Ranking
Top 70
QS World Rankings 2027
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Course overview
Study the legal rules, principles and concepts of the core branches of English and UAE Law, with a particular focus on commercial transactions.
Explore the legal issues that cross international jurisdictions, that move between common and civil law. Our undergraduate law degree has a commercial focus, where modules cover core elements of English Law, but also adopt a broader perspective, examining law in a wide international and commercial context.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The opportunity to study a qualifying English Law degree with modules like UAE and GCC Law truly impressed me! Sitting at the intersection of English Law and Commercial aspects of the Middle East, this programme is truly one of a kind.
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Discover first-hand experiences from current students and recent graduates. Learn about studying at Birmingham, life on campus, and living in Dubai.
Course highlights
English law underpins many contracts and transactions across the world, including the UAE. Our programme delves into the legal rules, principles and concepts of the core branches of English and UAE Law, with a particular focus on commercial transactions.
- Study Law and join the only UK Russell Group based in Dubai
- Birmingham Law School students and alumni receive a 20% discount off BARBRI's SQE1 Prep and Extended US Bar Prep (EBAR) courses
- Our innovative and intellectually challenging programme supports your future career by giving you key professional and practice-based skills
- Develop knowledge and understanding of key international legal issues, impacting on commercial transactions across the world
- Engage with legally-focused extra-curricular activities via Birmingham Law School’s Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER)
Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, securing our position among the top 70 universities globally and the top 10 UK universities.
Get a head start in the graduate market through pro bono activities, mooting and work experience.
Become part of a diverse community of staff and students from around the world.
Prepare to work in the legal world
Focus on the key areas of English, UAE, and international law that are most relevant to commercial legal practice in UAE and the GCC region.
Course delivery
Study at the University of Birmingham Dubai and learn from world-class experts—authors of key works and leaders with global teaching and research experience from the UK and Dubai.
Lecture
Seminar
By graduation you will have the legal and transferable skills needed to succeed in different legal jurisdictions, as well as other careers in Business, Education and Government.
You will enjoy a diverse learning experience, including lectures, interactive seminars, workshops, presentations, independent study and peer group learning. For all assessments there will be a formative (practice) element where you can develop ideas and arguments for feedback before completing the module’s summative (final) assessment.
- Lectures: These give you an insightful, expert introduction to key topics; they also provide guidance to support your reading and assessments.
- Seminars: These are small group discussions where you share and test ideas with your academic tutor and your peers. Seminars help you understand topics better and build confidence in sharing your thoughts.
Contact hours
Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.
Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Modules
Our BCL is delivered full-time over 4-years, including an integrated foundation year, featuring lectures, seminars and independent study across a wide range of areas of law. Our modules are designed to provide you with the essential legal skills needed to equip you for a career in the legal sector and beyond.
Foundation year
Foundation year
2026/27 Session
The Foundation Year will equip you with essential knowledge in Law and Legal Skills, Business and the Market, Global Environmental Issues, and academic English, preparing you for undergraduate study. Be immersed in the university environment where you will receive dedicated support.
Successful completion of at least 100 credits, with a minimum of 60% in Academic English, and 60% overall in your modules, will ensure progression to the Bachelor in Commercial Law.
The following must be taken:
Year 1
Year 1
2027/28 Session
Begin your journey in commercial law with an international focus. Blend the fundamentals of common and civil law through modules such as English Legal System, UAE and GCC legal systems and Legal & Commercial Solutions and Ethics, alongside modules focusing on Criminal Law & Regulation, Public Law, and Contract Law.
The following must be taken:
Year 2
Year 2
2028/29 Session
Build and develop your understanding further by exploring key legal principles through modules such as Commercial Law, Property Law, Tort, Civil and Islamic Law, International Dispute Resolution, European Union and International Trade Law.
The following must be taken:
Year 3
Year 3
2029/30 Session
Advance in your final year by delving into a wide range of specialist optional modules of particular relevance to international commercial legal practice, giving you flexibility to tailor your degree to your personal and future career interests. These modules include Banking & Islamic Finance, DIFC Civil Procedure, International Arbitration, Law & Technology, Energy Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Labour Law.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Equity, Trusts and Succession | 20 |
Students must take 5 x 20 credit modules from a list of options. Three modules in Semester 1 and two modules in Semester 2. Options may be subject to availability each year.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A Level
CC and GCSE Mathematics and English at grade 4 required.
- IB
4,4 at Higher Level with a minimum of 28 points overall.
Number of A levels required: 2
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
International entry requirements
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination, and graduation.
January 2027 entry
- AED 123,506
Per year for the foundation year only.
- AED 134,922
Per year for the subsequent years of the undergraduate course.
September 2027 entry
- AED 133,199
Per year for the foundation year only.
- AED 146,806
Per year for the subsequent years of the undergraduate course.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.
To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. The deposit is AED 5,000 for January 2027 entry and AED 7,500 for September 2027 entry. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for a range of scholarships following a Conditional Offer from the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Up to 30%
Tuition fee scholarships available for eligible students.
Application process
Applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai is straightforward. Applications are made directly through our online Admissions portal, with no application fee.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.
Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.
Career opportunities
Develop real-world legal skills through activities linked to law, careers, and professional development with our BCL Bachelor of Commercial Law. Our teaching and legal careers support services are designed to help you stand out in a competitive global jobs market.
The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2025 report. Through our expert Careers Network and hundreds of events, you'll find connections and support with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study.
From reviewing CVs and LinkedIn profiles, to support with application forms and interviews, and much more, our experienced Careers Advisors are available to you to answer any careers related questions via email or 1:1 appointments.
Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER)
CEPLER is Birmingham Law School's in-house specialist in employability and legal education. Enhance your employability through a variety of online and face to face activities with Birmingham Law School CEPLER in Dubai.
Recent activities delivered by CEPLER in Dubai include:
- Guest lectures by speakers at legal firms in the UAE and alumni speakers.
- Events connecting students with legal employers including career expos and panel discussions.
- Advocacy and mediation workshops.
Professional accreditation
The BCL will prepare you for a wide range of different careers, although we envisage that many students will be looking to work in the legal sector in Dubai or internationally. In terms of legal careers in Dubai:
- As the BCL has a strong focus on English Law, it can open up opportunities to qualify as a Solicitor at international law firms in DIFC via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (“SQE”) route.
- Students are also well-prepared to pursue legal careers in Dubai via registration as Legal Consultants with Dubai Legal Affairs Department (subject to meeting relevant requirements defined by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department ).
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.