A law qualification can take you and the high regard in which law alumni are held high in the world. Undeniably, studying law gives you lifelong skills respected by employers across the globe. Possibly no other field offers quite so many career options, from legal practice to politics, journalism, and even TV presenting. In addition to this, graduates from UK law schools can earn a lot as their valuable services are respected and high in demand. Many companies hand their functioning to lawyers, whereas many important political processes are carried by law professionals.
 

A law degree does guarantee a great career prospect. The company lawyers, including patent lawyers and attorneys, are among the world’s best-paid professionals. And in the UK, the starting salary for a barrister is £35,000 potentially hitting up to £1million after 6 to 10 years of practice.

Why Study Law in the UK?

The English court system is respected throughout the world and English law is also the first choice for international business, leading many large commercial arrangements between countries.
 

One-third of the world’s population, including the United States, India, Pakistan and Malaysia, have legal systems that originated in English common law.
 

Four of the world’s top 10 law firms, based on the total numbers of employed lawyers have their headquarters in the UK. These are multinational firms with worldwide career opportunities. For example, Clifford Chance has offices in 25 countries and 72 per cent of its lawyers are employed outside the UK.

In addition to exposing you to a diverse and vibrant community, studying law in the United Kingdom affords you the chance to attend globally renowned universities.

Here are several reasons you should study law in the United Kingdom:
 

Globally acknowledged degrees

Over the years, British universities have earned a reputation as some of the best providers of legal education. Due to the fact that the United Kingdom is home to the world's best law schools, many employers seek law graduates from the United Kingdom due to the quality of instruction at their universities. Law schools in the United Kingdom have produced some of the most influential and well-known individuals in the world today.

Comprehensive curriculum

For students to fully comprehend and interpret the law, law schools in the United Kingdom implement a curriculum that combines real-world experiences and theoretical knowledge of legal issues. The law curriculum in the United Kingdom is continually updated and adapted to the existing legal systems that govern the United Kingdom, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England and Wales. The purpose of these frequent revisions is to keep up with changes in the profession and to foster critical thinking and debating skills in learners.

Credentialed and seasoned academics

As a result of the quality of their instruction, numerous universities in the United Kingdom are ranked among the ten best universities in the world. The United Kingdom has some of the finest lawyers in the world, with expertise in a variety of legal fields. With these knowledgeable professors, students are assured of the best possible educational experience. As a law student, gaining knowledge from seasoned professionals will help you develop the skills and self-assurance necessary for career advancement.

Employability

The law schools in the United Kingdom prepare students for an exceptional beginning to their legal careers. The quality of the teaching and learning curriculum provides the ideal launching pad for students' legal careers. The United Kingdom offers a quicker path to becoming an attorney than other nations. This accelerated path to a legal career equips students with the skills necessary for success in legal and non-legal careers. Studying law in the United Kingdom enables you to identify areas of law that pique your interest and acquire the necessary skills. Because their services are valued within and outside of the United Kingdom, law graduates from the United Kingdom typically earn a high salary.

Study Law in the UK: LNAT Exam

The Law National Aptitude Test, also known as the LNAT, is essentially a standardised test of aptitude that determines whether or not you are qualified to pursue a legal education. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the candidates' abilities in verbal thinking, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and written English proficiency. The vast majority of these United Kingdom universities that acknowledge LNAT scores have one thing in common: they are all members of the prestigious Russell Group of Universities. The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's most prestigious educational establishments, many of which are included in this collection. We have talked a lot about the universities in the UK that require the LNAT here on this blog.

Faculty of Law at Oxford University

Oxford University, which provides students with a choice between two distinct types of legal education, is at the top of the list of schools in the UK that request the LNAT. Course I is a three-year programme, while Course II is a four-year programme with the same curriculum but an additional year spent studying law in either the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain. Programme I is a three-year programme. Course II is a four-year programme (studying European and International law). Students who enrol in Course II (Law with Law Studies in Europe) have the opportunity to develop additional skills as a result of their exposure to a variety of legal systems and teaching methods utilised by our European partner institutions. Everyone who wants to study law must first take the Law School Admissions Test, also known as the LNAT. Applicants to the Law with Law Studies in Europe programme who are interviewing for the French, German, Italian, or Spanish law options may be required to take an oral examination in the appropriate European language. This examination will be given in the appropriate European language.
 

The Faculty of Laws at UCL

About 200 years ago, the Faculty of Laws at University College London (UCL) established itself as a forerunner in the field of legal education. They were the first educational establishment in the country to grant degrees in English, and they were also the first college to teach common law. In 1888, Eliza Orme became the first woman in England to graduate from the University of Cambridge Law School with a degree in law. The University College London (UCL) Faculty of Laws is widely considered to be among the very best legal education institutions in the United Kingdom. They have been awarded the highest possible scores in each of the previous four iterations of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), and they have maintained a high ranking in the majority of the student surveys and university league tables that have been conducted over the course of the previous five years. All prospective law school students are required to demonstrate proficiency on the Law National Aptitude Test before having their applications considered (LNAT). If you did not receive all of your education in English, you will be expected to present evidence that demonstrates that you are proficient enough in the English language.

The Legal Studies Division of the London School of Economics

LSE Law is widely considered to be among the very best law schools in the world due to the exceptional level of both its teaching and its legal scholarship. It is impossible to find another department that can compete with the LSE Law Department in terms of the global and interdisciplinary perspectives in teaching and research that its faculty and students bring. Everyone who wants to study law is required to take the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT). The LSE primarily considers the score applicants received on the multiple-choice test when evaluating applications; the essay is rarely taken into consideration. If you are an applicant who, but for some reason, was not required to take the UGGA, the selection committee might want to take into consideration the essay you submitted.

University of Glasgow

The Scots Law LLB is offered through the School of Law at the University of Glasgow. If you wish to practise law in Scotland as a solicitor or advocate, you are required to submit an application for the Scots Law LLB. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you may be qualified to apply for the Scots Law LLB on the fast-track, which can be completed in just two years.

Common Law LLB: 

If you want to practise law in a country that adheres to the common law, such as England and Wales, Ireland, Canada, the United States of America, or India, you should apply for the Common Law LLB. In addition to the traditional four-year Common Law LLB programme, the LSE also provides an accelerated Common Law LLB programme that can be completed in just two years by students who have already earned a bachelor's degree.

Common Law LLB + LLM – The LSE Department of Law also offers a combined two-year Common Law LLB and LLM degree. This is available for students whose intended country of practise requires a minimum of three years of legal education prior to being admitted to the bar.

For applicants whose native tongue is not English, the university requires a certain level of proficiency in the English language as a prerequisite for admission. The Law National Aptitude Test is required of all applicants to LLB degrees who do not already possess an undergraduate degree. The only exception is applicants to the LLB (Fast Track), who are exempt from this requirement (LNAT)

King's College London

The Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London is not only recognised as one of the best law schools in the world but also as one of the oldest law schools in England. Since the establishment of the university some two hundred years ago, the School, which began operations in 1831, has been an integral component of King's daily activities. When you are an undergraduate student at The Dickson Poon School of Law, you have the opportunity to apply to certain overseas programmes directly through UCAS. On the other hand, there are some overseas programmes that you will only be able to choose to study after you have enrolled in our LLB programme. The National Admissions Test for Law is a requirement for each and every applicant (LNAT). There will be no carryover of the results of the LNAT into the subsequent academic year. Those who are interested in enrolling in the Law with European Legal Studies programme and spending their third year in Bologna, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Zurich, or Neuchatel are required to have exceptionally high levels of language proficiency in the respective cities' languages. Because of the rigorous application process, the transfer is not a given at this time.

The School of Law at Durham University

The Durham Law School is widely regarded as being among the most prestigious educational and research institutions of its kind in the entire world. Their Juris Doctor (LLB) degree is a flexible full-time programme that lasts for three years and is fully recognised as a qualifying law degree for professions like barrister and solicitor. Students who earn their LLB receive a comprehensive education not only in legal theory and practise but also in English and Welsh legal systems. Students have the opportunity to concentrate their studies on a wide range of optional modules, which may include those in public law, human rights, corporate law, international law, or any number of other topic areas. The Durham Law School is widely regarded as being among the most prestigious educational and research institutions of its kind in the entire world. Their Juris Doctor (LLB) degree is a flexible full-time programme that lasts for three years and is fully recognised as a qualifying law degree for professions like barrister and solicitor. Students who earn their LLB receive a comprehensive education not only in legal theory and practise but also in English and Welsh legal systems. Students have the opportunity to concentrate their studies on a wide range of optional modules, which may include those in public law, human rights, corporate law, international law, or any number of other topic areas.

The Law School at the University of Bristol

The Law School at the University of Bristol is a centre for providing a legal education that is both research-based and intellectually demanding. Their objective is to produce graduates who are accomplished, well-rounded, and inquisitive, and who have a profound comprehension of the function that law plays in both society and business. The institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes for international students to choose from, including undergraduate and graduate-level qualifying legal degrees. These students come from a variety of countries around the world. All of their programmes are distinguished by their global outlook and the opportunities they give their students to pursue their education in other countries thanks to their partnerships with educational establishments in places like Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Every applicant is required to take the National Admissions Test for Law well in advance of the deadlines that apply (LNAT).

The SOAS School of Law

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London is widely regarded as the preeminent academic institution in all of Europe for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Near and Middle East. When it first opened its doors in 1916, the School of Oriental Studies was already in the process of being founded. It was not until 1938 that it was given its current name, at which point it had already established itself as a centre for African Studies. In 1941, it moved to its present location, which is still its home today. Due to the fact that legal issues transcend geographical boundaries, the rule of law is no longer exclusively the purview of a single nation in this ever-more interconnected world. A degree in law from SOAS satisfies this demand because it provides students with educational opportunities that are significantly more extensive than those offered by the majority of traditional law schools. The LNAT is a test that all candidates are required to take, and those with non-traditional credentials are actively encouraged to apply to SOAS School of Law (such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma and Foundation Courses). In addition to this, they strongly encourage IFCELS students who are currently enrolled in SOAS Foundation Courses to submit their applications. The LNAT is going to be required of all students who are going to be taking any level 3 BTEC classes, whether they are taken individually or in combination.

The School of Law at the University of Nottingham

The School of Law at the University of Nottingham is consistently ranked among the best law schools in the country and is renowned for both the quality of its teaching and the depth of its research programme. The majority of their employees are either active researchers or professors who are renowned across the world in their respective fields of expertise. You are required to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) in order to apply to the University of Nottingham for an undergraduate law degree. This requirement applies to all candidates, including those who are applying from outside the United Kingdom. 

Different Law degrees offered at the UK universities

Studying law in the UK is all about gaining a deep understanding of the main legal principles and concepts which will empower me to become a highly regarded lawyer. Also, your law degree in the UK aims to prepare you with a wide range of skills and knowledge from different disciplines where law issues are attached.

The undergraduate degree in law (LLB as it is referred to in the UK) and the postgraduate degree in law (LLM as it is regarded in the UK) are the most common types of law degrees international students seek. But there are other law qualifications that universities in the UK offer to their students.

Below are the law degrees offered at UK universities:
 

• LLB – Bachelor of Law.
• Graduate LLB – Fast track LLB leading to a postgraduate degree in law.
• LLM – Master of Law.
• GDL – Graduate Diploma in Law.
• LPC – Law Practice Course.
• BPTC – Bar Professional Training Course.
• QLTS – Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme.
   

The majority of law schools in the United Kingdom process admission applications through the UCAS platform. Depending on their interests, law students at universities in the United Kingdom can choose to specialise in criminal law, corporate law, commercial law, or contract law.

In the United Kingdom, law graduates can pursue a variety of careers within and outside the legal field. The average starting salary for a lawyer in the United Kingdom is approximately £18,750, while those with more experience earn more based on their years in practise. 

Top Universities for Law in UK

The Oxford University

Oxford University is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and the largest in the United Kingdom. The law faculty offers a vast array of legal and interdisciplinary specialisations. According to QS rankings, the university is ranked tenth and offers masters levels of legal education that are unparalleled. It is renowned for its collaboration with numerous discussion groups and colloquia and has a strong focus on research. Among the courses offered by the University of Oxford are the following:
 

1. Bachelor of Civil Law – full time – 10 months
2. Law Dphil – full time – 3-4 years
3. Law Mphil – Full time – 1 year
4. Magister Juris (Mjur) – Full time – 10 months

Cambridge University
 

Next on our list is Cambridge University. It is renowned for its cutting-edge legal research, particularly in the fields of international law and criminology, and is one of the oldest and finest universities in the country. The university, which dates back to the 13th century, has 11 research centres, 31 professors, 6 readers, and over 70 other employees. According to QS rankings, the University of Cambridge ranks third and is one of the best law schools in the United Kingdom. It provides a vast array of programmes, including:
 

1. BA Tripos Undergraduate Degree – full time – 3 years
2. Masters of law – full time – 1 year
3. MCL Masters Degree in corporate Law – full time – 9 months
4. Phd – full time – 3 years
5. Mlitt – full time – 2 years

University College London
 

University College London hosts an intellectually competent community of legal scholars. The university employs a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and research. University College London follows the tradition of engaging in debates and discussions and this uses this as a tool to inculcate critical thinking and sharpen the reasoning skills in the students. University College London is also home to an active student community that hosts a variety of events. The university offers the following courses:

1. LLB – 3 years –  full time
2. LLM – 10 months – full time / 20 months – part time
3. M Phil – full time – 1 year
4. D Phil – full-timefull-timepart-timefull-time – 3-4 years

London School of Economics

Not only is the Law School at the London School of Economics one of the best in the United Kingdom, but it also has a stellar reputation internationally. In addition, the University was a pioneer in the study of taxation law, banking law, corporation law, labour law, civil litigation, and the legal profession and system. The LSE was ranked first in the most recent Research Excellence Framework for its research output.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow’s School of Law provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes in law. Over 1,000 students are studying law degrees at Glasgow at the moment, and there are 49 full-time academic staff members. Special study abroad possibilities also guarantee that you can, if you so want, further widen your horizons

Queen Mary, London University

The Queen Mary University of London School of Law has become one of the largest law schools in the United Kingdom since its founding in 1965. The Department of Law and the Centre for Commercial Law Studies are the two organisational divisions comprising the School of Law at Queen's University. REF 2021 rated 92 percent of Queen Mary's research entries as either excellent or world-leading.

Specialized course: LLB (Hons)

Imperial College London

Since 1831, the Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London has been imparting legal knowledge, and nearly two centuries later, research and instruction continue to influence the brightest minds.

Focussed programme: LLM in law

Durham University

Durham University Law School is one of the leading institutions for legal education and research in the world. The academic faculty of the university has won awards and is renowned for conducting groundbreaking research. They also participate on a national and international scale. The student body of the law programmes at Durham is diverse, and the courses are highly competitive.

Entry Requirements

1. International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points
2. A-level requirements: AAB
3. English language requirements: a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no component grade below 6.0

Entry requirements for studying Law in the UK

• International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points.
• A-levels requirements: AAB.
• State Board or National Board requirements: 65% or higher
• IELTS requirements to study Law in the UK: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
   

If you have scored lower than the above, there are many UK Universities that accept applicants with 55% or higher. Otherwise, students can study a foundation degree in the UK, and then progress to a Bachelor of Law degree at the same University. 
 

The following documents are required to study law in the UK at the master’s level:

• An Undergraduate law degree
• Transcripts
• Language Proficiency
• CV
• Proof of experience (two to three years)
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
   

Please note: Every time you check for the entry requirements of your chosen course, make sure you always check the requirement before making an application because requirements may be reviewed and changed from year to year.

How to practice Law in India with a UK degree?

The Bar Council of India recognises a Law degree from 35 top UK universities where you can study Law and practise later on in India. Moreover, a Law degree will put you at a benefit while working as the legal system of colonial past was transported to all the colonies including India.
 

There are two different methods of approaching this.
 

Registration for students having LLB degrees from recognised UK University

a) Apply for registration to your respective State Bar Council after returning to India

b) State Bar Council will forward your application to Bar Council of India

c) Sit for an exam on six subjects, which is conducted twice by the Bar Council of India

d) You are permitted to practice law in India on successfully qualifying for the exam
 

Registration for students having LLB degree from non-recognised UK University:
 

a) Apply directly to the Bar Council of India

b) Your application will be considered on a case-to-case basis for approval

c) If your application got approval, you can practice Law in India

The Bar Council of India approved the following UK universities to study Law in the UK:
 

Cost of studying Law in the UK

• International tuition fees for undergraduate law programs in the UK range somewhere between £12,000 up to around £20,000 / academic year. On the other hand, at the postgraduate level tuition fees are much higher. International fees for an LLM degree in the UK range between £14,000 and around £30,000
   
• The overall cost of living in London per year can be around £12000, while outside London can be around £9000 to £10000 depending on which UK city you are studying in.

Scholarships available to study Law in the UK -

In this section, we list the Law Scholarships in the United Kingdom for 2023.

Types of law scholarships in the United Kingdom in 2023

There are various types of law scholarships available in the United Kingdom. International legal scholarship, human rights scholarship, and business law scholarship are the most common types of law scholarships.

There are available international legal scholarships for students who wish to study law abroad. These awards typically cover tuition and other expenses associated with studying law abroad. Human rights scholarships are available to law students who wish to assist in the protection of human rights. There are business law scholarships for students who wish to study business law in order to become attorneys.

Bird & Bird Bursary

The scholarship programme provides £2500 per year and mentorships to students who attend state schools or sixth form colleges and are applying to study law at a UK university. You should have at least an AAB at A-level and be the first in your family to attend college.

Scholarship from Freshfields

The Freshfields Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for law students in the United Kingdom. It is presented to the undergraduate student with the highest grade point average and the best academic record.

The Freshfields Scholarship is renewable for an additional three years and is worth £40,000. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and a monthly stipend for up to two years following graduation.

To qualify for the Freshfields Scholarship, you must have a grade point average of 2.50 or higher in your undergraduate programme. Additionally, you must have outstanding academic accomplishments and the support of your faculty or departmental representative.

Please visit their website for more information if you are interested in applying for the Freshfields Scholarship.

Law Society’s Diversity Acess Scheme 

Diversity Access Scheme of the Law Society provides funding for minority law students to attend top universities.

This programme is significant because it helps to diversify the legal profession. It also helps to attract talented minority youth who may not have had the opportunity to study law at a prestigious university.

The Diversity Access Scheme provides funding for three years, beginning at the time of law school enrollment. You are eligible to apply for funding if you are from a minority group and have an outstanding academic record.

If you are awarded funding, it will cover your tuition and living expenses while you study at a prestigious university. Your ability to study law will not be affected if you are unable to obtain funding. The Law Society is always willing to offer advice and assistance to qualified students.

The Lawscott Foundation Awards Grants

Grants from the Lawscott Foundation are made available to law students. Available in the United Kingdom, the grants can be used for tuition, books, equipment, and other expenses related to studying law.

The grants are open to students from all UK colleges and universities. To qualify for a Lawscott Foundation Grant, you must have an outstanding academic record and an annual family income of less than £34,000. Students who have been convicted of a crime are not eligible for this grant.

Grants from the Lawscott Foundation are renewable for a maximum of two years. If you wish to continue your education after receiving a Lawscott Foundation Grant, you must submit a new grant application.

If you are interested in applying for a grant from the Lawscott Foundation, the first step is to complete an application form. The application form is available on the website of the Lawscott Foundation.

John Bloom Scholarship

Applying for scholarships is one of the most crucial ways to finance your legal education. The John Bloom Bursary is a law scholarship in the United Kingdom that provides generous financial aid to law students.

To qualify for the John Bloom Bursary, applicants must meet a number of criteria. These requirements include residency in the United Kingdom, a strong academic record, and financial need.

If you are interested in applying for the John Bloom Bursary, you can access additional information on the scholarship's website or by contacting the scholarship committee directly. Annually, the application deadline is March 1st, so don't delay - apply today!

CMS Law Fellowships for 2023

CMS Law is a national organisation that provides law students with scholarships. The organisation was established in 1987 in Washington, D.C.

Minority law students are awarded scholarships by CMS Law. The organisation also provides law students with financial need with scholarships. CMS Law awards scholarships based on both need and merit.

Since its inception, CMS Law has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. The organisation offers scholarships to law students at over seventy law schools in the United States.

If you are a law student interested in applying for a CMS Law scholarship, you can access more information on their website.

How to Apply for a Scholarship in the United Kingdom?
 

If you wish to study law in the United Kingdom, you must apply for a law scholarship. There are a variety of scholarships available, and each has distinct eligibility requirements.

To apply for a law scholarship in the United Kingdom, you must first research the available scholarships. On websites such as LawNet UK and The Legal Aid Handbook, you can find details about law scholarships.

Once you have determined which scholarships you wish to apply for, you must complete an application form. The majority of law scholarship applications require recommendation letters from teachers or employers. You must also provide documentation of your grades and test scores.

The final step is to submit your application materials to the appropriate organisation. This may include your application form, recommendation letters, transcripts, and financial documents (such as your bank statement).

Career prospects for Law graduates from the UK

Below are some of the jobs law graduates can seek with a law degree in the UK:
 

• Advocate
• Solicitor
• Barrister
• Detective
• Entrepreneur
• Law Journalist
• Politician
• Professional law counselling
• Law academic
   

Plus, limitless job opportunities in various other departments like company secretary, tax consultant, management assistant, human resources etc. 

Tier4 UK Student VISA

To apply for a UK student visa, check the documents listed below for a seamless process.

• letter of acceptance from the university you have been accepted to (CAS)
• Proof of funds.
• A valid passport and recent photographs.
• Details of your university and accommodation.
• Report of your health checkup
• A valid passport. (keep a page blank for the visa)
• Original mark sheets/transcripts
   

After collecting all the documents, Follow the steps below to apply for a UK student’s Visa.

• Sign up and submit your visa application form online. It is advisable to check the online appointment calendar to book an appointment. After submission, you will get an email with an application number.
• After receiving the email, Pay the fees, and collect the receipt.
• Now appear for the visa interview as per the scheduled appointment and submit the necessary biometrics, photograph, application, and other documents.
   

You will get your tier 4 student visa in 6 weeks time. 

FAQs

Ques 1. Which University in the UK accepts most international students?

Ans. List of UK Universities with the Highest Number of International Students

• The University of Manchester
• King’s College London
• The University of Glasgow
• The University of Oxford
• The University of Cambridge
• Coventry University
• The University of Sheffield
• The University of Liverpool
   

Ques 2. Is it worth doing a master’s in law in the UK?
 
Ans. Master of laws (LLM) programs in the United Kingdom are an excellent way to broaden your legal knowledge. This knowledge will enable you to specialize in a field that interests you and stand out to law firms when looking for work.

Ques 3. Which is the most high-income law field in the UK?

Ans. Commercial and corporate law is the most profitable legal area, with solicitors earning well over £100,000 per year. Commercial lawyers advise businesses on business matters, ensuring that they comply with regulations and the legal system of the country in question.
 

Zoom Abroad is a great platform that can help you find the best Law program for you in the UK. Register here and create your profile today to get matched with the best-fit Law programs offered by the top UK universities. Book a 30 mins FREE consultation with an expert advisor today. Other than Law there are a variety of STEM courses available in the UK. You can choose from Engineering, Medicine and, even Management, Economics, Fashion Design to figure out which one is the most suitable based on your profile and long term goals.