LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
This is the most common undergraduate law degree in the UK and is often the first step towards a legal career.
- Duration: 3 years (4 years in Scotland)
- Entry Requirements: Typically requires high A-Level grades (AAB or ABB, depending on the university).
- Core Subjects: Contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, tort law, equity and trusts, European Union law, etc.
- Career Path: After completing an LLB, you can pursue further training such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for solicitors or Bar Training Course (BTC) for barristers.
Top Universities for LLB in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- Durham University
- University of Bristol
- University of Manchester
2. LLM (Master of Laws)
An LLM is a postgraduate law degree for students who have already completed an LLB or a law-related undergraduate degree.
- Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time).
- Specializations: Areas such as international law, human rights law, commercial law, tax law, corporate law, environmental law, and more.
- Career Path: Many students pursue an LLM to specialize in a particular area of law, advancing their legal career in private practice, academia, or international organizations.
Top Universities for LLM in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of Bristol
3. GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law)
The GDL is a conversion course for students who have a non-law undergraduate degree but want to switch to a legal career.
- Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time).
- Core Subjects: It covers the essential legal subjects required to pursue a career in law, including contract law, criminal law, tort law, and constitutional law.
- Career Path: After completing the GDL, students go on to take the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to become solicitors or the Bar Training Course (BTC) to become barristers.
Top Universities for GDL in the UK:
- BPP University
- University of Law
- City, University of London
- University of Westminster
4. PhD in Law
A PhD in Law is a research-focused degree for students who want to pursue an academic or research career in law.
- Duration: Typically 3-4 years.
- Core Focus: Independent research in a specific area of law. It culminates in a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field.
- Career Path: Academic positions, legal research roles, policy analysis, or roles in international organizations.
Top Universities for PhD in Law in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London
5. CPE (Common Professional Examination)
The CPE is an alternative route for non-law graduates who wish to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister. It has been largely replaced by the GDL, but it is still recognized.
- Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time).
- Core Subjects: Similar to the GDL, covering the foundational areas of law.
- Career Path: After completing the CPE, students proceed to the LPC (for solicitors) or BTC (for barristers).
Top Universities for CPE in the UK:
- BPP University
- University of Law
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Law Degree:
- University Reputation: Look for universities with a strong reputation for law and high employability rates for law graduates. Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE are often considered among the best.
- Specialization Options: If you’re interested in a specific area of law (e.g., international law, commercial law), make sure the university offers specialization options.
- Career Path: Consider whether you want to become a solicitor or barrister and choose your degree accordingly. Some programs are more focused on practical skills, while others provide deep theoretical understanding.
- Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by the relevant legal professional bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Standards Board (BSB).