Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Choosing the right university for studying law in the UK is a crucial decision for students. Law is a demanding degree, and the quality of your education will have a significant impact on your future career prospects. The top 10 best universities for law in UK offer excellent degrees and have a strong reputation in the legal profession.
When choosing a university, it is essential to consider your interests and career goals. You should also consider the university's location, the cost of tuition, and the availability of scholarships.
The University of Cambridge is one of the best law universities in UK. It comprises 31 constituent colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, and schools.
The Cambridge law program is very competitive, and admission standards are high. In recent years, the acceptance rate for the law program has been around 10%. You must have a solid academic record, including high grades in mathematics and English.
The University Of Cambridge Faculty Of Law offers many law-related programs, centres, and initiatives. For example:
Some of the notable achievements and accolades of the Cambridge law program include:
Oxford University is also one of the top universities for law UK. It's consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is among the most prestigious universities.
Applicants must also have a strong academic record and interest in the law to study law at Oxford. The specific requirement will vary based on your level of study and program.
The following are some notable programs, centers, and initiatives under the Faculty of Law at Oxford University:
Some of the notable achievements and accolades of the Oxford law program include:
Founded in 1895, LSE is one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the world. This best university in UK for law attracts students from all over the world, and its graduates go on to successful careers in a wide range of fields, including law, finance, politics, and academia.
Applicants of the Law program at LSE must have a solid academic record, including a good grade point average (GPA) and high scores on standardized tests like the LSAT or GRE.
LSE Law School offers a variety of notable law-related programs, centres, and initiatives. Some of these include:
Some of the school's notable alumni include:
UCL is one of the world's leading universities known for academic excellence and diverse student body.
The specific admission requirements at UCL Law program may vary depending on your country of origin and whether you are applying as an undergraduate or postgraduate student. UCL also requires applicants to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).
Notable law-related programs, centres, or initiatives include:
The following are some of the achievements or accolades of UCL in the field of law:
King's College London is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It is another one of the best universities for law uk. KCL is known for its academic excellence, its research prowess, and its international outlook.
For undergraduate law programs at the Dickson Poon School of Law at KCL, applicants must have a high 2:1 non-Law undergraduate degree. For postgraduate law programs, applicants must typically have a good 2:1 with evidence of 1st class ability.
The school is also home to several notable law-related programs, centres, and initiatives, including:
The University of Edinburgh is one of the best universities in the UK for law. It is known for its academic excellence, its research prowess, and its global outlook. The university has a diverse student body, with over 50,000 students from over 150 countries.
The School of Law at the University of Edinburgh offers a variety of law programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The admission requirements for each program vary, but all applicants must have a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in the law.
It is home to many notable law-related programs, centres, and initiatives, including:
The University of Edinburgh's School of Law has produced several notable alumni, including:
The University of Glasgow is a proud member of the Russell Group and is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
For the undergraduate law program (LLB), the minimum entry requirements are A-levels: AAB or higher, including English and at least one other subject relevant to law or equivalent qualification.
The School of Law at the University of Glasgow has a number of notable law-related programs, centres, and initiatives, including:
In recent years, the School of Law has won many awards for its teaching and research, including:
The University of Manchester stands out for its exceptional standards in both teaching and research within the field of law. Renowned as one of the premier law schools in the United Kingdom, the School of Law at the University of Manchester consistently earns its place among the top 100 law schools globally. It is recognized as the best university in the UK for law, reflecting its commitment to excellence in legal education and scholarship.
The entry requirement for the undergraduate law program at this university is A-levels: AAB or higher, including English and at least one other subject relevant to law. For the postgraduate law programs, the minimum entry requirement is an excellent undergraduate degree in law from a recognized university.
The School of Law at the University of Manchester has a number of notable law-related programs, centres, and initiatives, including:
In recent years, the Faculty of Law has won many awards for its teaching and research, including:
Durham University is a member of the Russell Group universities. It is also a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of European universities.
The general entry requirements for the law program at Durham University include A-levels: AAA, including at least one A in a relevant subject such as Law, English, or History, or IB Diploma with 36 points.
Some of the notable law-related programs, centres, or initiatives at Durham Law School include:
Durham Law School has also produced a number of notable alumni, including:
Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK and is ranked 58th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023. It’s known for its high-quality teaching and research, and it is a member of the Russell Group research-intensive universities.
The general entry requirements at the University of Bristol Law program are A-levels: AAA, including at least one A in a relevant subject such as Law, English, or History.
Some of the notable law-related programs, centres, or initiatives at the University of Bristol Law School include:
Some of the achievements and accolades of the University of Bristol Law School include:
Here are the top 10 universities in the UK for law degrees in 2024, according to Times Higher Education. This list highlights their national rankings and locations.
| UK Law Rank 2024 (Times Higher Education) | University | City/Town |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
| 2 | University of Oxford | Oxford |
| 3 | UCL | London |
| 4 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
| 5 | London School of Economics and Political Science | London |
| 6 | King’s College London | London |
| 7 | University of Glasgow | Glasgow |
| 8 | University of Nottingham | Nottingham |
| 9 | University of Essex | Essex |
| 10 | Queen Mary University of London | London |
Here are the top 10 universities in the UK for law degrees in 2024, according to The Guardian. This list highlights their rankings and locations.
| UK Law Rank 2024 (The Guardian) | University | City/Town |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UCL | London |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
| 3 | University of Oxford | Oxford |
| 4 | King’s College London | London |
| 5 | London School of Economics | London |
| 6 | University of Glasgow | Glasgow |
| 7 | Durham University | Durham |
| 8 | Solent University | Southampton |
| 9 | Leeds Trinity University | Leeds |
| 10 | University of Warwick | Coventry |
Here are the factors to consider when choosing a law school in the UK:
When it comes to pursuing law in the UK, students have a variety of degree options tailored to different career aspirations and academic interests. The most common undergraduate degree is the LLB (Bachelor of Laws), which typically takes three years to complete. The LLB is the standard qualification for those wanting to practice law and is recognized as a qualifying law degree (QLD). It covers essential areas such as contract law, criminal law, and constitutional law.
For those who wish to specialize further or have already completed an undergraduate degree, the LLM (Master of Laws) is a popular postgraduate option. This degree allows students to dive deeper into specific areas like international law, human rights law, or corporate law. Most LLM programs in the UK are one year in duration.
Additionally, many universities offer joint degrees, where law is studied alongside other subjects, such as politics or business. These degrees offer broader knowledge and can be advantageous for careers in international organizations or multinational corporations. Some joint law degrees include a year abroad, allowing students to gain international legal experience.
UK law degrees focus heavily on building both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In the LLB program, students start with core subjects like tort law, property law, and public law during the first year. As they progress, they can choose from a wide range of electives, such as commercial law, environmental law, or family law, to suit their career goals.
Assessments in law degrees are usually a mix of written exams, essays, and practical assessments. Some programs may also include mooting (mock trials) and legal research projects, giving students hands-on experience in applying legal principles. The balance of exams and coursework varies by university, but most law programs culminate in a final dissertation or extended essay, especially at the postgraduate level.
A law degree from a top UK university can open doors to various career paths. The most common route is to become a solicitor or barrister. After completing the LLB, graduates must undergo additional training, such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for solicitors or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for barristers. Both pathways require professional placements, and competition is often fierce for pupillage and training contracts at top firms.
Beyond traditional legal roles, a law degree is highly valued in corporate sectors, especially for positions in compliance, governance, and corporate law. Large companies and international organizations often seek law graduates to handle contract negotiations, mergers, acquisitions, and intellectual property matters.
For those interested in academia or research, postgraduate degrees like the LLM or PhD in Law can lead to opportunities in teaching or legal research. Some graduates also pursue careers in international organizations, government advisory roles, or NGOs focusing on human rights or environmental law.
The entry requirements for law programs in the UK vary by university. Generally, top universities like Oxford and Cambridge require AAA in A-levels, while others may accept AAB or ABB. Many law schools, such as the London School of Economics (LSE), also require students to take the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test). International students must meet equivalent qualifications, such as a strong IB score (38+ points) or an international diploma. These universities also consider your academic references, and personal statement, and sometimes require an interview as part of the application process.
Tuition fees for law degrees in the UK can range significantly depending on the university and whether you are a domestic or international student. For example, international students at prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford can expect to pay around £35,000 per year, while universities like Durham or Queen Mary University of London may charge approximately £25,000–£32,000 annually. Additionally, there are costs for accommodation, study materials, and potential travel abroad for programs that offer a year in a foreign university.
Several UK universities excel in international law. The University of Edinburgh is widely recognized for its International and Comparative Law program, offering specialized courses that focus on global justice and human rights law. Similarly, King’s College London and the London School of Economics (LSE) offer world-class programs in international trade law and human rights law, making them top choices for students interested in international legal studies. For those particularly keen on research, Cambridge also offers in-depth study in international law through its Herbert Smith Freehills Global Visitor Programme.
No, the LNAT is not required for all law programs, but many of the top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and King’s College London, use the LNAT as part of their admissions process. The test assesses students’ logical reasoning and comprehension skills, which are key to succeeding in law studies. Other universities, such as Durham and Nottingham, also require the LNAT, while institutions like Queen Mary University of London and the University of Leeds do not.
Choosing a law school is a big decision, but it is an important one. When choosing the best universities for law in UK, you must do your research and consider your individual preferences. This is how you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
September 28 2024
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