The LLB at UCLan Cyprus is a degree that can provide you with the basis to undertake the next stage of training as a barrister (the Bar Professional Training Course) or in becoming a solicitor in England and Wales.
The LLB has also been recognised as a qualifying law degree by the Cyprus Legal Council and was recently re-validated by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA).
Exclusive in Cyprus and despite Brexit, LLB graduates from UCLan Cyprus shall obtain the same qualifying law degree, with identical rights, privileges and entitlements, as any LLB graduate from an English or Welsh university. As a result, our graduates will have the same opportunity to sit their professional law exams in London, for instance, without having to return to university in order to obtain a qualifying law degree first. During these challenging economic times, globally, it is important to know that an English qualifying law degree is accepted by (law) professional bodies in a number of different countries around the world, including Cyprus and other countries of the EU and the Commonwealth.
The course, unique to Cyprus, blends the English legal heritage with current English and Cyprus law. For the benefit of our local students, education on the two systems is combined within the modules and, in those instances, where the law is very different, separate Cyprus law modules are provided.
Thus, our local students will graduate not only with an outstanding knowledge of both English and Cyprus law, but also have knowledge of all legal terminology in both English and Greek. It is important to note that the course has been designed in such a way so that students can avoid, if they want, all instruction in Cyprus law, be taught entirely in the English language and follow a regular English LLB curriculum.
Like with any other English LLB degree, the seven foundations of legal knowledge (Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, Law of the European Union, Contract, Tort, Land Law and Public Law) are compulsory for all. The LLB at UCLan Cyprus is extremely modern and skilful, placing strong emphasis at various levels on English laws and common law principles, skills and practices of commercial contracts and companies which rule today’s global business world.
Conscious of Cyprus’ continued international outlook and the increasing transnationalisation and modernisation of legal relations, modules are offered in the commercial, corporate and business fields of the law at various levels of the curriculum. European and International Law is well served with multiple modules covering all aspects of EU law, human rights, public and private International Law. The national level, including in England & Wales and Cyprus, is also studied in all areas of the law.
In addition to the modules (including Cyprus law modules) listed above, instruction (at no further cost) is offered also in the following subjects: Cyprus mooting skills; Cyprus Employment Law; Cyprus Contract Law; Cyprus Criminal Law; Cyprus Law of Torts; Cyprus Family Law and Cyprus Company Law. These topics are especially important in light of the new Civil Procedure Rules in Cyprus. The modules are extra-curricular, do not count towards the final LLB, are taught in Greek, and are only available when there is sufficient demand.
The Language Academy can offer Greek lessons to UCLan Cyprus students. However, it is advised that students choosing optional modules that focus on Cyprus law are already fluent in Greek.
Accreditation / Link with professional Bodies
This course provides the first stage of training should you wish to go on to a career as a barrister. It is validated by the Bar Standards Board, which regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales. Additionally, the LLB by UCLan Cyprus has also been recognised as a qualifying law degree by the Cyprus Legal Council.
Lecturer in International Criminal Law and Humanitarian Law Course Leader of LLM / LLM in Financial and Corporate Law / LLM International Commercial Dispute Resolution
Lecturer in Financial and Corporate Law Deputy Course Leader of LLM / LLM in Financial and Corporate Law / LLM International Commercial Dispute Resolution
”Choosing to kickstart my legal career with an undergraduate degree at UCLan Cyprus was one of the best choices I have ever made. From an educational standpoint, in addition to the high quality of teaching, UCLan Cyprus offered me a plethora of options alongside my core modules, which have served me well even years after graduation. Regarding extra-curricular activities, the university allowed me the opportunity to engage, cooperate, and lead in numerous projects, societies and competitions, further developing skills that are useful for any professional. I am positive that the skills and knowledge I gained throughout my undergraduate degree at UCLan Cyprus helped me complete the Legal Practice Course in London, where I am now working as a Legal Project Manager at a commercial firm.”
Alexandros Theocharous – LLB Graduate
Careers
Graduates will hold substantive legal knowledge and key transferable skills valued highly by employers. Law graduates are highly employable in a wide-range of careers: legal profession; public and private sector administration and management; advisory services; ancillary legal professions; legal enforcement and regulation services; business, banking, insurance and financial services; primary, secondary and tertiary education.
To help students, graduates and alumni in their professional development and career achievements, the School of Law proposes enhanced professional development opportunities.
Professional Development
The School has achieved professional recognition or accreditation nationally and internationally, to the benefit of its students, alumni and professionals, as follows:
Through the professional recognition of the LLB by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board, respectively the regulatory bodies for solicitors and barristers in England and Wales, since 2012. With this important accreditation, unique in Cyprus, the LLB at UCLan Cyprus is recognised as a qualifying law degree, providing exemption from the academic stage of professional legal training for those who wish to become solicitors or barristers.
The LLB has also been recognised as a qualifying law degree by the Cyprus Legal Council since October 2016.
Since 2018, the School of Law is also duly accredited by the Cyprus Bar Association and issues CPD units directly to professionals for short courses and events attended.
The School also benefits from collaborations for certification and/or professional recognition for short courses or specialised modules, leading to academic or professional credits:
The LLM module in International Commercial Mediation leads to the professional qualification of mediator recognised by the UK Civil Mediation Council (through the course provider) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, subject to applicable requirements.
The LLM module International Commercial Arbitration is yet another specialised module recognised professionally by the UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators at Associate level, allowing successful participants to use the post-nominal letters ACIArb.
A range of professional courses at the School are offered to professionals, practising lawyers, accountants and professional service providers, management and senior employees at small and medium sized businesses but also advanced students in law, finance and business, accountancy, and cognate academic disciplines. Visit the Law Academy https://www.uclancyprus.ac.cy/short-course/law-academy/
Introductory courses or Fundamentals are also available for undergraduate students on a recurrent basis, including in the following fields:
A wide range of extra-curricular activities have proved very popular with the students. These include Mooting & Debating competitions, the Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vienna), Guest Lecture Series, conferences, Law Fairs and Model United Nations events, of great benefit to the students in gaining significant knowledge and understanding of the practical implications of the law.
”UCLan Cyprus has never had a lack of choice in modules or extra-curricular activities. Such a large range of possibilities allowed me to explore in depth every topic I was interested in. One of the best things I found about UCLan Cyprus School of Law was that the lecturers encourage the students to put their knowledge and skills to a test by organising and participating in events such as mooting competitions or debates. In my opinion, there is no better way to understand a topic than to prepare submissions which you would have to present in front of a panel of judges.
The amount of emphasis which the School of Law places on advocacy skills cannot be overstated. Each year the School of Law, in collaboration with its students, organises mooting competitions, debates and Model United Nations events. Whether you are interested in diplomacy, litigation or theoretical debates, UCLan Cyprus School of Law will allow you to express your opinions and demonstrate your skills in order to be the best public speaker you can be in any subject you wish.
Due to the international outreach of UCLan Cyprus School of Law, I had the privilege to compete in Willem C. Vis Moot in Vienna on two occasions. It was an honour representing the School of Law in the biggest arbitration moot in the world. During that time I also networked with professionals, academics and students who are involved in international commercial law which gave me a worldwide perspective on arbitration and commercial practices. In addition, the School of Law helped me securing numerous local internships and even a marshalling opportunity with a judge from the Central London County Court due to the vast network which the School of Law has developed over the last 7 years.
The way I would summarise the mentality of UCLan Cyprus, and especially its School of Law, is that you receive as many opportunities as you are willing to work for. The perfect example of that is its continuous support of student-led societies, clubs and activities. In essence, the sky is the limit and all you have to do is participate.” Denys Georgiou, LLB Alumni
”Deciding to study at UCLan Cyprus was one of the best decisions I have made so far, regarding my education and my future professional career. The University offers a unique selection of modules for each course and provides the students with all the necessary guidance to achieve success.” Antonia Michailidi, Winner of 2018 Queen’s Young Leaders Awards
Student have access to a social enterprise vehicle called ICLAIM (Interdisciplinary Centre for Law, Alternative and Innovative Methods) so that they can develop their practical and entrepreneurship skills and projects in collaboration with the industry. Visit https://www.iclaimcentre.org/
Finally, there are plenty of opportunities for student engagement with the relevant industries through the School’s internship and graduate traineeship scheme with law firms in Cyprus, Europe and the UK as well as the possibility of shadowing serving legal officers, including members of the judiciary in the UK.
”Our office has had the pleasure of welcoming students from UCLan University to complete their internships at my office for the past couple of years. I couldn’t be prouder of the Law Students who have completed their internship at my office. The students of UCLan are of the highest calibre, hardworking, polite, professional and will in my professional opinion become wonderful strong lawyers in the very near future. I am happy to provide as much assistance as I can for all students at UCLan now and in the future.” Mr. Giovanis KouzalisCEO G KOUZALIS LLC
”At George Z. Georgiou Associates LLC we strongly believe that any experience a law student can gain within a law firm or a legal department is invaluable. In fact, we are reluctant to consider CVs for traineeships, unless a student has undertaken such experience. Why is this? Well, the life of law student is very different to the day-to-day life of a lawyer. If a student hasn’t seen it, felt it and lived that life, albeit for short periods of time, it is difficult for them to show that they are committed to working in the profession. We are delighted to work with UCLAN Law School to be able to offer such experiences. UCLAN Law students are academically strong and willing to learn. We encourage all Law students to gain as much work experience as possible throughout their first degree. You could be our next intern or indeed trainee.” Ms Sofia TsangariHR Assistant George Z. Georgiou Associates LLC
”Over the last 4 years our law firm has initiated its Summer Internship Programme which aims to give law students the opportunity to experience how a law firm works in practice and in the real world. Every year of the Programme we have had the joy in welcoming talented and hard-working law students from the School of Law of UCLAN Cyprus who have brought a very positive contribution not only to our Programme but also to our Law Firm. It is our aim to continue this successful trend and welcome even more students from the School of Law of UCLan Cyprus in years to come.” Tasos Coucounis, Andreas Coucounis & Co LLC, Lawyers-Legal Consultants
”Last Year, TSIRIDES LAW welcomed students from UCLAN University for a summer placement scheme in its office. We were impressed with the level of knowledge and the skillsets of the students. Their solid understanding of the law certainly helped them greatly in fulfilling the tasks that were assigned. They were willing to learn as much as possible and help the lawyers in the Firm; they were very enthusiastic throughout their time with us. They were responsible, mature and hardworking, and are well prepared to face the challenges of a demanding career in the legal profession. The quality of their work is certainly a reflection of the high caliber education offered by your institution” Costas Tsirides, TSIRIDES LAW
In addition to the modules (including Cyprus law modules) listed above, instruction (at no further cost) is offered also in the following subjects: Cyprus mooting skills; Cyprus Employment Law; Cyprus Contract Law; Cyprus Criminal Law; Cyprus Law of Torts; Cyprus Family Law and Cyprus Company Law. These topics are especially important in light of the new Civil Procedure Rules in Cyprus. The modules are extra-curricular, do not count towards the final LLB, are taught in Greek, and are only available when there is sufficient demand.
The Language Academy can offer Greek lessons to UCLan Cyprus students. However, it is advised that students choosing optional modules that focus on Cyprus law are already fluent in Greek.
Accreditation / Link with professional Bodies
This course provides the first stage of training should you wish to go on to a career as a barrister. It is validated by the Bar Standards Board, which regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales. Additionally, the LLB by UCLan Cyprus has also been recognised as a qualifying law degree by the Cyprus Legal Council.