Law Degrees

Highly respected due to their demanding nature and intensity, law degrees will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work within the legal system. Studying at a law school allows you to gain an advanced understanding of the laws and practices of the justice system in the UK and beyond. You will gain an in-depth perspective of the law at a philosophical and ethical level, as well as how the legal system impacts on the lives of those who are affected.

About Law

Accreditation

The accreditation of law degrees is standardised in the UK. The main difference you may find is if your degree is a joint honours qualification, and is not necessarily designed for students who wish to go on to a practising legal career. Your qualification will also depend on the level at which you are studying. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Duration

Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete, depending on where you choose to study.

Your institution may offer part-time study options, which usually means that your degree will take four to six years. You may also be able to take a foundation programme, which is useful if you do not meet the entry requirements for your degree.

Fees

Annual tuition fees for UK students are capped by the UK government. For the 2019/20 academic year, they are £9,250. This is subject to change each year, and will be updated on your institution website.

Typical Annual Tuition Fees

  • Undergraduate - £9,250
  • Topics Covered

    Undergraduate

    An undergraduate degree in law will give you a good foundation of knowledge in the area. The specific modules that you study tend to be somewhat similar across most institutions. This is so that all graduates of law have a comparable knowledge and skill set. You might study modules on administrative law, human rights, criminal law, contract law, constitutional law, land law, European Union law, trade law, and equity and succession, among many others. It is likely that you will study a set list of modules, with opportunities to take specialist modules that focus on an area you are interested in. Most undergraduate degrees will be designed to suit those who have very little previous experience of law, as well as those who are already familiar with the academic and theoretical elements of law. Your degree will be delivered through lectures and tutorials, as well as incorporating practical sessions and possible field trips. Assessment methods could include written work, presentations, debates, mock court situations, exams, and a dissertation.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for a degree in law will depend on where you choose to study. They will also be influenced by the level of study for which you are applying. An undergraduate degree in law normally doesn’t have specific subject requirements, but certain subjects may be preferred. These may include law, philosophy, english, or psychology, as well as other qualitative subjects. For postgraduate law courses, you will be required to have an undergraduate degree in law.

Typical Entry Requirements

Undergraduate

  • A Level Grades - A*A*A-ABB
  • UCAS Points - 160 UCAS points
  • Required/Desired Subjects - Law, Philosophy, Psychology, English

Postgraduate

  • Degree Requirements - 2:2 or higher
  • Required/Desired Subjects - Law

Career Prospects

Law graduates will find that there are many different career opportunities available to them. Although is highly common for graduates to pursue jobs in legal roles, you will not be limited to working in the legal and justice system. The wide range of legal skills you gain throughout your studies will mean that you are able to find work in a variety of industries, including business, banking and politics. If you do pursue a practising legal career, you will have to work your way through the system as you progress and gain more experience.

If you choose to work in a role directly related to your degree, jobs could include a barrister, a barrister’s clerk, a solicitor, or a paralegal. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to your degree, jobs might include a chartered accountant, a human resources manager, a stockbroker, or a mediator.