psychological Society.  

Ready to discover more about brain behaviour, human memory and cognition? This exciting module will broaden your knowledge by introducing you to the history and science behind cognitive psychology. You’ll learn how to apply cognitive psychology to other disciplines and find out more about relevant research and theories within this fascinating field. 

By studying this thought-provoking module, you’ll understand why people are different from each other and explore the avenues to critically evaluate and measure these differences. You'll learn fundamentals of psychometrics and take the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and present a theory-based personality assessment.   

Discover the principles of contract law and application, on both an academic and practice basis. You'll explore key topics, including consideration, promissory estoppel, termination and remedies. You'll be equipped to critically evaluate the relationship between key contract law rules and to apply these to solve legal problems.  

Who's liable for causing psychiatric harm or economic loss? Explore key torts and principles including topics such as defamation, duty of care, negligence, trespass to the person and vicarious liability. You'll also cover defences and remedies for aggrieved parties.  

Ready to discover the key features of land law? On this valuable module, you’ll learn to distinguish between land and property, and cover topics such as co-ownership of homes, mortgage law, landlord and tenant law, the law of easements and restrictive covenants.  

Ready to explore major developmental milestones from a variety of theoretical perspectives? On this fascinating module, you'll examine the principles of cognitive, social, biological, and emotional psychology, with the aim of understanding the impact of developmental stages on human behaviour. 

Biological psychology is an intricately complex area, covering functions of the human brain and physiological processes. In this exciting module, you’ll explore breakthrough advances and current debates within the field, as well as gain an understanding of the science behind human thoughts, feeling and behaviour.  

If you’re a curious individual, this module’s for you. Get ready to explore the processes involved in reasoning, decision-making and critical thinking. Uncover the answers to questions such as what is the impact of emotion in our thinking processes, and what role does commercialisation play in compromising our thinking? 

Have you considered how offenders with mental health disorders are managed and assessed? This module will help you investigate the role of forensic psychology within the criminal justice system – including the origins of criminal behaviour, psychopathology and regulations set under the current Mental Health Act. By the end, you’ll be able to apply your theoretical knowledge to offending behaviour in multiple settings.  

Have you considered the role of the European Union in business? Delve into the nature of EU law, and the roles and functions of its institutions, with this in-depth module. You’ll also gain insight on how EU law interacts with key decision-making procedures within organisations – while exploring the considerations that need to be taken with regards to different legal documentation. 

Explore the principles of the establishment and management of trusts and complex property transactions. This defining module provides an ideal starting point to undertake independent research, giving you the opportunity to identify key legal issues and apply solutions to solve the problem.  

Focus on the creation, alteration and revocation of wills and the administration of estates in this insightful module. You’ll learn to critically engage with relevant legal concepts, values, principles and rules of English Law by exploring the relationship between them, and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. 

Like many subjects, psychology has its critics. In this insightful module, you’ll discover how taking psychological research and studies at face value could lead to false assumptions and flawed understanding. You'll explore how viewing psychology as a political tool that serves some more than others makes critical social psychology integral to a real-world view of this fascinating subject.  

This defining module will expand and reinforce the knowledge you’ve gained from your study. Under the guidance of your supervisor, you’ll complete a written dissertation on a topic of interest – allowing you to demonstrate your research, analytical and critical thinking skills. 

What are the unique abilities humans have? Find out in this stimulating module. You’ll discover the fascinating areas of human development – including neuroscience, perception, cognition, emotion and social interaction. That way, you’ll be confident in evaluating human development from multiple perspectives. 

Does the working environment affect performance? Throughout this engaging module, you’ll discover how organisations, individuals and groups of people learn, perform, function and thrive. You’ll then have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to your own workplace performance and that of others. 

Interested in the investigative aspects of offending behaviour? This thought-provoking module will introduce you to common psychological principles, and geographical principles and interviewing techniques used in the criminal justice system. On completion, you’ll understand how psychological and social factors impact on criminal behaviour, while having strong knowledge of the practical applications of investigative psychology. 

When people face mental health challenges, talking with others can often be the best way to manage their problems. In this thought-provoking module, you’ll examine the problems faced by those with mental ill health and begin to critically evaluate interventions designed to increase mental wellbeing. 

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) – this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) – time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology has an indicative study duration of 4 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards.  

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS).  

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Your future

If you’re interested in qualifying as a lawyer, you can read more about the career path here. Legal knowledge is also highly useful in a wide range of industries – from management, finance and human resources to education, local and central government, and the voluntary sector. Meanwhile, your new psychology skills will be beneficial for roles within healthcare, criminal justice, the civil service and security services.

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • three A-levels or equivalent

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology, you must meet the following criteria:

  • GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent.
  • three years’ relevant work experience

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee:

£18,500 (UK) / £20,396 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Designated for undergraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.   

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ  All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Our expert staff

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our LLB (Hons) Law with Psychology are experts in the fields of law and psychology.

What our students say

testimonials

Adam Newman -LLB (Hons) Law with Business

It’s never too late to follow your passions.

I’m considered a mature student and the first thing I want to say is it’s never too late to follow your passions. I’ve always had a keen interest in law, mostly because when you think about it, there isn’t much in life that isn’t affected by law in one way or another.  As the owner of a company, I couldn’t afford to take time away to attend university. The University of Essex Online offered and delivered on flexible learning, the course structure is easy to follow and I can fit studying around work and family life. It’s a struggle at times, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. <span...

Read more

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