Whether you want to become a lawyer, pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister, or work in the financial or public sectors, the UK is one of the best places in the world to study law and launch your legal career.
If you’re thinking about studying law in the UK, here’s what you need to know — from how to become a lawyer and the different law degrees available to entry requirements, career prospects, and more.
Study Law in the UK
The UK is home to three of the world’s top universities for law and offers hundreds of law degree programmes across the country.
With its rich legal heritage and global reputation for excellence, studying law in the UK provides an outstanding foundation for a successful legal or business career.
Around 60% of law graduates in the UK find employment within six months of graduation, making a UK law degree a valuable asset that opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities and postgraduate options.
How to become a lawyer?
The term lawyer broadly refers to any professional who provides legal services. After completing a law degree in the UK, most graduates choose to qualify as either a solicitor or a barrister.
The main difference between the two is that barristers can represent clients in court, while solicitors handle legal matters outside of court.
Both paths require specific training and certification.
Qualifying as a Solicitor
To become a solicitor, graduates must complete a qualifying law degree (LLB). Once they have completed the degree, they must then take and pass the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to be registered and practice as a qualified solicitor.
Qualifying as a Barrister
Graduates aiming to become barristers must complete a qualifying law degree and pass the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) to start practising as a qualified barrister.
Alternative paths to become a lawyer
Graduates who achieve a non-qualifying law degree still have the option to train and become a qualified lawyer if they wish to. However, they will need to complete a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)—a Law Conversion Course—before proceeding to the LPC or BPTC.
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What Law Degrees Can You Study?
When choosing to study law in the UK, it’s important to identify your career goals. Depending on whether you want to become a lawyer or explore other sectors, you can choose between a qualifying or non-qualifying law degree.
Qualifying Law Degree
The LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is the most popular qualification. It provides essential legal knowledge and forms the foundation for further training to become a barrister or solicitor.
Non-Qualifying Law Degree
If you’re not pursuing a traditional legal career, you can opt for a non-qualifying law degree such as a BA in Law. These degrees often combine legal studies with related subjects like Criminology, Business, Politics, or Economics. Many UK universities also offer joint-subject law degrees, allowing you to combine law with business, criminology, languages, accounting, or policing.
Popular Law degrees in the UK
Common UK university law degree options include:
- Accounting and Law BA
- Business Management with Law BSc
- Crime and Investigation BSc
- Criminology with Law BSc
- Law BA
- Law LLB
- Law with Politics LLB
- Policing and Criminal Justice BSc
What topics does a Law degree cover?
During your law studies in the UK, you may study modules such as:
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Public Law
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Tort Law
- Business Law
- Commercial Law
- Civil Dispute Resolution
- Employment Law
- European Union (EU) Law
- Family Law
- Human Rights Law
- Land and Property Law
- Legal Practice
- Equity and Trusts
How long does it take to study law in the UK?
A law degree in the UK typically takes three years to complete at the undergraduate level, but the duration can vary depending on the course and study mode.
- Undergraduate Law Degree: 3 years full-time, or 4 years part-time or with a placement year.
- Postgraduate Law Degree: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
Law degree entry requirements
UK University entry requirements vary depending on the university and course, so always check individual institution details before applying. Typical Law degree entry requirements include:
- A-Level Grades: Equivalent to BBB.
- UCAS Points: Around 120 points on average.
- English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or equivalent qualifications. Some universities may offer their own internal English tests.
Law degree careers and jobs
A law degree from the UK offers career flexibility beyond becoming a solicitor or barrister. Law plays a central role in society and is relevant in many industries, including banking, finance, accountancy, and insurance.
With a solicitor qualification, you can work in private practice, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.
As a barrister, you’ll typically be self-employed within a set of chambers or work for organisations like the Government Legal Service, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), or the Armed Forces Legal Services.
Beyond the legal field, law graduates are in high demand in regulatory, compliance, and policy roles across the public and private sectors.
Popular jobs for Law graduates
Common career paths include:
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- Paralegal
- Arbitrator
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Company Secretary
- Patent Attorney
- Advice Worker
- Political Risk Analyst
- Chartered Accountant
- Trading Standards Officer
- Coroner
- Barrister’s Clerk
- Licensed Conveyancer
Why study Law in the UK?
Choosing to study law in the UK gives you access to world-renowned universities, internationally recognised qualifications, and a wide range of career prospects.
Whether you aim to become a lawyer, work in international business, or contribute to public service, a UK law degree (LLB) provides the legal expertise, analytical thinking, and global perspective to succeed.
Ready to start your university course?
Talk to an expert education consultant to start an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Book a consultation now for free advice and support.