According to The Complete University Guide, Oxford University is ranked 4th in the UK for Law, underscoring its reputation as a premier destination for future legal professionals. With 43 distinct colleges, selecting the right one is a critical decision. Each college offers unique resources and support systems, so thorough research is essential to ensure your choice aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best Oxford colleges for studying Law, exploring their distinctive features, academic strengths, and the support they offer to Law students.
Whether you’re drawn to a college’s historic charm, vibrant community, or specific legal resources, this guide will provide the insights you need to decide where to apply.
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Overview of Oxford’s Reputation in Law
Oxford University has a long-standing reputation for Law, built on its tradition of top-notch academics and intellectual rigour. As one of the leading Law schools in the world, Oxford’s Faculty of Law is known for its outstanding faculty, including some of the top scholars and practitioners in the field.
The Law program at Oxford is famous for its broad and adaptable curriculum. It covers many legal topics, giving students a solid grasp of legal principles while encouraging critical thinking and sharp analytical skills. In 2023, Oxford was ranked 4th in the world for Law by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, highlighting just how influential and prestigious the program is.
Below are some of the most famous Oxford University Law graduates who have made significant contributions to the field of Law:
- Tony Blair: Former UK Prime Minister, graduated with a degree in Jurisprudence from Oxford. Served as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, implementing significant legal and constitutional reforms.
- Lord Denning: Renowned Law Lord and Master of the Rolls from 1962 to 1982. His influential judgments and contributions have had a lasting impact on English Law.
- Sir Stephen Sedley – A prominent judge and legal scholar, Sir Stephen Sedley served as a Lord Justice of Appeal from 1999 to 2011. His contributions to public Law and administrative justice have had a lasting impact on legal principles and practices in the UK.
- David Cameron – The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, graduated in Law from Oxford before embarking on a political career. His leadership as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016 was marked by significant domestic and international policy initiatives.
- Lord Burnett: Former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales from 2017 to 2023. An Oxford Law graduate who served as the most senior judge in England and Wales.
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Why Choosing the Right College Matters
When studying at Oxford University, selecting the right college is a decision that can significantly shape your academic journey and overall university experience. Each college at Oxford offers its unique environment, resources, and support systems, which can significantly influence your success and satisfaction. Here’s why choosing the right college is so important:
- Personalised support and resources: Each college provides a distinct set of academic resources and support systems, including specialised libraries, dedicated tutors, and tailored mentoring. A college that aligns with your academic interests can offer more focused and practical support throughout your studies.
- Community and environment: A college’s atmosphere and culture can impact your social life and academic performance. Selecting a college where you feel comfortable and engaged can enhance your university experience and personal well-being, fostering a supportive and motivating environment.
- College size and facilities: Colleges vary in size and facilities, from larger institutions with extensive amenities to smaller ones with a more intimate setting. The college size can affect the level of personal attention you receive, the range of extracurricular activities, and the overall community feel.
- Networking and opportunities: Some colleges have connections with specific fields or industries, offering valuable networking opportunities and career prospects. Researching which colleges have notable alumni or ties to your area of interest can provide significant advantages for your future career.
- Living arrangements and facilities: Your college will be your home at Oxford for much of your time. Factors such as the quality of accommodation, dining options, and recreational facilities can impact your daily life and overall comfort, making it essential to consider these aspects when choosing a college.
The right college at Oxford can substantially impact your academic success, social experience, and personal growth. Taking the time to carefully evaluate your options and select a college that aligns with your needs and aspirations will help ensure a rewarding and fulfilling time at one of the world’s leading universities.
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Law Jurisprudence: Entry requirements
The course known as ‘Law Jurisprudence’ is a three-year program. The entry requirements include achieving AAA grades and taking the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test). Of the applicants, 34% are interviewed, with an 11% success rate. The annual intake for the course is 197 students.
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Top 5 Colleges for Law
Brasenose College
Brasenose College is one of the most notable colleges for Law, often called ‘the Law college’ by many individuals. The college is renowned for its distinguished faculty, including prominent Law professors and practitioners. Brasenose College boasts a notable legacy in Law, with two of the eleven current Supreme Court justices having completed their legal studies there. Brasenose College has also been referred to as the friendliest college, making it a perfect environment to study Law.
- Location: Brasenose College is situated on Radcliffe Square, in the centre of Oxford University and the city. This makes it a top choice among prospective students.a top choice amongst prospective students as it is located in the heart of the city.
- Founded: 1509.
- Libraries: Access to their own Stallybrass Memorial library, as well as the Bodleian Law Library.
- Size: 610 students.
- Accommodation: Brasenose College is notable for location all undergraduate students in the city centre for all years of study.
- Facilities: Junior common room (lounges, table tennis, TV, pool table), bar, music rooms, and sports ground within a 5-minute cycle.
- Norrington Table Score: The Norrington Table is an annual ranking system published by Oxford University that evaluates colleges based on the academic performance of their students in final exams. A higher score indicates better overall performance and greater success in examinations. Brasenose College has achieved a Norrington Table score of 74.9%.
Current academic staff:
- Professor Anne Davies.
- Dr James Edwards.
- Professor Thomas Krebs.
- Mr Sfiso Benard Nxumalo.
- Professor Adam Perry.
- Professor William Swadling.
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Magdalen College
Magdalen College is home to a distinguished Law faculty with leading academics who are experts in their respective fields. This high level of expertise ensures students receive top-tier instruction and guidance throughout their studies. Magdalen College stands out as one of the rare Oxford colleges with four dedicated Law tutors, all exclusively serving its students without sharing their time with other colleges.
- Location: Magdalen College is located at the end of the High Street, making it only a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
- Founded: 1458.
- Libraries: Impressively, Magdalen College has 5 libraries, which include Longwall Library, Old Library, Law Library, Daubeny Library, and Mcfarlane Library. The Law Library was refurbished in 2016 and has been fully modernised.
- Size: 610 students.
- Accommodation: According to Magdalen College, students are offered some of the best accommodation in Oxford. Students are guaranteed college accommodation throughout their studies.
- Facilities: On-site facilities for rugby, cricket, hockey, squash, football, and tennis. Music rooms, Deer Park, Grove auditorium, gym, swimming pool, common rooms.
- Norrington Table score: 75.7% (2022).
Current academic staff:
- Professor Jeremias Adams-Prassl.
- Professor Katherine Grevling.
- Professor Roderick Bagshaw.
For more information, check out Brasenose College’s prospectus.
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St John’s College
Over many years, St John’s has gained a highly reputable status in Law, and it includes some of the world’s leading legal scholars. Some include Sir Stephen Richards, Sir Keith Lindblom, Alistair Burt M.P.
- Location: St John’s College is in the centre of Oxford, only a 10-minute walk from the train station.
- Founded: 1555.
- Libraries: Holdsworth Law Library, The Old Library, Laudian Library.
- Size: 670 students.
- Accommodation: St John’s College is amongst the most affordable accommodation at Oxford University. St John’s College guarantees accommodation for the entirety of their course.
- Facilities: On-site gym, computer rooms, music rooms, and performance spaces.
- Norrington Table score: 76.5%, making it one of the highest among colleges (2022).
Current academic staff:
- Professor Richard Ekins.
- Jordan English.
- Professor Ben McFarlane.
- Dr Priya Urs.
- Professor Simon Whittaker.
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Christ Church College
Christ Church maintains a strong tradition of excellence and resources to support Law students. The group Law students at Christ Church College are amongst the largest throughout the colleges at Oxford. Its infamous finding hall has been in constant use since the 16th century and even inspired the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. It is one of the most affluent colleges, therefore providing students with extensive resources to help them excel during their studies.
- Location: Christ Church is located on St Aldates Street, which is only a few minutes from the city centre of Oxford.
- Founded: 1546.
- Libraries: Main Library and Burn Law Library.
- Size: 685 students.
- Accommodation: Christ church offers undergraduates accommodation either in the city centre or in an accommodation not far from.
- Facilities: Music practice rooms, cathedral, one of the largest dining halls, computer and IT rooms.
- Norrington Table score: 72.5% (2022).
Current academic staff
- Professor Ciara Kennefick.
- Ms Chen Chen.
- Professor Edwin Simpson.
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Balliol College
Balliol College boasts a team of highly qualified Law tutors and scholars who are experts in their respective fields and is the oldest college at Oxford University. Their dedication to teaching and research provides students with an outstanding legal education. Balliol’s Law program is designed to challenge students and prepare them for successful legal careers. Balliol has produced numerous influential figures in the legal profession, including prominent judges, barristers, and legal scholars.
According to Oxbridge Colleges, Balliol College has an acceptance rate of 10.5%, making it one of the lowest.
- Location: Balliol College is located in the centre of Oxford and has three sites; the main college, Jowett Walk, and Holywell Manor.
- Founded: 1263.
- Libraries: Balliol College Library.
- Size: 805 students.
- Accommodation: Balliol College is located in the city centre of Oxford. Students are guaranteed accommodation for the duration of their studies.
- Facilities: Common room, bar, gym, television room, computer room.
- Norrington Table score: 73.7% (2022).
Current academic staff
- Professor Mark Walters.
- Dr Viktor Savchenko.
- Dr Hasan Dindjer.
- Hafsteinn Kristjánsson.
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Benefit from our expert guidance in choosing your college
If you’re looking to make the best choice for your Oxford college, our expert guidance offers dedicated and personalised support. With extensive experience helping students navigate their college selection process, we are committed to ensuring you find a college that aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.
Still unsure? The Profs have proudly maintained the title of the highest-rated consultancy on Trustpilot for 7 consecutive years. Our Oxford admissions consultants can help you to make an informed decision about your college. Our experienced consultants provide tailored strategies to enhance your selection process, offering expert advice on researching colleges, understanding their unique features, and making the right choice for your future. We also supply additional resources and offer immediate feedback to ensure you feel confident in your decision.
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FAQs
What should I consider when choosing an Oxford college for Law?
When selecting an Oxford College for Law, consider factors such as the college’s academic reputation, faculty expertise, available resources (libraries and Law-specific facilities), community culture, accommodation quality, and location within the city. Additionally, look into the size of the Law cohort, which can affect the level of individual attention you might receive.
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How important is the location of a college within Oxford?
The location of a college can significantly impact your experience. Colleges in central Oxford are closer to the main libraries, lecture halls, and city amenities, which might save time on commuting and offer easy access to university resources. However, colleges on the outskirts can provide a quieter, more relaxed environment.
How many colleges can I apply to at Oxford for Law?
When applying to Oxford, you can only submit one application and choose a single college to apply to. However, if you are unsure which college to select, you can opt for an “open application.” This allows the university to assign you to a college, ensuring a fair distribution of applicants across all colleges. This process helps to even out the number of applicants and increase your chances of being considered.
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If I apply to a smaller college, do I have a better chance of getting in?
This is a common myth. Each college at Oxford, regardless of size, adheres to the same rigorous academic standards and selection criteria. Admissions are based primarily on your academic potential, Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) performance, and interview results.
Smaller colleges may receive fewer applications but have fewer spots available. Choosing a college that fits your academic interests and personal preferences is important rather than basing your decision on perceived admission chances. Remember, all colleges collaborate to ensure the best candidates are selected, and another college might still consider you through the university’s pooling system.
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