If you are looking to pursue a career in law and are contemplating studying the subject, then you should consider universities in the United Kingdom. Home to some of the finest universities in the world, research is required before you can narrow down the best universities in the UK for law.
Our objective is to recommend the best university in the UK for law for students who wish to establish their careers in this respective field. Here are a couple of options which you could explore.
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The UK is known for its sterling higher education system. Its universities are amongst the best in the world for a number of subjects, including law. Most of the colleges and universities in the UK offer a law degree. However, students from around the globe aspire to study at one of the UK’s top institutions as their degree holds considerable value, which can do wonders for a student’s career.
Best Universities in the UK for Law Courses
Here are a couple of options which you could explore:
| University Name | Overall score | Entry standards | Student satisfaction | Research quality | Graduate prospects |
| Cambridge University | 100% | 90% | n/a | 84% | 90% |
| University of Oxford | 100% | 89% | n/a | 84% | 91% |
| University of Glasgow | 88% | 100% | 76% | 87% | 64% |
| London School of Economics | 95% | 92% | 82% | 85% | 85% |
| Aberdeen University | 85% | 88% | 79% | 77% | 65% |
| Durham University | 94% | 85% | 78% | 85% | 83% |
| Cardiff University | 86% | 68% | 78% | 84% | 78% |
| University of Portsmouth | 82% | 62% | 76% | 64% | 80% |
| Queen’s University Belfast | 89% | 71% | 82% | 85% | 85% |
| University of York | 88% | 70% | 80% | 80% | 75% |
| University of Manchester | 87% | 76% | 70% | 77% | 74% |
Cambridge University
According to the Law League Table published for 2020, Cambridge University secured the top spot in the national rankings for legal studies. A world-renowned institution, Cambridge offers fantastic law degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Their programs are comprised of modern teaching methods and some of the most highly qualified faculty in the country. The courses are also designed to allow students to maximize and realize their potential.
By the time they graduate, students are able to cultivate a grasp of legal issues in a modern society. The degrees offered at Cambridge include BA Law, LLM Law, and Masters in Corporate Law and a Doctorate in Law as well.
Entry requirements for law courses in the UK (for undergraduates):
AAA in A-Level including one in English Language or English Literature & Language.
University of Oxford
Oxford University is amongst the best and oldest universities in the English-speaking world. The university is amongst the best universities for most of the subjects in the world. Moreover, it has constantly been in the top ten lists of both Times Higher Education and Best Universities for Law.
Entry requirements:
AAA in A-Level including one in a subject involving essay writing
Glasgow University
Another excellent choice for a law degree is Glasgow University in Scotland. It boasts competitive law degrees, brilliant minds in its student body and faculty, a focus on research-oriented studies, and modern facilities for students also.
Graduating in Law from Glasgow University enables students to gain an excellent understanding of Scottish and Common Law. They are able to develop critical skills during their degree program as well.
Furthermore, students are spoilt for choice when it comes to the courses on offer. Glasgow has various degrees such as Scotts Law LLB, Common Law LLB, Corporate and Financial Law LLM, Intellectual Property and the Digital Economy LLM, International Economic Law LLM and many others!
Entry requirements for Law Courses in the UK (for undergraduates):
A*AA in A-Level or 40 to 42 points in IB with a 776 at Higher Level.
London School of Economics
Although it has economics in its moniker and is synonymous with the subject, the law degree in the UK taught at LSE is also one of the finest anywhere in the world. When you enroll at the London School of Economics, you can expect the highest quality in education and exposure. It goes without saying that LSE law prepares you for a market that can be competitive and challenging in equal measure.
Last but not least, LSE offers LLB Bachelors of Law, LLM Masters of Law, PhD Law, MSc Law and Accounting, and an Executive LLM also.
Aberdeen University
Another Scottish university with an outstanding law program is Aberdeen. The School of Law offers degrees like LLB Law, LLM International Trade Law and LLM International Public Law. It is not just the latest league tables that reiterate Aberdeen’s credentials. In fact, it is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in UK for law.
The courses taught at Aberdeen University are comprehensive in nature and cover a number of pertinent legal areas, which allows students to broaden their legal horizons in the process. By opting to study here, you will no longer have to look for the best university in the UK for law.
Durham University
Durham University was established in 1832. It is the third-oldest university in England. The University of Durham is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities. The main university campus is situated in Durham City.
The university is one of the world’s top 100 universities. The rankings are:
● Durham University achieved 86th position in QS World University Rankings 2021.
● 19 subjects are in the top 100 in the world -QS World University Rankings 2020.
● 11 Durham subjects are in the top 50 and law is one of the subjects -QS World University Rankings 2020.
● Durham’s 3 most popular subjects are in the top 10 -QS World University Rankings 2020.
● In 2014, one top research of Durham ranked 3rd best in the UK’s last national Research Excellence Framework.
Durham Law School is the best for legal education and research. It offers many competitive international law courses. In a multicultural and supportive environment, students can expect the teaching of modern, cutting-edge research.
Through lectures from world-class teachers, seminars, and tutorials students acquire deep knowledge of the law. Moreover, Durham is active in national and global engagements. The employability and student satisfaction rate of it attract students from all over the world.
Cardiff University
In 1883, Cardiff University was established in Cardiff, Wales as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. Later, it got independence in 2005 and started a new journey as Cardiff University. This is the third-oldest university in Wales. This respected university is the only Welsh member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities.
Some recent rankings of the university are:
● It was ranked 159th in the QS World University Rankings 2021.
● The national rank is 30th — The Complete University Guide.
● Four Cardiff subjects are in the top 50—QS World University Rankings 2019.
● For the quality of research and meteoric growth, this world-leading university achieved the 5th position in the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Cardiff law courses are very demanding. Programs like a law in criminology, a graduate diploma in law, and the School of Law in Politics of Cardiff are very well-known. They are committed to providing high-quality teaching and globally excellent research-based education. In the LLB course, there are chances to get optional modules such as Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, Media Law, and Family Law. Paid placements are also available here to encourage law students.
Cardiff is the only Russell Group University to offer both courses presently required to qualify as a barrister – the Bar Professional Training Course and the Legal Practice Course. Again, LLB students can choose to study in Madrid, Prague, or Warsaw at one of Cardiff’s European partner institutions. Graduates move into work life with real-world skills and knowledge.
University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth, or Portsmouth University, was founded in 1870 as the Portsmouth and Gasport School of Science and Art. In 1992, it adopted the name University of Portsmouth. The public institution offers various disciplines with dedication and excellence. Moreover, Portsmouth is an inexpensive island city with excellent views and recreation options.
Rankings of the University of Portsmouth-
● The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) of Portsmouth is GOLD. And it is one of only four universities in the south-east to achieve it.
● It is in 51st place in the Times University Guide 2019.
● For teaching, employability, internationalization, facilities, arts and culture, and inclusiveness, Cardiff got five stars from QS World University Rankings 2021.
● The Guardian University Guide 2020 marked the University of Portsmouth as the 21st-best university in the UK.
● The university is in the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020.
There is a wide range of law programs in Portsmouth. These courses are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as qualifying law degrees. Students can join Portsmouth’s law society and participate in different social, charitable, and career-related activities.
To deal with the real debates, students get the chance to gather work experience in the legal advice clinic in Portsmouth. Placement options are also available here. By pursuing an LLB degree at this university, any student can do LPC or the bar vocational stage of training without any extra courses. Additionally, the LLM course helps to boost the deep legal knowledge of students to shine in future careers.
Queen’s University Belfast
Leading UK law schools include the School of Law at Queen’s, a member of the Russell Group. The school engages with a large group of individuals who are interested in the study of law locally, nationally, and internationally. It offers cutting-edge instruction offered by top talent in a lovely setting.
Since 1845, law has been studied and taught at Queens. The legal industry in Belfast has faced numerous changes and difficulties over the years. Political and legal changes have generated a significant amount of interest in both the unique features of the Northern Irish legal system as well as the law in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The school has put more of an emphasis on European, international, and comparative law recently.
The School of Law at Queen’s now offers students a choice of teaching and learning opportunities that will help them build and strengthen the skills and character qualities they need to pursue a rewarding career in a number of professions.
Queen’s University Belfast rankings-
● 7th for Law Graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2019)
● 85th Law at Queen’s is ranked 85th in the world (THE Subject Rankings 2020)
● 8th in UK for Law (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education)
● 14th in the UK for Law (Guardian University Guide 2022)
Language Requirements in English-
It is necessary to provide proof of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent credential recognized by the university.
In order to fully benefit from their course of study or research, international applicants to Queen’s University Belfast (for whom English is not their first language) must be able to demonstrate their fluency in the language. Non-EEA nationals must additionally meet the immigration standards for the English language set forth by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in order to obtain a visa.
University of York
With a unique approach to legal education and scholarship and a focus on socially engaged work across our activities, York Law School is an inspiring location to learn and do research.
Their faculty combines legal experts with academics at the cutting edge of study on hot-button issues. Students gain a true understanding of the many social roles that the law plays and develop skills that are applicable to the legal profession and beyond thanks to their creative, problem-based approach to teaching.
In order to frame and reshape agendas on important societal concerns, their research builds on a great legacy of powerful, influential interdisciplinary work.
● 162nd QS World University Rankings
● 72nd QS WUR Ranking By Subject
● 251-300 in Graduate Employability Ranking
● 82.1% International Students Ratio
● 88.9% International Research Network
● 23.7% Employment Outcomes
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester provides a unique LLB Law approach to legal education from a globally renowned university that combines practice-driven and research-informed study of the law.
By selecting from a wide selection of optional units provided by our diverse team of academics and practitioners, you will learn the fundamentals of a UK law degree as well as your particular interests. You will face challenges in understanding the social, economic, ethical, and political circumstances in which the law operates as well as in analyzing and criticizing it.
The program gives you the tools to become highly marketable as well as the confidence to pursue your own professional growth after completing your undergraduate degree, whether you choose to become a lawyer or work in another industry.
● 28th QS World University Rankings
● 45th QS WUR Ranking By Subject
● 42nd Graduate Employability Ranking
Types of law degrees in 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.
Entry requirements for Law degree in the UK
The entry requirements for the Bachelor of Law differ from university to university, but generally speaking, candidates must meet the following criteria to submit a successful application.
● Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points.
● Typical A-levels requirements: AAB.
● Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate law programs in the UK have international tuition costs that range from about £12,000 to about £20,000 per academic year. Conversely, postgraduate level tuition is substantially more expensive. The cost of an LLM degree in the UK is between £14,000 and almost £30,000.
Depending on the UK location you are studying in, the annual cost of living in London might be over £12,000, compared to £9000 to £10000 outside of the city.
A legal education does not ensure a prosperous job. Lawyers at the company, notably those who specialize in patent law, are among the highest-paid workers in the world. Additionally, a barrister’s beginning pay in the UK is £35,000, with the possibility of earning up to £1 million after six to ten years of practice.
If you are not eligible for the undergraduate program at one of these universities, then there is nothing to worry about. There are many other universities offering good law courses in the UK. Give us a call or send us your contact information if you’d like to learn more about which option would be the best fit for you. Soon, you’ll hear from one of our expert counsellors.
-FAQ’s
Which law degree is best in UK?
Types of law degrees in the UK Universities:
1. LLB – Bachelor of Law.
2. LLM – Master of Law.
3. GDL – Graduate Diploma in Law.
4. LPC – Law Practice Course.
5. BPTC – Bar Professional Training Course.
6. QLTS – Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme
Which are the best universities in the UK?
Best law universities in the UK –
1. London School of Economics
2. Aberdeen University
3. Durham University
4. Cardiff University
5. University of Portsmouth
6. Queen’s University Belfast
What qualifications do I need to study law in the UK?
Entry requirements for Law degree in the UK-
1. Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points.
2. Typical A-levels requirements: AAB.
3. Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component
How much does it cost to study law in UK?
Depending on the UK location you are studying in, the annual cost of living in London might be over £12,000, compared to £9000 to £10000 outside of the city.
