Introduction

The Faculty of Law of the University for Development Studies (UDS) is committed to excellence in legal education, research, and service to society. Guided by the University’s development-oriented mandate, the Faculty trains competent, ethical, and socially responsive legal professionals equipped to address contemporary legal and development challenges in Ghana, Africa, and beyond. The faculty currently offers LLB for post-first-degree entrants (LLB-PFD) and LLB-for WASSCE/SSSCE entrants (LLB-WASSCE).

The Faculty is located on Nyankpala Campus in the Tolon District in the Northern Region of Ghana. It is about 15 kilometres West of Tamale on the Tamale-Tolon Road.

The Faculty of Law was established in 2024 and stands as the youngest Faculty in the University. The Faculty’s mandate, like all programmes run in the University, is to combine academic work with community-based field practical training to achieve sustainable development. The Faculty provides a rare opportunity to promote legal education in the Northern Region in particular and Ghana at Large.

Vision Statement

To be a globally recognised and distinctive smart hub of legal excellence and professional training that advances inclusive, pro-poor, and community-centred sustainable development as well as the well-being and self-actualisation of its staff and students.

Mission Statements:

1. Legal education & professional excellence: To deliver high-quality, context-responsive legal education that develops ethical, analytical, and advocacy skills for professional excellence and leadership in Ghana and beyond.
2. Development-oriented scholarship: To generate innovative legal research that responds to regional and national development challenges and advances social justice, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
3. Access to justice and community engagement: To promote access to justice through community engagement, legal aid, and public legal education that empower underserved populations and strengthen good governance.

Academic Programmes

The Faculty of Law offers rigorous programmes designed to meet professional and academic standards:

Undergraduate Programmes
The Faculty offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Programme with two (2) distinct streams:

1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) WASSCE Stream
2. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Post-First-Degree (PFD) Stream

The Faculty’s LLB Programme is accredited and approved by relevant regulatory bodies.

Teaching and Learning

Our teaching approach combines doctrinal instruction with practical exposure. Students benefit from:

1. Experienced and dedicated faculty members
2. Moot court and advocacy training
3. Clinical legal education and community legal clinics
4. Research seminars and guest lectures by legal practitioners and scholars

Research and Publications

The Faculty encourages cutting-edge research in areas including but not limited to:

1. Constitutional and Administrative Law
2. Human Rights and International Law
3. Commercial and Corporate Law
4. Environmental and Natural Resources Law
5. Customary Law and Legal Pluralism
6. Law, Governance, and Development

Staff and students actively publish in reputable journals and contribute to policy dialogues at national and international levels.

Community Engagement and Legal Aid

In line with UDS’ mandate, the Faculty undertakes community outreach through:

1. Legal literacy programmes
2. Pro bono legal clinics
3. Alternative dispute resolution support
4. Partnerships with civil society and public institutions
5. The mandatory Third Trimester Field Practical Training Programme for Levels 100 and 200 students
6. The mandatory Practicum for level 300 students

Faculty and Staff

The Faculty is staffed by qualified academics and professionals with diverse expertise. Our lecturers combine scholarly excellence with practical legal experience to mentor and guide students effectively.

Facilities

1. Lecture halls and seminar rooms
2. Faculty of Law Library 
3. Moot Court facilities
4. ICT-enabled teaching and research environment

Admissions

Admission into the Faculty of Law is competitive and conducted in accordance with UDS admission policies. In addition to meeting the Faculty’s cut-off points and minimum first-degree class, applicants must pass an entrance examination and interview in order to secure admission into the Faculty. Prospective applicants are advised to visit the UDS Admissions portal for detailed entry requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.

Student Life

Law students at UDS enjoy a vibrant academic and social environment, including:

1. Law Students’ Association activities
2. Academic workshops and conferences
3. Mentorship and career development programmes
4. Inter-faculty and inter-university competitions

Partnerships and Collaborations

The Faculty collaborates with:

1. Courts and legal/paralegal institutions
2. Law firms and legal practitioners
3. Government agencies
4. International Universities and research centres

These partnerships enhance training, research, and experiential learning opportunities.

Contact Us

Faculty of Law
University for Development Studies (UDS)
Tamale
Phone: 0372099509
Location: UDS, Box 1882, Nyankapala Campus
For enquiries, admissions, and collaborations, kindly reach out to the Faculty through the above channels.

Faculty of Law, UDS – Training Lawyers for Development.