Studying Law in the UK

Law is a combination of social science, ethics and political philosophy. It has its own methods, philosophies, culture and language.

Global reach:

• The UK holds a special place on the legal world stage. Britain’s common-law system’s roots can be traced back to the 12^th century. UK’s law system also forms the basis of law systems in many countries around the world. Moreover, English commercial law is often the governing law in international contracts.

• The UK is a part of the European Union and operates a consolidation of UK and EU law. International students get a chance to study European law alongside other subjects.

• Most of international law firms have offices in the UK; they hold various international and commercial arbitrations in London.

Why you should study law?

Students are given opportunities to interact and learn from professionals. It also gives them a chance to make industry connections.

What are the various law degrees you can pursue?

There are different degree types of law qualifications:

• LLB Law

• BA/BSc Law

• Joint degrees including Business and Law, Criminology and Law. (Some universities offer sandwich courses with industrial placement)

The subjects include public, criminal and property law. However, if you are interested in studying the processes and theory of law and not to practise as a lawyer, then you can focus more on business, economics and human rights.

You can also study master’s programmes in law full-time over one year. These master’s programmes can be studied by law as well as non-law graduates. The course is suitable for those who want to gain some specialist knowledge. 

You can earn a master’s qualification without necessarily becoming practising lawyer. There are many areas in which you can specialize:

• Commercial Law

• Company Secretary

• Tax

• Patents

If you have an undergraduate degree in a subject other than law, you can take a conversion course to join the legal sector. The Common Professional Exam (CPE) and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) provide you with the necessary training. Before you start practising as a legal lawyer, you have to clear LPC (Legal Practice Course) the vocational stage of training to finally become a solicitor. 

Studying law in UK can train you to become a solicitor or barrister. However, to work in UK as a barrister or solicitor, you need an undergraduate qualification either in law. If you have an undergraduate qualification in any other subject, then you should convert your degree with CPE/GDL conversion course followed by Bar Professional training course and work experience as a pupil in barrister’s chambers or any other training organisation.

Besides pursuing career as a barrister or solicitor, you have other career opportunities as well. They are:

• Court reporter

• Company Secretary

•  Tax adviser

• Patent agent

Here are some Univeristies which are able to offer a law degree: University of Bristol, University College London & King's College London.

And for the GDL and LPC courses, you can find it in these universities: BPP University & University of Law.

You also can check various law and legal courses on UKuni’s website.