Last Updated: February 02, 2021
Law degree from the UK: Everything you need to know
Looking to study law in the UK? You should not settle for anything but the best. Universities vary depending on their course structure and the career opportunities they provide for their students. You should carefully research before choosing a law course that is best suited to your needs. Some of the most renowned universities and colleges in the UK provide valuable Law degrees. We take a look at the very best:
1. University of Cambridge
Who hasn't heard of the University of Cambridge? The name of the University of Cambridge makes headlines in every area of academics. It's world-renowned and within good reason.
Courses offered:
- At an Undergraduate level : the course emphasizes English law, but you will have the option of studying other fields of law, namely Roman Law and International law.
Furthermore, Cambridge also offers you to get an MPhil in Criminology and Criminology Research as well as have a diploma in Legal Studies and International Law.
- At a Postgraduate level : A very direct degree of LLM is offered by Cambridge at the postgraduate level. Just like any other LLM degree, it is intended for students looking to go further in their studies with law. It is a full-time, entirely taught 9-month course where there is one final exam at the end of the course year, but students can opt for a dissertation if their topic gets approved beforehand.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For Undergraduates:
- You will require the grade of A*AA at the A-Level, 40-42
points in your IB and have a minimum of 776 points in your Higher Level.
- There are no requirements of GCSE or any other equivalent for applying to Cambridge.
- You will be required to give for Cambridge Law Test which will be in an essay format and will have 60 minutes to complete it.
- For Postgraduates :
- You will need to have a first class degree in law from a UK university or an equivalent for international students. For US nationals, the equivalent would be a bachelor's degree in the related field with at least an overall score of 3.5/4.3 GPA or 4.3/5.0 GPA.
- US Nationals need not give an English proficiency exam. Although, the IELTS score accepted by Cambridge are an overall score of 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in all subjects.
Fees:
- For Undergraduates:
- UK Students: £9,250
- International Students: £23,000
- For Postgraduates:
- UK Students: £18,000
- International Students: £33,000
Application Process:
You need to apply through the Course Directory by selecting the course you are going to pursue. You need to pay £50 per application unless you are from a fee waiver country.
There is also an interview round conducted before your selection, which is a part of your application process.
2. University of Oxford:
With a satisfaction rate of 97%, the infamous University of Oxford takes 2nd place. Oxford has been notorious for the sheer competition it has for any course and from across the globe. Despite the cut-throat competition, getting into Oxford is a great deal, and helps you get the best of your field, no matter what you choose to do.
Courses offered:
- At an Undergraduate level : the course simply has emphasis on LLB. It is a course that can be divided into two parts - Part A being a 3 years course and Part B being a four year course with study abroad.
- At a Postgraduate level : At postgraduate level (or graduate level), the University of Oxford offers three variety of degrees, which are Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSc), Law and Finance (MSc), and Magister Juris (MJur). The courses don't go over 10 months and are available as full-time courses.
Eligibility Criteria
:
- For Undergraduates:
- Either SAT scores of 1,470/1,600 or ACT scores of 32/36 is accepted by the university.
- If not the SATs or ACTs, the university accepts AP scores of 5 in three or more related subjects or SAT subject scores of 700 in more than three relevant subjects.
- Pass the Law National Admission Test (LNAT) with a desirable score.
- AN IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 in all subjects.
- For Postgraduates :
- You will need to have a first class or strong upper second-class bachelor's degree in law from a UK university or an equivalent for international students. For US nationals, the equivalent would be a bachelor's degree in the related field with at least an overall score of 3.5/4.0 GPA or 4.0/5.0 GPA.
- US Nationals need not give an English proficiency exam, if you can prove that you have studied at a recognized university, full-time, for at least 2 years.
- An IELTS score accepted by Oxford is an overall score of 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in all subjects.
Fees:
- For Undergraduates:
- UK Students: £9,250
- International Students: 29,000
- For Postgraduates:
- UK Students: £16,000
- International Students: £25,000
3. University College London (UCL)
You might have seen UCL in several lists now. It's of no surprise though, as UCL has always been top of their game in almost every line of study as well as research. With fairly low competition, yet a high level of education, UCL seems to be the favorite of quite a few. Hence, it takes 3rd place in yet another list, although made for law courses.
Courses offered:
- At an Undergraduate level : Unlike the first two colleges, which provided quite rigid courses with next to zero options, UCL comes like fresh air to the rescue of students who want to do something more unique. It offers four different kinds of degrees at the undergraduate level, namely - Law LLB, Law with French Law LLB, Law with German Law LLB, and Law with Hispanic Law LLB.
- At a Postgraduate level : On the other hand, at a postgraduate level, you will not find that variety as they offer a simple LLM degree. The degree is for the duration of 10 months, full-time.
Eligibility Criteria
:
- For Undergraduates:
- AAA grades at any subject which is under the A level subjects at UCL. They do not require you to have prior knowledge of law-related subjects. The USA equivalent of that would be to have either a score of 5 in more than three AP subjects or a combination of SAT subject score of 700+ and AP scores of 5 in at least 3 subjects.
- A GCSE score of 6 or B in English and mathematics.
- AN IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 in all subjects. US Nationals can prove that they have studied for 12 months in English and be exempted from English requirements.
- For Postgraduates :
- You will need to have an equivalent of a 2.1 Hons degree for international students. For US nationals, the equivalent would be a bachelor's degree in the related field with at least an overall score of 3.3/4.0 GPA.
- US Nationals need not give an English proficiency exam, if you can prove that you have studied at a recognized university, full-time, for at least 2 years.
- An IELTS score accepted by Oxford is an overall score of 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in all subjects.
Fees:
- For Undergraduates:
- UK Students: £9,250
- International Students: 24,000
- For Postgraduates:
- UK Students: £19,000
- International Students: £29,000
4.The London School of Economics (LSE)
This is another prestigious university from which you can choose to pursue your law degree. It has an 88% percent satisfaction rate along with 13 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
Courses offered:
- At an Undergraduate level : For undergraduates, you will have two choices between a simple LLB degree and BA Anthropology and Law.
- At a Postgraduate level : For postgraduate degrees, you will find a wide variety of degrees, that do not necessarily fall under department of law at LSE but have joined hands with other departments to make a course. The available courses are LLM, Regulation (MSc), Human rights (MSc), Criminal Justice Policy (MSc), Human Rights and Politics (MSc), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA), China in Comparative Perspective (MSc), and Inequalities and Social Sciences (MSc).
Eligibility Criteria:
- For Undergraduates:
- AAA grades at any subject which is under the A level subjects. Just like UCL, they do not require you to have prior knowledge of law related subjects. The USA equivalent of that would be to have either a score of 5 in more than three AP subjects.
- A GCSE score of 7 or A at several subject levels but no less than grade 6 or B in english and mathematics.
- AN IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in all subjects. US Nationals can prove that they have studied in english as their primary language and be exempted from english requirements.
- For Postgraduates :
- You will need to have an equivalent of 2.1 hons degree in a relevant field of study.
- A statement of purpose (also known as an essay that highlights your passion for the subject)
- An IELTS score accepted by Oxford is an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in all subjects.
- Two good reference letters
- Your recent CV
Fees:
- For Undergraduates:
- UK Students: £9,250
- International Students: 23,000
- For Postgraduates:
- UK Students: £18,000
- International Students: £26,000
Application criteria:
Applications are made through the UCAS website, always. It is advised to apply as soon as possible as the procedure is time taking and exhaustive, including your visa.
The university also looks at how motivated you are to work and pays attention to your intellectual curiosity and communication skills.
5. King's College, London:
The Law School of King's College- Dickson Poon School of Law- provides a stellar law degree for prospective law students- a standard LLM degree program where you can choose your specialization. These programs have gained a global reputation and are largely based on research. So it is of no surprise that King's has taken the 5th position on this list.
Having an impeccable reputation and maintaining it is not an easy task, but the Dickson Poon School of Law does it the same. Students from across the world apply for these courses, and the competition to get in is tough, to say the least.
If you are a graduate from King's, the world is your stage. You can join any profession you want- international business, tax, competition and intellectual property law. You will have access to exclusive materials and will have the privilege of listening to respected professionals as they give you lectures. King's College is closely associated with the top legal firms and various government organizations, and that will help you build a strong career once you graduate.
Courses offered:
- At an Undergraduate level : For undergraduates, King's offers an amazing variety. Starting from LLB, there is Politics, Philosophy & Law LLB, English and French Law LLB, English and German Law LLB, English and Spanish Law LLB, and English and Hong Kong Law LLB.
- At a Postgraduate level : As for a postgraduate degree, King's offers an LLM with a wide variety of subjects you can select to study.
Eligibility Criteria
:
- For Undergraduates:
- AAA grades at any subject which is under the A level subjects. Just like UCL and LSE, they do not require you to have prior knowledge of law related subjects. The USA equivalent of that would be to have either a score of 5 in more than three AP subjects, as well as SAT scores.
- King's also accepts 3 APs with ACT scores, as well as 5 AP scores
- A GCSE score of 7 or A at several subject levels but no less than grade 6 or B in english and mathematics.
- AN IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in all subjects. US Nationals can prove that they have studied in english as their primary language and be exempted from english requirements.
- LNAT scores
- For Postgraduates :
- You will need to have an equivalent of 2.1 hons degree in a relevant field of study.
- An IELTS score of an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in all subjects.
Fees:
- For Undergraduates:
- UK Students: £9,250
- International Students: 25,000
- For Postgraduates:
- UK Students: £19,000
- International Students: £29,000
Before you begin to choose a university, remember that every university has its own benefits and downsides. What should matter most to you is your area of interest and other factors that would dictate your selection of any university; either the top 5 or the other universities of your choice.
