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Academics and students are celebrating the silver anniversary of a unique law degree offered by the University of Exeter

Silver anniversary for pioneering law degree

Academics and students are celebrating the silver anniversary of a unique degree offered by the University of Exeter that enables students to study both English and French law at the same time.

The pioneering course offers a unique opportunity to study the British and the French legal systems in their respective languages. Graduates hold qualifying law degrees in the United Kingdom and in France, enabling them to practice in both countries.

Exeter Law School offers the course in partnership with the Law Faculty of the University of Rennes, with students studying for an LLB in English Law and French Law and the French equivalent, the Maîtrise en Droit.

Dr Frederic Rolland, Senior Lecturer and Director of the programme for the past 20 years said: “It would take seven years to qualify separately in both countries if you did two different courses. This is not law plus French, as many courses are. This is English law and French law.

“Having this qualification enables students to work in Europe and opens up many career opportunities. In a climate where many lawyers work with English, EU and international law this course equips our students to thrive.

While studying the dual qualification, students spend the first three years in Exeter studying in English the necessary foundation subjects for the LLB. At the same time, each year, students also study French as a foundation course, which is taught and assessed in French. In the fourth year, students attend the University of Rennes 1 and follow the Master 1 (Maîtrise en Droit) programme.

Students are assessed on legal skills, not language, and although bilingualism is not required, a good standard of French, both written and oral, is essential (students must have an A or B French A-level).

Richard Edwards, Head of the University of Exeter Law School, said: ‘We are very proud of our dual degree in English and French law and delighted to celebrate this anniversary. This wonderful programme, now in its twenty fifth year, is a testament to our long-standing partnership with colleagues and friends at the University of Rennes. Long may it continue!’

Date: 18 December 2018

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