Most students are school leavers from Northern Ireland, and there are relatively few mature students. The University has an equal opportunities policy which is applied to candidates for admission to the Law Faculty, and which takes account of the special circumstances of Northern Ireland. The proportion of men and women students is generally balanced, with a small majority of women. Progression rates are good, and few students withdraw or fail. The quality of oral work is variable, reflecting tutors' different expectations in different classes.
Some oral work is very good indeed.
The quality of written work also varies, but is generally good, and there is a substantial proportion of work of high quality, particularly in student dissertations. External examiners have confirmed the classification of degrees, but on occasion have suggested that the proportion of First class awards is lower than might be expected, given the standards achieved. LLB graduates have a good record in obtaining entry to further study, professional training and legal employment, particularly in the legal profession in Northern Ireland where formal and informal links with employers are strong. Staff and students are aware of the need to ensure that some law graduates succeed in obtaining employment in careers other than those offered by the legal profession. Students spoke favourably of the academic challenge of the LLB courses, but expressed concern about library provision and the lack of feedback on assessed coursework.