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A qualifying law degree, such as the Law LLB, is a popular choice for students aspiring to become solicitors or barristers. The Law LLB is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in legal studies, covering core modules that are essential for further legal training. These core modules typically include:
You can also study optional modules as part of an LLB Law degree, including:
By completing a Law LLB degree, students can immediately advance their legal studies and pursue further qualifications, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Graduates can also pursue roles as solicitors, barristers, legal advisors, or legal researchers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or non-profit organisations. The employment rate for law graduates in the UK is high, with around 95% finding work or further study within six months of graduating.
A Law BA degree allows students to combine legal studies with other disciplines, such as business, criminology, economics, or politics. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with a diverse skill set that can be advantageous in various industries.
Unlike the Law LLB, the Law BA degree in the UK is not considered a qualifying law degree, which means it does not fulfil the requirements to qualify or practice as a solicitor or barrister through the traditional route. The Law BA program does not include all the compulsory core modules found in an LLB Law course.
As a result, upon completing a Law BA degree, you will not be eligible to directly pursue courses such as the LPC (Legal Practice Course), SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination), or BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course). Instead, if you aspire to become a solicitor or barrister after studying a Law BA, you will need to undertake a PGDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law), commonly known as a law conversion course.
The introduction of the SQE in 2021 brings positive news for aspiring solicitors, as completing a PGDL after a Law BA is no longer mandatory for qualification. The SQE is now accessible to both non-law graduates and those with qualifying law degrees, providing an alternative pathway to becoming a solicitor.
A Law BA course does give you greater flexibility over what you study compared to an LLB. You can combine a BA in Law with other subjects that interest you. It allows you to keep your options open when it comes to your career path too. A BA in Law is highly regarded in non-legal careers such as journalism and politics, where legal knowledge could prove useful. Graduates can pursue roles as legal consultants, policy analysts, paralegals, or legal researchers in law firms, governmental agencies, non-profit organisations, or corporate settings. The degree equips students with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills valued in various sectors.
To learn more about studying a BA in Law, see our dedicated guide.
Joint degree programs provide students with a powerful platform to merge the study of law with other disciplines, resulting in a comprehensive understanding and expanded skill set. Universities offer an array of joint degree options, such as Law with Business, Law and Criminology, Law with Economics, and Law with Politics, among others which combine the core legal curriculum with specialised knowledge from complementary fields:
Graduates of joint degree programs can pursue careers in law firms, governmental organisations, non-profit sectors, or business enterprises, where their expertise in both law and a complementary field brings unique value and perspective.
Online law degree programs have emerged as the future of legal education, revolutionising the way students pursue their legal studies. These programs offer unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, allowing individuals at any stage of their lives to embark on their legal education journey from anywhere in the world. More than 50 leading UK universities recognize the significance of online learning and have embraced this format to deliver high-quality legal education.
Examples of institutions offering online law degree programs include:
| The University of Law |
| University of Central Lancashire |
| Arden University |
| Queen Mary University of London |
| University of Greenwich |
| BPP University |
| Middlesex University |
In recent years, UK universities have responded to the evolving needs of aspiring lawyers by offering combined LLB and BA Law courses with languages.
By undertaking a combined law and languages course, which typically spans four years, you are presented with a remarkable opportunity in the final year: the chance to study abroad. This invaluable experience allows you to immerse yourself in non-UK legal systems, gaining a firsthand understanding of different judicial frameworks. This exposure not only expands your horizons but also equips you with a profound comprehension of the legal challenges faced by international businesses.
Embracing the combined law and languages course not only offers a transformative educational experience but also positions you strategically for a successful legal career in a globalised landscape. It equips you with the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complexities of international law, while fostering cultural understanding and adaptability. Two universities that offer programs that combine law and languages are:
The University of Edinburgh offers an LLB Law with French program, which allows students to study law while simultaneously developing proficiency in the French language. This four-year program includes specialised modules in both law and French, providing a comprehensive understanding of legal principles alongside language skills. Students have the opportunity to spend their third year studying law in a partner university in a French-speaking country, immersing themselves in the legal system and culture. This program equips graduates with the ability to pursue legal careers with an international focus, particularly in contexts where knowledge of French is advantageous.
King’s College London offers a BA Law and Spanish program, designed for students interested in combining their legal studies with a focus on the Spanish language and culture. This four-year course integrates core law modules with Spanish language training, ensuring students develop fluency in Spanish alongside their legal knowledge. During the third year, students have the option to study abroad at a partner university in a Spanish-speaking country, where they can immerse themselves in the legal and cultural context. This program prepares graduates for diverse legal careers with an international dimension, particularly in areas where Spanish language proficiency is beneficial.
Other universities may offer similar programs with different language combinations, providing students with a wide range of choices to suit their interests and career aspirations.
In the realm of legal education, UK universities are increasingly offering law courses in combination with other subjects, providing students with a diverse and interdisciplinary learning experience.
Examples of these multidisciplinary law degrees include:
Jurisprudence, known as the “science” or “philosophy” of law, continues to evolve as a vital field within legal education. Leading universities that have recognised its significance and offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs in Jurisprudence that explore the theoretical foundations and philosophical perspectives that shape the legal landscape are:
Through these programs, students gain a deep understanding of legal theory and its broader societal implications. They delve into topics such as legal reasoning, ethics, justice, and the relationship between law and society. The BA in Jurisprudence not only provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of legal philosophy but also serves as a qualifying law degree, enabling graduates to pursue further legal training if they choose to do so.
If you’re interested in studying law in Scotland, it’s important to understand the unique aspects of the Scottish legal system. In Scotland, the Scots Law LLB is the equivalent of an LLB Law degree in England and Wales. However, if you choose to study Scots Law in Scotland and later wish to practise law in England and Wales, you would need to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). This is because there are significant differences between the two legal systems.
Fortunately, some accredited universities in Scotland offer a combined English and Scots Law LLB program, allowing students to study both legal systems concurrently. This option provides a broader perspective and increases flexibility for future career choices. The 10 accredited universities are:
| University | Accelerated Option? |
|---|---|
| The University of Aberdeen | Yes |
| The University of Abertay | No |
| The University of Dundee | Yes |
| The University of Edinburgh | Yes |
| The University of Glasgow | Yes |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Yes |
| Edinburgh Napier University | Yes |
| Robert Gordon University | Yes |
| The University of Stirling | Yes |
| The University of Strathclyde | Yes |
Suppose you qualify as a solicitor in England or Wales but decide to practise in Scotland. In that case, you would be required to complete a Qualified Lawyers Assessment, ensuring familiarity with Scottish legal principles and procedures. This assessment acknowledges the variances in legal systems and facilitates the mobility of legal professionals across jurisdictions.
Studying law at university presents a myriad of exciting possibilities. By carefully considering the career prospects offered by different types of law degrees, embracing the flexibility and convenience of online law programs, exploring joint degree options, and combining law studies with other subjects, students can craft a unique educational journey tailored to their passions and aspirations. Remember, the world of law is ever-evolving, and your legal education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities and making a profound impact in society.
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