Opportunities for overseas study - FAQ's
- Who can study abroad?
- How long can I study abroad for?
- Do I need to speak a foreign language?
- What will I study?
- Will my year abroad count towards my degree classification?
- How will it benefit me?
- Will I still pay tuition fees?
- How much will living and studying abroad cost?
- Who arranges my accommodation?
- Will I still be classed as a Sheffield student?
- Can I apply for a place on the University Study Abroad scheme?
- What about organising work placements back in the UK?
- Where can I find out more?
-
Who can study abroad?
All Law students in the School can apply to spend a year of study abroad.
If you are a student on the LLB Law (European and International) and LLB Law with French/German/Spanish degrees, then you must go abroad as part of your degree, at year three.
If you are a student on the LLB Law or LLB Law and Criminology degrees, then you can apply during your second year of studies to transfer to the LLB Law (with a year abroad) or LLB Law and Criminology (with a year abroad) and spend year 3 abroad, returning to complete your degree at Sheffield in year 4.
-
How long can I study abroad for?
One academic year, in year three. It is not possible to spend only one semester abroad.
-
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
Not necessarily. Law with French/German/Spanish students must study modules in those languages. All other students will study Law modules in English – even if the language of the country is not English. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to learn a new language.
-
What will I study?
Each partner institution offers a variety of Law modules from different areas of international and domestic law.
Students studying Law with a language must study French, German or Spanish domestic law subjects and can also study language modules in addition to these.
Students on the LLB Law (European and International) and other LLB degrees study Law modules in English and programme are also permitted to study non-Law modules as up to a third of the credits for the year abroad. Foreign language modules can also be studied in addition to the number of credits required of you.
The exact choice of options on offer by each partner university may vary from year to year. We will help you to choose the most appropriate options.
-
Will my year abroad count towards my degree classification?
You must pass the modules you take whilst overseas, but these do not count towards your final degree classification. If you are in the borderline zone at the end of your degree, then a recommendation can be made to the exam board that you receive the higher class if you have performed exceptionally well whilst abroad.
-
How will it benefit me?
In many different ways.
The most obvious benefit is that you will broaden your knowledge of another legal system and have the opportunity to study different modules at another leading Law school.
Studying abroad – no matter where you go – looks extremely impressive to potential employers. This applies to both Law firms and other employers in non-legal fields. Gaining in confidence to deal with new situations, improving language skills or learning a new language, and demonstrating the ability to do something different are essential to personal development.
Plus, studying abroad allows you to experience at first hand another country for a longer period than a mere holiday allows. You will make new friends and open your future horizons for when you graduate.
-
Will I still pay tuition fees?
At present, students with ‘home’ fee status do not pay fees when studying in another European country under the Erasmus-LLP programme. You would also be eligible for an Erasmus grant – the exact amount varies every year. You do not pay fees to the host university.
If you are a ‘home’ fees student and you study outside Europe, then you would pay half your usual fees to Sheffield. You do not pay fees to the host university. There may be scholarships available from bodies outside the University.If you are an ‘overseas’ student for fees purposes, please contact us for further information.
Please note that this information is subject to change.
-
How much will living and studying abroad cost?
This very much depends on where you study. Some countries are cheaper to live in than the UK and some offer reduced price housing and meals for students. You should also bear in mind the cost of travelling to and from the country, especially if you are likely to want to return home during the year (e.g. for Christmas).
-
Who arranges my accommodation?
This is your responsibility, but all our partner universities either guarantee accommodation or will help you find somewhere. Of course, the cost and quality may vary. It is also a good idea to speak with students who have studied there, or students currently in Sheffield who are visiting us from our partners. We can help to put you in touch.
-
Will I still be classed as a Sheffield student?
Yes, because you will be studying as part of an academic exchange. You should register with Sheffield as normal and we will keep you up-to-date with news through your Sheffield account and MOLE. We will notify your Local Education Authority (for UK students) and you should receive your student loan as normal.
-
Can I apply for a place on the University Study Abroad scheme?
No – because the School of Law is not a participant in this scheme.
-
What about organising work placements back in the UK?
The Law Society's good practice guidance recommends that firms do not interview until the September of your final year of study. Some of our exchange links will require you to be abroad at that time. Working around this is your responsibility. We recommend that you discuss this with the firms to which you are considering applying. Many firms will take this into account and take a flexible approach to any such interviews. You could try and get an early placement in your 2nd year at Christmas or Easter. Most importantly, speak to firms that you are interested in and discuss it with them. Remember that a year abroad is always impressive – so make sure you highlight this.
Some students have gained work experience – or been involved in work-related extracurricular activities – whilst abroad. This is an excellent way to enhance your CV.
-
Where can I find out more?
Information meetings for level 2 students on the LLB Law (European and International) and LLB Law with French/German/Spanish degrees are arranged in late November/early December each year.
Meetings will also be arranged for level 2 LLB Law and LLB Law and Criminology students who are interested in going abroad. You will be notified by email when these will take place.
Our contact email is: law.exchanges@sheffield.ac.uk