The Best Universities for Law in the UK

Why study Law at university?

Law is a subject that helps us understand legal theory and apply it to resolve conflict effectively in real life. It is an excellent subject choice for those passionate about communication, justice or debating.

Studying Law at university will equip students with an in-depth understanding of decision making and problem-solving systems, as well as leadership skills which are highly valued in multiple industries. Equip yourself with unparalleled expertise and drive your law career forward by partnering with Law Tutors from The Profs.

For undergraduate studies:

If you are undertaking a full-time Law degree in the UK, you should graduate within three to four years from an undergraduate course. Some universities even offer fast-track options, and/or conversion courses to convert your non-Law degree into one.

You could leave with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. However, the latter is officially a ‘qualifying degree’ (QLD or QD), while the former is normally a ‘non-qualifying degree’.

QLD refers to an undergraduate Law degree that is understood by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) in both England and Wales as the starting point for a professional qualification, enabling graduates to progress beyond vocational training.

However, it is always worth checking this with the specific universities you’re hoping to apply for. For example, Cambridge and Oxford’s BA Law degrees are equivalent to LLB degrees and qualify students to continue on to the Bar Professional Training Course.

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For postgraduate studies:

If you choose to continue studying Law after completing your undergraduate degree, then you have five types of qualifications to choose from (all of which usually take one year to complete):

  • LLM: Master of Law
  • MA: Master of Arts in Law
  • LPC: Law Practice Course
  • BPTC: Bar Professional Training Course

You can earn a Masters and the right to practise Law by completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), previously known as the Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme (QLTS).

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What career can I use a Law degree for?

Law is a highly respected degree and can open up a wide range of career options. Law graduates are sought after in various industries, including the legal industry, finance industry, business industry, and nonprofit industries. Some popular career choices within the Law world include:

  • Paralegal
  • Corporate Lawyer
  • Barrister
  • Solicitor
  • Legal Consultant
  • Legal Secretary
  • Compliance Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Risk Manager
  • Legal Journalist
  • Legal Advisor

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What are the most popular Law programmes?

Law can reference a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK. When you select your degree, you might be able to choose a specialised area within Law. When you begin your degree, you might be able to select modules in specific areas that interest you. Some of the most popular degree programmes at Law Universities include:

  • Criminal Law
  • Business Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Family Law
  • Immigration Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Corporate Law
  • International Law

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What are the best universities in the UK for Law?

There is a wide range of prestigious Law schools in the UK with impressive academic rankings and excellent Law faculties.

Below is a list of the best universities for Law in the UK 2023; they often perform well in university league tables and have the leading Law departments. They have outstanding reputations for academic excellence, research output, and student satisfaction. Their Law graduates are highly sought after by legal, finance, and consulting employers.

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All that said, make the right choice for you and look beyond the league tables. Choose a university suited to you, that makes you happy. Narrow down your options by considering location, societies, activities, and learning style, to ensure that you choose an institution that can accommodate your needs and interests.

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Take a look at the UK’s best Law school rankings:

University of Oxford

With Oxford’s unparalleled 900 years of excellence in legal education, studying Law at Oxford allows you to follow in the footsteps of world leaders and legal pioneers. Oxford offers one of the best law libraries for legal learning. As an Oxford Law graduate, you’ll join an unrivalled global network of legal professionals working at the highest levels.

Law degrees at Oxford University are currently ranked (2023):

  • 1st in the UK by The Complete University Guide.
  • 2nd in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 2nd in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 2nd in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at Oxford are typically AAA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted), including the LNAT.

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University of Cambridge

At Cambridge, you can immerse yourself in one of the world’s largest law libraries with a vast collection of rare legal texts, while receiving tailored supervision from leading academics. Cambridge’s Law course provides a broad and deep foundation in legal concepts and principles to prepare you for a successful career. Cambridge offers the opportunity to engage in mooting, pro bono work, and other extracurricular activities. Past Cambridge Law alumni include eminent judges, academics, and world leaders.

Law degrees at Cambridge University are currently ranked (2023):

  • 2nd in the UK by The Complete University Guide.
  • 1st in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 1st in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 3rd in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at Cambridge are typically A*AA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted), including the LNAT.

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London School of Economics (LSE)

LSE is a world leader in Law and boasts one of the most internationally renowned Law schools, where you learn from leading experts of advanced legal scholarship. At LSE, you experience London’s dynamic legal hub firsthand and access unparalleled career opportunities. LSE shapes influential lawyers and pioneers who advance access to justice and the rule of law.

Law degrees at LSE are currently ranked (2023):

  • 4th in the UK by The Complete University Guide.
  • 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 3rd in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 7th in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at LSE are typically A*AA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted), including the LNAT.

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University College London (UCL)

With its progressive and pioneering ethos, UCL produces lawyers ready to tackle the challenges of today’s world. At UCL, you benefit from flexible and interdisciplinary learning in outstanding facilities. Based in the heart of London, UCL provides proximity to the Royal Courts of Justice and connections with leading London law firms.

Law degrees at UCL are currently ranked (2023):

  • 3rd in the UK by The Complete University Guide.
  • 4th in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 4th in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 14th in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at UCL are typically A*AA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted), including the LNAT.

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University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a good history of shaping great legal minds, as evidenced by the ten Law Lords and two Lord Presidents of the Supreme Court who studied there. Edinburgh is renowned for intellectual rigour and produces lawyers ready to advance new thinking in legal theory and practice.

Law degrees at Edinburgh University are currently ranked (2023):

  • 5th in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 8th in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 17th in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at Edinburgh University are typically A*AA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted). Please note that Edinburgh does not require the LNAT.

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King’s College London (KCL)

At King’s College London, you join a prestigious university dedicated to justice and equality, just moments away from major legal institutions near Lincoln’s Inn. With a curriculum grounded in ethics and a strong emphasis on practical experience, King’s cultivates compassionate lawyers ready to serve in the public interest. King’s prestigious Dickson Poon School of Law is recognised globally for human rights law.

Law degrees at King’s College are currently ranked (2023):

  • 6th in the UK by The Complete University Guide.
  • 6th in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 7th in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 15th in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at King’s College are typically A*AA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted), including the LNAT.

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Durham University

Durham is recognised for innovation, particularly in areas like Law, Finance, Politics and Global Ethics. At Durham, you receive a personalised education from leading scholars in self-contained colleges. Durham shapes ethical lawyers prepared to influence law and policy in the 21st century.

Law degrees at Durham are currently ranked (2023):

  • 1st in the UK by The Complete University Guide.
  • 2nd in the UK by Times Higher Education.
  • 2nd in the UK by The Guardian.
  • 2nd in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The entry requirements for studying Law at Durham are typically A*AA A levels (equivalent qualifications are also accepted), including the LNAT.

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Please note: Other excellent universities for Law studies in the United Kingdom include Queen Mary University, Glasgow University, University of Nottingham, Leeds University, Warwick University, Bristol University, and the University of Essex. These also place among the top league tables for Law.

For international students looking to embark on a Law degree in the UK, see here.

How do I get into one of the top UK universities for Law?

Each of the universities mentioned in this article has a difficult selection process. Hence, getting into one of the top universities for Law is competitive, but there are things you can do to improve your chances. Here are some tips:

  • Study hard and achieve high grades in relevant subjects at A level or equivalent e.g. an essay-based subject.
  • Achieve an excellent LNAT score.
  • Get involved in extracurricular activities related to Law, such as joining a debate team, interning at a legal firm, or taking a leadership role in a student society.
  • Put time and effort into your university application, tasks, and interviews.
  • Consider seeking advice from The Profs.

If you are interested in studying Law at one of the top universities in the UK, The Profs are here to help. We offer excellent Law tutors, as well as expert guidance on university applications, including personal statement writing and interview preparation.

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FAQ

Which UK university has the best Law programme? Which university should I go to for Law?

According to most 2023 rankings, the top UK universities for Law are Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and UCL. These universities offer prestigious Law degrees with promising career prospects. However, all of the universities mentioned in this article are highly esteemed for Law and offer excellent programmes.

What qualities should I consider when choosing a Law school?

You should check that the university meets your academic expectations and can fulfil your goals, as well as ensure that it is a good fit for you personally. Some key factors to consider are:

  • The reputation and ranking of the university.
  • Resources and facilities on offer relevant to your course and interests.
  • Any awards and achievements that the university has earned or that they have on offer for students to earn that could benefit you.
  • Opportunities for practical experience.
  • Location, social scene, and activities.
  • Learning style.
  • Available scholarships or funding to subsidise costly tuition fees.

A great way to get a feel of a university is by attending an open day!

What will I study in a UK Law degree?

A Law degree in the UK will typically hone your:

  • Historical understanding of the law
  • Evaluation of law in society
  • Ability to argue a case
  • Participation in mock courtrooms
  • Completion of compact, modular courses

You may also get the opportunity to choose a path of law to specialise in e.g. Criminal Law.

What career options will a UK Law degree offer me?

A Law degree from a UK university opens up many prestigious career options, such as: barrister, solicitor, legal executive, paralegal, legal secretary, lawyer, judge, magistrate, policy advisor, compliance officer, and lecturer.

What is in an LNAT? Is the LNAT easy to pass?

The LNAT refers to the Law National Aptitude Test. This is a standardised examination which assesses aptitude for studying Law at university level. It comprises two sections, evaluating critical thinking, reading comprehension, and persuasive essay writing skills.

The difficulty of the LNAT varies for each individual, and while it is not easy, thorough preparation can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high score.

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