Online Law Pathway
- SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August
- SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August
Law Online Degree Pathway
This Course at a Glance
- Globally recognised online alternative to Year 1 and Year 2 of university
- Get on the pathway to obtaining an undergraduate degree in Law
- In partnership with the international awarding organisation ATHE
- Complete Year 3 at a recommended university
- Flexible online study for Year 1 and 2
- Get on the fast track to your university qualification
- Avoid rising university loan repayment fees
- Save on expensive living costs while studying your online degree pathway
Achieving a degree in law can lead you towards a career as a solicitor, barrister, and a range of roles within the legal profession. With our online degree pathway, which consists of the first and second years of an Honours degree, removing in-person lectures and restrictive timetables, you have the option to complete Year 1 and Year 2 faster than at university.
About Your Online Degree Pathway
This undergraduate online degree pathway in law is made up of 240 credits and is designed as an online alternative to completing Year 1 and Year 2 at university. Studying with us will fast-track you to the final year of an associated bachelor’s degree, which can be completed at one of our preferred universities.
This has been made possible through our partnership with ATHE, an Ofqual-regulated global awarding organisation that spans more than 55 countries worldwide. ATHE partners with 25 UK and international universities, providing top-up degrees to learners seeking an alternative to traditional university learning.
The course is delivered online, through an engaging array of online learning materials. So, you will find your education both interesting and rewarding.
What Will You Learn?
You’ll begin by building your knowledge of contract, criminal, and public law, as well as practical legal skills. All of which help you understand the formation and content of contracts, the general principles of criminal law, the features of the UK constitution, and the legal and professional requirements involved in acting for a client.
You’ll then delve deeper by exploring the Law of Tort, equity and trusts, criminal law, and land law. This provides you with an understanding of key areas of law, legal practice, and professional conduct.
University Progression
Upon successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2 with us, you may be eligible to progress to Year 3 of an undergraduate degree. Once you have completed Year 1 and are halfway through Year 2, our course team will be on hand to advise about progression options. The fees for your third year are an additional cost and are paid separately to the university.
Study for a Degree Without the Expensive Fees
If the price of a degree and the commitment to full-time campus study for at least three years have stopped you from pursuing a career in law, this online course bundle provides the perfect solution! By studying Year 1 and Year 2 of our online degree pathway in law, you can get prepared for your third year from home, and once completed, progress to your final year of study.
By choosing this alternative route to qualifying, you can study at your own pace and in your own time, from wherever you prefer to be. This is a great option for those who have busy schedules or who cannot commit to a full-time university programme for multiple years.
A More Affordable Alternative
The latest change in student finance rules will see university graduates doubling their student loan repayments. This is in addition to repaying their student loans when they earn an annual salary of £25,000, instead of the £27,660 it was before.
With inflation and interest rates rising in the UK due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, university graduates are affected. For the 2022/23 academic year, there was a risk of student loan interest rates reaching 12%, further hitting the pockets of students.
Due to the current economic uncertainty, a university graduate could end up with an average of £42,900 of student loan debt, with tuition fees costing an average of £9,250 per year.
According to YouGov, 37% of people feel that current tuition fees are unfair, so it’s no surprise that many are looking for alternative options. Here at learndirect, we can offer you an affordable alternative that covers the first and second year of a degree for a fraction of the cost of the traditional route.
Please note, that once you complete our online degree pathway, you will need to pay the top-up fee to your select university to study the third year of your course.
Avoid Rise in Daily Living Costs
Our online degree pathway also helps you side-step the other associated costs of a full-time university. Being studied online at home, you won’t have to worry about student housing costs or travel expenses. You will also be able to easily fit studying into your lifestyle without rearranging your existing commitments. So, if you’re currently working, you won’t have to give that up to get your degree.
Modules
Year 1 consists of 4 mandatory units, these include:
Unit 1: Contract Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the requirements for formation of a contract
- Understand the content of a contract
- Understand the factors that may make a contract invalid
- Understand the ways in which a contract can be discharged
- Understand the remedies available in contract law
Unit 2: Criminal Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand general principles of criminal law
- Understand fundamental aspects of criminal legal practice
- Understand homicide and non-fatal offences against the person
- Understand property offences
- Understand defences in criminal law
Unit 3: Public Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the nature of the UK constitution and the key underpinning principles
- Understand the function of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary
- Understand the concept of multi-level governance as it applies to the UK
- Understand the purpose and process of judicial review
- Understand how civil liberties and equality are provided for at law
Unit 4: Legal Skills
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand legal and regulatory requirements and professional conduct rules relevant to acting for a client
- Understand how to take instructions from a client on a legal matter
- Understand how to analyse a legal matter
- Understand the wider ethical and commercial considerations when conducting legal research
Year 2 consists of 4 mandatory units, these include:
Unit 1: Law of Tort
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand general principles of tort and civil litigation
- Understand fundamental aspects of legal practice
- Understand the elements of negligence
- Understand the legal principles in claims involving psychiatric harm
- Understand the remedies and defences available in a claim for negligence
Unit 2: Land Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the key ethical principles, professional duties and regulatory requirements in conveyancing
- Understand the concepts of land as a form of property and the system of registered land
- Understand the ways in which title to land can be acquired
- Understand how rights to property can be held by more than one person
- Understand easements as proprietary rights
Unit 3: Criminal Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand inchoate offences
- Understand the legal doctrine of joint enterprise crime
- Understand denials of liability as general defences in criminal law
- Understand the law and practice relevant to arrest and detention
- Understand the role of a legal advisor in criminal law
Unit 4: Equity and Trusts
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the elements required to create an express trust
- Understand the elements required for an implied trust to arise
- Understand the operation and existence of purpose trusts
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a trustee
- Understand equitable remedies
Entry Requirements
You’ll need to have a Level 2 qualification in English or be working towards said qualification. Appropriate qualifications may include:
- A GCE Advanced level profile with achievement in 2 or more subjects supported by 5 or more GCSEs at grades 4/C and above
- A Level 3 qualification in law or legal studies such as the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Law
- An Access to Higher Education Diploma delivered by an approved further education institute and validated by an Access Validating Agency
- Equivalent international qualifications
For individuals whose first language is not English, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards or an approved equivalent for this qualification:
IELTS: A score of 5.5 or higher
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Achieving at least B2 level
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Scoring 162 or above
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Achieving a score between 42-49
Mature learners may have a more varied profile of achievement that includes relevant paid or unpaid work experience, levels of responsibility, participation, achievement or relevant professional qualifications.
Minimum Age Restriction
This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 19 and above.
Average Completion Timeframe
ATHE qualifications typically take learners an average of 18 months to complete.
Assessment Requirements
There are no exams included in this study programme, instead, you will complete several written assignments.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to Year 1 and Year 2 of the course for 24 months in total.
You will complete a series of assignments to demonstrate that you have successfully achieved the learning outcomes of each unit.
ATHE
Upon successful completion of this online course, you will achieve two globally recognised ATHE qualifications:
- ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Law - Qualification Number: (603/4890/2)
- ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law - Qualification Number: (603/4891/4)
Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) is a global awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and other United Kingdom and international regulators
ATHE is a global awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and other UK and international regulators since 2011. They work with more than 280 recognised centres in over 55 countries to complement our strong brand presence in the UK.
On completion of this Law Online Degree Pathway, you can go on to complete the third year of an undergraduate degree in the subject – or a closely related subject - at a UK university.
Following completion of the final year of your degree, you will be equipped with the underpinning knowledge of the law contributing to preparation for the Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination (SQE). Successful completion of the SQE, and the necessary Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required, is essential for you to work as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
For more insight on what this degree could lead to, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Study with learndirect followed by the Open University (OU) to achieve a globally recognised Online degree qualification that can open doors and help to achieve your goals!
Once you have successfully completed your Online degree Pathway (Year 1 and 2) course with learndirect, you will now be able to apply for credit transfer against stage 1 and stage 2 (Year 1 and 2) of the BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree - a hugely popular and established multidisciplinary, individualised Online Undergraduate degree Programme.
On completion of your studies with learndirect, you will then begin your studies at stage 3 (Final level) with the OU to achieve your full BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree. If you would like more information about the Open degree with the OU please visit BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree | Open University | QD
With the OU, you get the flexibility to study in a way that suits you best through online material and tutorials. Courses are designed with your career in mind.
- The OU is proud to be rated as a top three university for Employability (University Compare 2025).
- OU degrees are the same high standard as other universities.
- The OU is one of only 34 universities to achieve overall Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
- The OU is proud to be a world leader in supported distance education and the Daily Mail University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2025.
Funding your final year of study with the OU
Studying with the OU might be more affordable than you think. The funding options available to you will depend on where you live. Visit https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding to find out more, or contact Student Recruitment on 0300 303 5303 to speak to one of the Open University’s helpful advisors.
Progressing to The Open University
Once you have enrolled on your Online Degree Pathway course with learndirect, our progressions team will contact you to discuss your options further and support you with your application to the OU.
Find out more about the next steps in studying with the OU and pursing an Open degree here.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Wales coast, Bangor University offers a unique blend of academic depth and environmental focus. Known for its strengths in psychology, ocean sciences, and environmental studies, it combines research-led teaching with a strong commitment to sustainability. Students benefit from a close-knit community and a forward-thinking approach to education.
(Please note: This progression route is currently face-to-face only)
Bloomsbury Institute London delivers career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Business, Law, and Accounting. Located in the heart of London, it offers a supportive and diverse learning environment, combining practical skills with academic excellence. Students benefit from strong industry connections and access to excellent facilities, preparing them for successful careers.
- SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August
- SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August
Law Online Degree Pathway
This Course at a Glance
- Globally recognised online alternative to Year 1 and Year 2 of university
- Get on the pathway to obtaining an undergraduate degree in Law
- In partnership with the international awarding organisation ATHE
- Complete Year 3 at a recommended university
- Flexible online study for Year 1 and 2
- Get on the fast track to your university qualification
- Avoid rising university loan repayment fees
- Save on expensive living costs while studying your online degree pathway
Achieving a degree in law can lead you towards a career as a solicitor, barrister, and a range of roles within the legal profession. With our online degree pathway, which consists of the first and second years of an Honours degree, removing in-person lectures and restrictive timetables, you have the option to complete Year 1 and Year 2 faster than at university.
About Your Online Degree Pathway
This undergraduate online degree pathway in law is made up of 240 credits and is designed as an online alternative to completing Year 1 and Year 2 at university. Studying with us will fast-track you to the final year of an associated bachelor’s degree, which can be completed at one of our preferred universities.
This has been made possible through our partnership with ATHE, an Ofqual-regulated global awarding organisation that spans more than 55 countries worldwide. ATHE partners with 25 UK and international universities, providing top-up degrees to learners seeking an alternative to traditional university learning.
The course is delivered online, through an engaging array of online learning materials. So, you will find your education both interesting and rewarding.
What Will You Learn?
You’ll begin by building your knowledge of contract, criminal, and public law, as well as practical legal skills. All of which help you understand the formation and content of contracts, the general principles of criminal law, the features of the UK constitution, and the legal and professional requirements involved in acting for a client.
You’ll then delve deeper by exploring the Law of Tort, equity and trusts, criminal law, and land law. This provides you with an understanding of key areas of law, legal practice, and professional conduct.
University Progression
Upon successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2 with us, you may be eligible to progress to Year 3 of an undergraduate degree. Once you have completed Year 1 and are halfway through Year 2, our course team will be on hand to advise about progression options. The fees for your third year are an additional cost and are paid separately to the university.
Study for a Degree Without the Expensive Fees
If the price of a degree and the commitment to full-time campus study for at least three years have stopped you from pursuing a career in law, this online course bundle provides the perfect solution! By studying Year 1 and Year 2 of our online degree pathway in law, you can get prepared for your third year from home, and once completed, progress to your final year of study.
By choosing this alternative route to qualifying, you can study at your own pace and in your own time, from wherever you prefer to be. This is a great option for those who have busy schedules or who cannot commit to a full-time university programme for multiple years.
A More Affordable Alternative
The latest change in student finance rules will see university graduates doubling their student loan repayments. This is in addition to repaying their student loans when they earn an annual salary of £25,000, instead of the £27,660 it was before.
With inflation and interest rates rising in the UK due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, university graduates are affected. For the 2022/23 academic year, there was a risk of student loan interest rates reaching 12%, further hitting the pockets of students.
Due to the current economic uncertainty, a university graduate could end up with an average of £42,900 of student loan debt, with tuition fees costing an average of £9,250 per year.
According to YouGov, 37% of people feel that current tuition fees are unfair, so it’s no surprise that many are looking for alternative options. Here at learndirect, we can offer you an affordable alternative that covers the first and second year of a degree for a fraction of the cost of the traditional route.
Please note, that once you complete our online degree pathway, you will need to pay the top-up fee to your select university to study the third year of your course.
Avoid Rise in Daily Living Costs
Our online degree pathway also helps you side-step the other associated costs of a full-time university. Being studied online at home, you won’t have to worry about student housing costs or travel expenses. You will also be able to easily fit studying into your lifestyle without rearranging your existing commitments. So, if you’re currently working, you won’t have to give that up to get your degree.
Modules
Year 1 consists of 4 mandatory units, these include:
Unit 1: Contract Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the requirements for formation of a contract
- Understand the content of a contract
- Understand the factors that may make a contract invalid
- Understand the ways in which a contract can be discharged
- Understand the remedies available in contract law
Unit 2: Criminal Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand general principles of criminal law
- Understand fundamental aspects of criminal legal practice
- Understand homicide and non-fatal offences against the person
- Understand property offences
- Understand defences in criminal law
Unit 3: Public Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the nature of the UK constitution and the key underpinning principles
- Understand the function of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary
- Understand the concept of multi-level governance as it applies to the UK
- Understand the purpose and process of judicial review
- Understand how civil liberties and equality are provided for at law
Unit 4: Legal Skills
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand legal and regulatory requirements and professional conduct rules relevant to acting for a client
- Understand how to take instructions from a client on a legal matter
- Understand how to analyse a legal matter
- Understand the wider ethical and commercial considerations when conducting legal research
Year 2 consists of 4 mandatory units, these include:
Unit 1: Law of Tort
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand general principles of tort and civil litigation
- Understand fundamental aspects of legal practice
- Understand the elements of negligence
- Understand the legal principles in claims involving psychiatric harm
- Understand the remedies and defences available in a claim for negligence
Unit 2: Land Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the key ethical principles, professional duties and regulatory requirements in conveyancing
- Understand the concepts of land as a form of property and the system of registered land
- Understand the ways in which title to land can be acquired
- Understand how rights to property can be held by more than one person
- Understand easements as proprietary rights
Unit 3: Criminal Law
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand inchoate offences
- Understand the legal doctrine of joint enterprise crime
- Understand denials of liability as general defences in criminal law
- Understand the law and practice relevant to arrest and detention
- Understand the role of a legal advisor in criminal law
Unit 4: Equity and Trusts
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the elements required to create an express trust
- Understand the elements required for an implied trust to arise
- Understand the operation and existence of purpose trusts
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a trustee
- Understand equitable remedies
Entry Requirements
You’ll need to have a Level 2 qualification in English or be working towards said qualification. Appropriate qualifications may include:
- A GCE Advanced level profile with achievement in 2 or more subjects supported by 5 or more GCSEs at grades 4/C and above
- A Level 3 qualification in law or legal studies such as the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Law
- An Access to Higher Education Diploma delivered by an approved further education institute and validated by an Access Validating Agency
- Equivalent international qualifications
For individuals whose first language is not English, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards or an approved equivalent for this qualification:
IELTS: A score of 5.5 or higher
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Achieving at least B2 level
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Scoring 162 or above
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Achieving a score between 42-49
Mature learners may have a more varied profile of achievement that includes relevant paid or unpaid work experience, levels of responsibility, participation, achievement or relevant professional qualifications.
Minimum Age Restriction
This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 19 and above.
Average Completion Timeframe
ATHE qualifications typically take learners an average of 18 months to complete.
Assessment Requirements
There are no exams included in this study programme, instead, you will complete several written assignments.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to Year 1 and Year 2 of the course for 24 months in total.
Assessment
You will complete a series of assignments to demonstrate that you have successfully achieved the learning outcomes of each unit.
Qualifications
ATHE
Upon successful completion of this online course, you will achieve two globally recognised ATHE qualifications:
- ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Law - Qualification Number: (603/4890/2)
- ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law - Qualification Number: (603/4891/4)
Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) is a global awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and other United Kingdom and international regulators
ATHE is a global awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and other UK and international regulators since 2011. They work with more than 280 recognised centres in over 55 countries to complement our strong brand presence in the UK.
On completion of this Law Online Degree Pathway, you can go on to complete the third year of an undergraduate degree in the subject – or a closely related subject - at a UK university.
Following completion of the final year of your degree, you will be equipped with the underpinning knowledge of the law contributing to preparation for the Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination (SQE). Successful completion of the SQE, and the necessary Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required, is essential for you to work as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
For more insight on what this degree could lead to, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Study with learndirect followed by the Open University (OU) to achieve a globally recognised Online degree qualification that can open doors and help to achieve your goals!
Once you have successfully completed your Online degree Pathway (Year 1 and 2) course with learndirect, you will now be able to apply for credit transfer against stage 1 and stage 2 (Year 1 and 2) of the BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree - a hugely popular and established multidisciplinary, individualised Online Undergraduate degree Programme.
On completion of your studies with learndirect, you will then begin your studies at stage 3 (Final level) with the OU to achieve your full BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree. If you would like more information about the Open degree with the OU please visit BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree | Open University | QD
With the OU, you get the flexibility to study in a way that suits you best through online material and tutorials. Courses are designed with your career in mind.
- The OU is proud to be rated as a top three university for Employability (University Compare 2025).
- OU degrees are the same high standard as other universities.
- The OU is one of only 34 universities to achieve overall Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
- The OU is proud to be a world leader in supported distance education and the Daily Mail University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2025.
Funding your final year of study with the OU
Studying with the OU might be more affordable than you think. The funding options available to you will depend on where you live. Visit https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding to find out more, or contact Student Recruitment on 0300 303 5303 to speak to one of the Open University’s helpful advisors.
Progressing to The Open University
Once you have enrolled on your Online Degree Pathway course with learndirect, our progressions team will contact you to discuss your options further and support you with your application to the OU.
Find out more about the next steps in studying with the OU and pursing an Open degree here.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Wales coast, Bangor University offers a unique blend of academic depth and environmental focus. Known for its strengths in psychology, ocean sciences, and environmental studies, it combines research-led teaching with a strong commitment to sustainability. Students benefit from a close-knit community and a forward-thinking approach to education.
(Please note: This progression route is currently face-to-face only)
Bloomsbury Institute London delivers career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Business, Law, and Accounting. Located in the heart of London, it offers a supportive and diverse learning environment, combining practical skills with academic excellence. Students benefit from strong industry connections and access to excellent facilities, preparing them for successful careers.
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