Starting your LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree is exciting, but picking the right modules can feel a bit scary. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing your first-year law modules in simple terms.
What Are LLB Modules?
Think of modules as different subjects you’ll study during your law degree. Each module covers a specific area of law. Some are mandatory (you have to take them), while others are optional (you get to choose).
In your first year, most universities require you to take core modules. These are the building blocks of legal education that every lawyer needs to know.
Core Modules You’ll Probably Have to Take
Before we talk about choosing modules, let’s look at what most universities require in year one:
Contract Law
This teaches you about agreements between people and businesses. You’ll learn what makes a contract valid and what happens when someone breaks one.
Criminal Law
Here you study crimes and punishments. You’ll learn about things like theft, assault, murder, and how the law deals with these offenses.
Constitutional Law
This covers how the government works and what powers different parts of government have. You’ll also learn about human rights and freedoms.
Legal Skills and Research
This module teaches you how to find legal information, write like a lawyer, and present arguments properly.
Tort Law
Torts are wrongs that aren’t crimes but still cause harm. Think of car accidents or when a doctor makes a mistake. This module explains when and how people can claim money for these wrongs.
How to Pick Your Optional Modules
If your university offers choices in first year, here’s how to make smart decisions:
Step 1: Check Your University’s Requirements
Before anything else, look at your course handbook or talk to your academic advisor. Find out:
- Which modules are required
- Which ones are optional
- How many optional modules you can pick
- Are there any rules about which combinations you can choose
Step 2: Think About Your Interests
Ask yourself these questions:
What topics sound interesting to you?
- Do you like learning about business and money matters?
- Are you interested in how families and relationships work legally?
- Does technology and the internet excite you?
- Do you care about the environment?
What kind of lawyer do you want to be someday?
Even if you’re not 100% sure, having a rough idea helps. If you dream of working with big companies, business-related modules make sense. If you want to help regular people with their problems, family law or housing law might be good picks.
Step 3: Look at the Assessment Methods
Different modules test you in different ways:
- Exams only – You write everything in a timed test at the end
- Coursework only – You submit essays and projects throughout the year
- Mix of both – Some exams, some coursework
Pick modules that match how you learn best. If you panic in exams, maybe look for modules with more coursework. If you hate writing long essays, modules with exams might work better for you.
Step 4: Research the Lecturers
This matters more than you might think. A great teacher can make a boring topic interesting, while a confusing teacher can make an easy topic hard.
Try to:
- Ask second and third-year students about different lecturers
- Look up staff profiles on your university website
- Check if the lecturer has written books or articles you can preview
Step 5: Consider the Workload
Some modules are heavier than others. Look at:
- How many hours of lectures and seminars per week
- How much reading is expected
- How many assessments there are
- When the deadlines fall
Try to balance your schedule so you don’t have all your heavy modules at the same time.
Step 6: Think About Future Years
Some first-year modules lead to more advanced versions later. If a topic interests you, taking the basics now opens doors for deeper study in years two and three.
Also, some second or third-year modules have requirements. You might need to pass a specific first-year module before you can take certain advanced courses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Following Your Friends
Just because your friend is taking a module doesn’t mean it’s right for you. You’ll spend hours studying this stuff, so make sure it matches YOUR goals and interests.
Mistake 2: Picking “Easy” Modules
There’s no such thing as an easy law module. Every subject has its challenges. Plus, employers and graduate programs can see what you studied. Choosing lighter options might look bad later.
Mistake 3: Overloading Yourself
Some students try to take extra modules to impress people. This usually backfires. It’s better to do well in fewer modules than to struggle with too many.
Mistake 4: Not Reading Module Descriptions Properly
The module name might sound cool, but the actual content could be different from what you expect. Always read the full description, learning outcomes, and reading list before deciding.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Timetable Clashes
Before you finalize your choices, make sure all your lectures and seminars actually fit together. Nothing is worse than loving two modules but finding out they run at the same time.
Questions to Ask Before Making Your Final Decision
Write down answers to these questions for each module you’re considering:
- What exactly will I learn in this module?
- How will I be tested (exams, essays, presentations)?
- When are the deadlines and exams?
- Does this module help me with my career goals?
- What do other students say about this module?
- Does this module have any special requirements I need to know about?
- Will I enjoy spending hours reading about this topic?
Where to Get Help With Module Selection
Academic Advisors
Every university assigns someone to help guide your studies. Book a meeting with yours to discuss your options.
Student Union
The law society or student union often has guides and advice from students who’ve been through the process.
Current Students
Talk to second and third-year law students. They can tell you what they wish they knew when picking modules.
Online Forums
Websites like The Student Room have discussions about different universities and their modules. Just remember that everyone’s experience is different.
Open Days and Information Sessions
Many universities run events where you can learn more about specific modules and meet the lecturers.
Making Your Final Choice
Once you’ve done your research, it’s decision time. Here’s a simple process:
- List all available modules – Write them all down
- Cross out anything that definitely doesn’t interest you – Be honest with yourself
- Check for timetable problems – Remove anything that clashes
- Rank what’s left – Put them in order of preference
- Pick your required number from the top – These are your choices
- Choose one or two backups – Just in case your first choices are full
What If You Pick the Wrong Module?
Don’t panic! Most universities let you change modules within the first few weeks of term. This is called the “add/drop period.”
If you start a module and realize it’s not for you, contact your academic advisor quickly. They can explain your options and help you switch if possible.
Tips for Success Once You’ve Chosen
After selecting your modules, set yourself up for success:
- Get the reading list early – Buy or borrow books before term starts
- Read ahead if possible – Even a little preparation helps
- Attend everything – Lectures and seminars are where you learn
- Ask questions – Don’t be shy about speaking up in class
- Form study groups – Learning with others makes hard topics easier
- Use office hours – Lecturers set aside time to help you
- Stay organized – Keep track of deadlines and manage your time well
Summary
Selecting modules for your LLB first year doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on understanding your required modules first, then carefully research any optional choices based on your interests, career goals, and learning style.
Remember that most first-year modules are mandatory, so you’ll have limited choices to make. Use this as a chance to figure out what areas of law you enjoy most. That knowledge will help you make better decisions about optional modules in years two and three.
Take your time, ask for advice, and trust yourself. Whatever you choose, work hard and stay curious. Your first year of law school is just the beginning of an amazing journey into the legal world.
Good luck with your module selection and your LLB degree!
