Best Law Colleges in the UK

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for students who want to pursue a career in law. The UK has a long and rich legal tradition, dating back to the Magna Carta in 1215, which established the principle of the rule of law. Studying law in the UK can also give you access to some of the best law schools and legal professionals in the world. In fact, six of the best law colleges in the UK are featured among the top 20 law schools in the world. 

The UK’s common law system has been in place for 900 years and is emulated by many different countries. So wherever you want to work, a UK law degree can open doors. The UK has more than 100 law schools, offering a variety of courses and qualifications, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate diplomas and professional training. You can choose from different areas of specialization, such as commercial law, human rights law, environmental law, or criminal law. The best universities in the UK are known for their excellent academic rigor, competitive environment, and experienced faculty among other things, the law colleges are no exception. 

In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of studying law in the UK, such as entry requirements, course structure, fees and funding, and career prospects.

Why Study Law in the UK?

High-Quality Education: The UK is home to many world-renowned universities and law schools that offer high-quality legal education. Institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Economics are globally respected for their law programs.  

Diverse Range of Programs: UK universities offer a wide range of law programs, including LLB (Bachelor of Laws), LLM (Master of Laws), and PhD options. This allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.  

Internationally Recognized Degrees: A law degree from a UK institution is recognized and respected worldwide. It can open doors to legal careers not only in the UK but also in other countries, making it a valuable investment for international students.  

Common Law System: The UK follows the common law legal system, which is the foundation for legal systems in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and various Commonwealth nations. Studying in the UK provides an in-depth understanding of common law principles, which can be advantageous for pursuing legal careers in these jurisdictions.   

Networking Opportunities: UK universities often have strong connections with law firms, government agencies, and international organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and internship placements.  

Cultural Diversity: The UK is a multicultural society, and studying there exposes you to diverse perspectives and cultures, which can be beneficial when dealing with legal issues in a global context.  

Legal Specializations: UK law schools offer a wide range of legal specializations, from commercial law and human rights law to environmental law and intellectual property law. You can choose an area of law that aligns with your interests and career aspirations.  

Research Opportunities: The UK has a strong tradition of legal research, and universities often encourage students to engage in legal research projects and contribute to academic scholarship.  

Work Opportunities: The UK offers post-study work visas that allow international students to work in the country for a certain period after completing their studies. Additionally, students can work and study in the UK during their stay. 

Best Law Colleges in the UK 

University of Oxford 

The law department and law programs at the University of Oxford are among the most prestigious and diverse in the world. The Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and has more than 150 legal scholars and a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 7:1. It is a federation of thirty law schools in the colleges of the University and has a long and distinguished history, dating back to the 12th century.

The Faculty of Law is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research. It is ranked first in the UK and second in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. The Faculty is accredited by various professional bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Bar Standards Board, and the Law Society of England and Wales. At the undergraduate level, there are two Law courses at Oxford: Course I is a three-year course (BA equivalent to LLB) and Course II is a four-year course with the third year taken abroad at a university in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or the Netherlands (studying European and International law). Students on Course II gain additional skills through exposure to different legal systems and teaching methods. There are other specialized law courses offered at the master’s level as well. 

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University of Cambridge 

The Faculty of Law, Cambridge is the law school of the University of Cambridge. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the world, dating back to the 13th century. It also incorporates the Institute of Criminology and 11 Research Centres, including the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law. It is ranked second in the UK and third in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. The department also has partnerships with leading law firms, chambers, and organizations, such as Baker McKenzie, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose Fulbright, White & Case, Blackstone Chambers, Essex Court Chambers, UNHCR, and UNICEF. 

The Cambridge Master of Law (LLM) is a one-year course that attracts students from both common law and civil law jurisdictions and covers a wide range of legal topics, such as commercial law, constitutional law, criminal law, human rights law, international law, and legal theory.

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The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 

The LSE Law School is one of the world’s top law schools with a history dating back to 1895. It is ranked third in the UK and seventh in the world according to the QS World Rankings 2023. The LSE Law School also incorporates the Institute of Criminology and 11 Research Centres, including the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law. These centers conduct cutting-edge research on various legal issues of contemporary significance, such as Brexit, climate change, corporate governance, human rights, and terrorism. The University also publishes the Modern Law Review, one of the most prominent academic law reviews in the world.

The LSE Law School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, covering various areas of law, such as commercial law, constitutional law, criminal law, human rights law, international law, and legal theory. The LLB program is a three-year course that equips students with a sound understanding of the foundations of legal knowledge. 

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University College London 

The UCL Faculty of Laws is one of the oldest law schools in England, established in 1826 to bring higher education to everyone. It is one of UCL’s 11 constituent faculties and is based in London, United Kingdom. UCL offers a variety of law programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering different aspects of law and legal systems, such as English law, French law, German law, Hispanic law, Australian law, Singaporean law, Hong Kong law, and US law. 

The undergraduate law programs at UCL include the LLB Law, which is a three-year program that covers the core subjects required for qualifying as a barrister or a solicitor in England and Wales, as well as optional modules that allow students to explore their interests and specialize in certain areas of law. The LLB Law also has several variants that enable students to study another legal system or language alongside English law, such as the LLB Law with French Law, LLB Law with German Law, LLB Law with Hispanic Law, and Law with Another Legal System (Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong). Along with the regular 10 months LLM program, UCL also offers some specialized LLM programs that focus on specific fields of law or interdisciplinary topics, such as the LLM in International Commercial Law, LLM in Legal Theory, LLM in Public International Law, LLM in Human Rights Law, LLM in Environmental Law and Policy, and LLM in Technology Regulation.

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King’s College London

The law department at King’s College London is known as The Dickson Poon School of Law1, which is one of the nine schools of study within the college. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the UK, with a history of teaching law since 1831. The law department also benefits from its unrivaled location in the heart of legal London, with access to the Royal Courts of Justice, the Law Society, and the Inns of Court. The law department has a vibrant student community, with active societies, legal clinics, and moot competitions. 

At the undergraduate level, King’s College London offers a three-year LLB degree that covers the core subjects of English law and allows students to choose from a variety of optional modules in areas such as human rights, international law, commercial law, and criminology. The LLB degree is accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board and prepares students for a career in the legal profession or other sectors. At the postgraduate level, King’s College London offers nine specialized LLM programs that enable students to deepen their knowledge and skills in a specific field of law, which includes Competition Law, European Law, Intellectual Property and Information Law, International Business Law, International Financial Law, International Dispute Resolution, International Tax Law, Law and Technology, Transnational Law. 

Admission Requirements for Law Programs in the UK

Bachelor’s in Law (LLB)

• Most universities in the UK require applicants to have completed their secondary education, which is usually the equivalent of A-levels or their international equivalents.  
• You will typically need to have specific subjects like English, History, Politics, or other humanities.  
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (80). 
• Universities may have minimum entry requirements, such as specific grades or UCAS tariff points. The exact requirements can vary by institution, so it’s essential to check with the specific universities you’re interested in. 
• A personal statement, academic transcripts, and references. 
• Some universities may require you to take the LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) as part of your application. The LNAT assesses your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  

Master’s in Law (LLM): 

• To be eligible for a Master’s in Law program in the UK, you typically need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or a related field. Some programs may consider applicants with relevant professional experience, even if their undergraduate degree is not in law.  
• Universities often have minimum academic requirements, such as a certain grade point average (GPA) or equivalent qualifications for international students.  
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90).  
• A personal statement outlining your reasons for pursuing an LLM and your relevant experience.  
• You may be required to provide academic or professional references as part of your application.  
• Some universities or programs may require an interview as part of the application process.

Career Opportunities for Law Graduates in the UK

A law degree can open up many doors for graduates who want to pursue a career in the legal field or beyond. Some of the most popular jobs directly related to a law degree include arbitrator, barrister, solicitor, paralegal, and company secretary. These jobs require excellent skills in research, analysis, communication, and problem-solving. Law graduates can also use their knowledge and expertise to work in other sectors, such as journalism, entertainment, banking, and politics. For example, a law graduate can become a journalist who covers legal news and issues, an entertainment manager who helps clients with contracts and partnerships, or a political risk analyst who evaluates the impact of legal and political changes on businesses. Law graduates can also pursue further studies in the UK, such as an LLM degree, which can enhance their career prospects and allow them to work in different legal systems. 

According to Indeed, the national average salary for a lawyer in the UK is 54,564 GBP. However, this figure may vary depending on the university, the sector, and the location of the job. For example, law graduates from Oxford and Cambridge can expect to earn much more than the average, with 72,600 GBP and 59,900 GBP respectively. Law graduates who work in London may also have higher salaries than those who work in other regions. The sector of employment can also influence the salary level, as some areas may be more competitive and lucrative than others. For instance, law graduates who work in banking, entertainment, or politics may have higher earnings potential than those who work in journalism, education, or charity. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, studying law at the best law schools in the UK can provide you with a solid foundation of legal knowledge and skills, as well as exposure to different legal systems and cultures. It also opens up many career opportunities for graduates, both within and outside the legal profession. However, studying law in the UK is not easy, as it requires a high level of academic ability, dedication, and passion. You will also need to consider the costs and benefits of studying in the UK, such as tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, student visa, and career prospects. As such it’s important to make a balanced and informed decision. To know more reach out to us at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!