Pre-Law in Wales with Cardiff University

Signature Programme – Assist your students to gain legal experience in a global setting.

Cardiff, Wales

4 weeks

International Law

Our Pre-Law programme with Cardiff University School of Law & Politicis offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the role of legal systems in an international context while studying abroad in the UK.

Based in Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, the programme allows students to earn US academic credits while immersing themselves in Welsh language, heritage, culture, and cuisine. With its rich history and lively atmosphere, Cardiff offers countless opportunities for cultural discovery and unforgettable experiences.

From historic landmarks to local traditions, Cardiff is the perfect place for students to combine academic enrichment with lifelong memories.

About Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd) School of Law & Politics

Cardiff University Law Clinic and Cardiff Law School Innocence Project

Launched in 2005, the Cardiff Law Clinic offers diverse opportunities and is the recipient of many National Attorney General Awards. The clinic expanded in 2024, employing more practising lawyers to enhance its clinical activity.

The clinic is home to the Cardiff Law School Innocence Project and the Innocence Project in New York licenses the initiative. As the only university project in the United Kingdom (UK) to have overturned a criminal conviction, Cardiff has had two notable successes. Media interest in the project has generated much attention due to the popularity of programmes such as Netflix’s Making A Murderer.

The university has many other award-winning partnerships that allow students to experience law in the real world.

At A Glance

Summer in Wales

Dates

July 05 - August 01, 2026

July - August 2027 (dates to be confirmed)

*These are summer start dates, not dates of arrival. Please talk to an advisor for arrival dates and airfare booking.

Duration

4 weeks

Apply By

April 15th

Individual Student Fees

Partner fees

$6,395

Fees will be outlined in your proposal

What's included?

Airfare, materials for class, in-country transportation, some meals and spending money aren’t included.

Application fee

$50 Non refundable

Commitment fee

$300 Non refundable

*Application and Commitment fees are in addition to the programme fee.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

This unique programme aims to provide pre-law students an overview of the skills needed to become effective legal practitioners. Specially developed for international students aiming to embark upon a Juris Doctor (JD) Law Programme, the courses are designed to be studied together, thus offering a blended approach of theory, practical skills and experiential learning. Critical legal skills such as negotiation, court advocacy, legal research and writing, and interpersonal skills will be developed. At the same time, you will gain first-hand experience of client engagement at Cardiff University’s Law Clinic.

Course Descriptions

Academics

Course 1 – Legal Practice Skills (3 US credits; 45 hours)

Dispute resolution is a vital part of legal training and practice. Students will consider civil and criminal matters in and out of court. Most legal disputes are settled without litigation (going to court). However, lawyers must be effective negotiators to avoid litigation which can be costly, time-consuming and damage future relations between the parties. Course content will include:

Negotiation (15 contact hours)

Explore the International Negotiation Competition for Law Students to understand the negotiation skills needed in international transactions and disputes. The competition was launched in 1998 by two American law schools and the American Bar Association.

Court Advocacy (15 contact hours) – “A specialist skill used by legal advisors to present an argument to a court with the aim of persuading a jury or judge.”

Civil issues can find their way to court, where matters cannot be resolved using alternative dispute resolution methods. Using case studies replicating legal practice, students will learn to prepare and present a legal argument such as making a plea in mitigation or a bail application and presented in an actual or mock courtroom.

Legal Research: Drafting and Reflective Writing (15 contact hours)

Students will be introduced to legal databases to understand how, and where, lawyers research the correct law. They will learn basic legal drafting skills and reflective writing techniques.

Course 2 – Law Clinic Practicum (3 US credits; 45 hours)

Students explore the interpersonal and legal skills needed to interact with clients effectively when communicating orally and in writing.

Client Consultation and Interviewing (15 contact hours) – “The practice of communicating with and advising a client on a legal matter.”

Students will gain skills by participating in client interviews using scenarios from past competitions and learn the elements of client interview techniques.

Module content and learning outcomes are based on the International Client Consultation Competition. Launched in the US in 1969 and adopted by the American Bar Association, the competition attracts teams of law students from over 20 countries.

Law Clinic Experience (15 contact hours) – “Dealing with real or simulated clients to advise and assist on law-related matters.”

Students gain first-hand experience of client engagement through Cardiff University’s Law Clinic, beginning with an introduction to clinical training and simulated Law Clinic matters. They will also visit Cardiff’s Justice Centre, where they can shadow lawyers working with clients in a court setting.

Legal Writing (15 contact hours) – “The presentation of legal information/advice in a format relevant to the reader”

Building on their experience of interviewing clients and explaining legal issues orally, students will develop the skills needed to communicate complex legal concepts clearly in writing for non-lawyer clients, without relying on legal jargon.

Students will also have the opportunity to contribute to The Justice Gap, the satellite Law publication featuring reports on access to justice issues.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

Students will experience a variety of activities throughout their programme such as:

Attending criminal and civil courts to observe courts and lawyers in action
Tour of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) to meet politicians and law-makers
A visit to a major law firm
Cardiff Castle and other historical sites
Historical coal mining sites
National Museum of Wales
National History Museum of Wales
Visit stadiums and sporting venues like The Principality Stadium, home to the Welsh Rugby Union.