Study law in the UK
Where can I study law in the UK?
With some of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the world, the UK offers an exceptional
choice of courses to anyone embarking on a legal career. Three of the world’s top ten law universities
are here in
the UK – University of Oxford (second), University of Cambridge (third) and London School of
Economics and Political Science (sixth)1 – but you’ll find world–class teaching right across the
country.
With some of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the world, the UK offers an exceptional
choice of courses to anyone embarking on a legal career. Three of the world’s top ten law universities
are here in
the UK – University of Oxford (second), University of Cambridge (third) and London School of
Economics and Political Science (sixth)1 – but you’ll find world–class teaching right across the
country.
What qualifications will I need?
To get on to a law degree you will usually require a minimum of two A–levels (or equivalent) – A
grades across three subjects may be a requirement for the most popular degrees. The typical
requirement for International Baccalaureate is 35 points, with typical IELTS requirements being 7.0
overall and no lower than 6.5 in any one component.
How long does it take to graduate?
Law degrees are usually spread over three academic years in the UK, though different fast–track
courses are available if you want to accelerate your studies. Longer part–time course options are also
available.
What is the course structure?
The exact structure of each course depends on the specific degree type you choose.
Several legal qualifications are available:
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Graduate LLB (this is often offered as a fast–track LLB leading to a postgraduate degree)
• Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)
• Law Practice Course (LPC)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme (QLTS)
• Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).
It’s also easy to combine law with other subjects in the UK if you wish, as part of a BA or BSc.
If you choose a dedicated law degree, you’ll cover the same seven core modules initially, to ensure
you have the basic understanding required for any career path. You’ll then be able to specialise as
you go, by choosing the modules that interest you most. Usually, universities with a law course will
give you the option of specialising in one of the seven main areas of law:
• criminal law
• corporate law
• banking law
• construction law
• commercial law
• constitutional law
• contract law.
give you the option of specialising in one of the seven main areas of law:
• criminal law
• corporate law
• banking law
• construction law
• commercial law
• constitutional law
• contract law.
Why is the UK a good choice for law?
From the flexible, modular courses to the renowned academics leading them, the UK is one of the
best places to read law in the world. As well as getting insights from leading professionals working in
the UK judicial system, many universities offer leading learning environments to help you hone your
skills, including mock courtrooms. You’ll also be immersed in the English language from day one,
helping you develop strong analytical and linguistic skills.
What is the judicial system like in the UK?
The UK has a long and fascinating history when it comes to law and the expertise on offer is very well
regarded internationally. The common law system copied by several countries is 900 years old, and
many of our law schools are themselves hundreds of years old, too. With one in four world leaders
studying in the UK – many of them choosing a law degree – the UK is one of the best possible
choices for anyone seeking to succeed at the highest levels.
Are there any scholarships for law students?
A wide range of law scholarships are available in the UK, including the Dickson Poon Undergraduate
Law Scholarship Programme at King’s College London, the Henry Arthur Hollond Studentship in Law
at the University of Cambridge, the John Bloom Law Bursary and the Margaret Bennett Scholarship
for African Women at the London School of Economics.
You may also want to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship if you are from a Commonwealth
country, or the prestigious Chevening Scholarships. Find out more on our website.
What are my work options after I graduate?
UK graduates are among the most employable in the world,2 and this is especially true of law
graduates. Typically, lawyers have high earning potential from early on in their careers, wherever they
work in the world. Solicitors in the UK earn between £25,000 and £40,000 when they begin and will
often earn over £100,000 a year once they are established.
A UK law degree opens up all kinds of career paths, not just practising as a solicitor or barrister. You
can use your degree to go into everything from politics and journalism to data analysis or legal
advocacy.International students can apply to stay and work in the UK for twoyears after graduating through the
Graduate Route.
To find out more about studying law in the UK and find a course
