The Bachelor of Law at the British University in Dubai offers a comprehensive foundation in legal studies, preparing students for successful careers in the legal field. This programme equips students with essential knowledge and skills for both public and private sector roles and provides a strong foundation for future graduate studies. 

The programme offers a balanced variety of specialist modules covering civil law, procedural law, commercial law, criminal law, administrative law, and public international law amongst other legal disciplines.

The programme encourages students to explore and appreciate contemporary issues in law enabling students to develop a broader perspective and an understanding of the evolving legal landscape; and to build the critical skills needed to excel in the competitive legal profession.

Upon graduation from the British University in Dubai’s Bachelor of Law Programme, several paths are open to graduates to pursue a career in legal practice.

One path is via the United Kingdom. Overseas graduates who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows law graduates from around the world to qualify as solicitors by taking the same exam as domestic candidates. There are two different exams that need to be sat: SQE1 and SQE2. Various educational institutions offer preparatory courses for both exams. Additionally, to qualify as a solicitor, graduates must complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and satisfy the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) character and suitability requirements.

Also via the United Kingdom, graduates from the Bachelor of Law Programme can attempt to qualify as barristers. They would need to complete a conversion course (Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) in the UK (1 year)), join an Inn of Court, complete a Bar training course (1 year), and, finally, undertake pupillage (1 year) prior to being called to the Bar.

Both routes would qualify graduates to return to the United Arab Emirates to work as legal consultants in international law firms or to work in the UK or elsewhere as lawyers. Similar options are available via the United States (e.g., sitting the New York Bar exams). Prospective applicants may make their own enquiries about the requirements for this option.

In addition, graduates may work in law firms as legal consultants. If they satisfy the requirements of the DIFC, they may also work as lawyers in the DIFC. UAE nationals may also choose the local qualification option and work as lawyers or legal consultants (open to all nationalities) in Dubai-based law firms. To qualify as a lawyer, local graduates must, among other things, successfully pass a one-year training period. To be a legal consultant, one year of continuous practical legal experience is required. Requirements for these routes differ from Emirate to Emirate, and prospective students should always check what the most up-to-date requirements are. Graduates may also wish to explore the route of working as lawyers in the DIFC, where there are no nationality requirements, but other requirements apply. 

Outside of law firms, graduates may work as legal advisors in companies or governmental entities, may wish to become judges, or work in the public prosecution department, or a local or international organisation. Most of these career choices require further qualifications and are subject to certain requirements.

Outside of legal practice, graduates from the Bachelor of Law Programme can pursue graduate studies, such as master’s degrees in law, which, if followed by a PhD, can lead to careers in teaching and research within academic institutions.

The programme provides an opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the area of Law by following subject specific modules delivered over the 4 years of the programme. By completing the specific education modules, students will:

• Acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the law and its role in society.
• Acquire foundational competencies necessary for the practice of law.
• Acquire the necessary legal knowledge for developing problem-solving, advocacy and persuasion, research, communication and collaboration skills.
• Critically analyse legal problems and propose solutions
• Analyse cases & legal provisions and produce convincing arguments verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles and values of justice and ethical and professional responsibility.
• Conduct research in legal issues, individually or as part of a team.
• Have the ability to think analytically and creatively in approaching and generating solutions to legal issues.
• Demonstrate communication skills including effective listening negotiation, persuasion and presentation.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a team, including leadership & team building.
• Identify new developments in legislation and courts’ judgement

General education modules (18 Credit Hours)

• English Learning & Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking & Academic Writing
• Introduction to Computers
• Introduction to Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Science & Sustainability

Free Electives (two modules without prerequisites from any other programme offered in the University), (6 Credit hours)

• Free elective 1
• Free elective 2

Law modules (69 credit hours)

• Introduction to Law
• Legal Research Methods
• Principles of Commercial Law
• Sources of Obligation (1)
• Criminal Law: General Part
• Constitutional Law
• Administrative Law
• Information Technology Law
• Sources of Obligation (2)
• Family Law
• Public International Law
• Rules of Obligation
• Crimes against Persons
• International Organisations
• Company Law & Bankruptcy
• Public Finance & Tax Law
• Labour Law
• Crimes against Property
• Right in Rem
• Sale & Rent Contracts
• Intellectual Property Law
• Maritime Law
• Arbitration Law
• Private International Law
• Commercial Papers & Banking Transactions
• Law Elective
• Law Elective
• Law Elective
• Graduation Research Project
• Criminal Procedures
• Civil Procedures
• Execution Procedures
• Law of Evidence
• Internship

Programme Electives (students must select three modules)

• Media Law
• Construction & Agency Contracts
• Personal and Real Securities
• Consumer Protection Law
• International Human Rights Law
• Insurance Law
• Emerging Crimes
• Law of Investment

Looking to become a solicitor in England & Wales when you graduate, but not sure of your next career move? To support you in your qualification journey, the British University in Dubai have set up a student discount for you for The College of Legal Practice’s SQE programmes.

The College of Legal Practice is an accredited virtual law school specialising in the SQE based in the UK. Their experienced solicitor supervisors have individually supported students through every SQE exam since it was introduced in 2021.

Background on The College’s SQE Preparation Courses

The College of Legal Practice’s online SQE courses are purposedly designed to help you pass the SQE, thanks to their experienced team led by CEO, Dr Giles Proctor, who was instrumental in the introduction of the SQE at Kaplan law school. They are a fully virtual law school based in the UK, accredited by the Office for Students and Ofsted.

The College’s online SQE preparation is perfectly designed for those studying from outside the UK. The courses offer flexibility in timetables, recordings of live sessions and weekly deadlines. The College receives excellent feedback from students – visit Trustpilot to see for yourself. Much of this feedback is due to the supportive supervision the students receive from the College’s expert legal tutors.

They offer part-time and full-time course options to guide you through SQE1 and SQE2, timed to prepare you for your choice of SQE exam sitting. The courses include personal supervisions, seminars, hard copy manuals and many mock SQE assessments, including 2300+ multiple choice questions (MCQ) and unlimited MCQs through a discounted revision app.