Cecily Zamora
Studying law in Scotland is a great option, with a variety of locations and courses on offer, and several universities consistently ranked highly in global and national league tables. There are 10 universities in Scotland that offer the LLB, accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, and students can apply through UCAS. Entry requirements vary, but grades are important, and students should research their options carefully. If you intend to practice in Scotland as a solicitor or advocate, you should apply for the Scots Law LLB, and you will need to complete a one-year postgraduate qualification after your degree. If you intend to practice in a Common Law jurisdiction, such as England and Wales, you should apply for the Common Law LLB.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of accredited universities in Scotland offering LLB | 10 |
| Entry requirements | Vary from university to university, check the respective websites |
| Application process | Applications for the LLB are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) |
| Course duration | 4 years for the Honours title and 3 years for the Ordinary title |
| Part-time study duration | Maximum of 6 years |
| Visa requirements | Provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test |
| Work experience | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Career prospects | Solicitor, advocate, roles in legal or law-related settings |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for law degrees in Scotland
General Entry Requirements
- The Law Society of Scotland does not set admission requirements for the LLB; these vary for each university.
- Different universities ask for different grades, and these change every year, but gaining entry to a law degree can be competitive.
- The standard entry requirements for LLB providers in Scotland range from ABBB to AAAAAA for Scottish Highers and BCC to AAA for A Levels.
- Some universities may offer adjusted offers or minimum entry requirements if students meet certain widening access criteria.
- Work experience is not a requirement, but students can demonstrate their awareness through "career exploration," which involves researching legal careers, current affairs related to law, and the justice system.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow offers two types of Scots Law LLB degrees: the Scots Law LLB and the Common Law LLB. Students wishing to practise in Scotland should apply for the Scots Law LLB, while those seeking to practise in other jurisdictions should apply for the Common Law LLB. The Scots Law LLB is fully accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and provides a pathway to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen offers a range of Law degree programmes, including Honours specialisations. Their entry requirements include achieving BBB at Higher after S5 and meeting one of the widening participation criteria. They also consider applicants with AAAA, BBBB, and BBBC grades, with additional requirements for higher grades. Aberdeen Law School has a friendly international environment, with students from over 40 different nationalities.
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Accredited universities offering LLB degrees
There are ten universities in Scotland that are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland to provide the LLB as the Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme is the route to qualification as a solicitor in Scotland.
The University of Glasgow is one of the ten accredited universities offering Scots Law LLB degrees. The Scots Law LLB is for those who intend to practice in Scotland as a solicitor or advocate. The University of Glasgow also offers a Common Law LLB for those who intend to practice law in a Common Law jurisdiction such as England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, or India.
Robert Gordon University is another accredited university offering an online LLB with part-time and full-time options.
Admission requirements for the LLB vary at each university. While the LLB is a competitive course to get into, it is a highly valued qualification by employers.
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Career options with a BA Law degree
Yes, you can study law in Scotland. There are ten universities in Scotland accredited by the Law Society of Scotland to provide the LLB as the Foundation Programme. These include the University of Glasgow, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Stirling.
Now, if you're referring to a BA Law degree, this is a different qualification. The BA (Hons) Law covers a wide range of legal subjects, meaning graduates can advise organisations on legal compliance and work in legal or law-related settings. However, a BA Law degree is not a direct path to becoming a practising solicitor in Scotland. For that, you would need to undertake further study, such as an LLB Degree.
That said, a BA Law degree can still lead to countless career opportunities. For example, graduates from the University of Stirling have gone on to work in management roles in companies and develop the rule of law in an international context. The University of the West of Scotland also notes that their BA Law graduates are equipped for careers within and outside the legal sector and are well-positioned to compete for places on graduate training schemes.
Additionally, some universities offer a BA (Hons) in Business Law, which can help prepare students for careers in the modern legal market, such as legal analyst roles or jobs in business settings.
Furthermore, a BA Law degree can provide a solid understanding of how law shapes society, enabling graduates to embark on careers in a wide variety of sectors. For instance, the University of Stirling's BA Law programme has helped prepare graduates for jobs with major organisations like Aviva Insurance, Royal Bank of Scotland, FIFA, the NHS, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Finally, a BA Law degree can offer the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. For example, students at the University of Stirling can participate in an elective work placement module in Year 3 or 4, depending on their academic performance.
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Work experience and career exploration
Work experience is a great way to develop skills, explore career ideas, and demonstrate the transferable skills and competencies sought by employers. While studying for a law degree in Scotland, there are several opportunities for work experience and career exploration.
The University of Glasgow offers its law students the chance to gain real-world legal experience and develop their skill set through legal clinical projects run via the GO Justice Initiative.
The Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers' Association (SEMLA) aims to provide support and create career opportunities for ethnic minority law students in Scotland. They collaborate with law firms to offer work experience placements and run a variety of events ranging from insights into different firms and skills sessions.
Legable, a website that makes the legal profession accessible for everyone, provides information for undergraduate and postgraduate law students on work experience programs and mentoring schemes in Scotland. Digby Brown, for example, offers work experience placements that provide insight into how cases are conducted, including the opportunity to shadow solicitors and conduct relevant research. The Faculty of Advocates also runs an annual open day for LLB and Diploma students to gain insight into the day-to-day life of an advocate, explore career opportunities, and participate in interactive activities such as mock hearings.
JustRight Scotland, an organization that aims to identify gaps in the law and the provision of legal services, often recruits interns and volunteers to assist with their work.
The University of Edinburgh Law School offers career opportunities, including vacation schemes, and the University's Students' Association provides volunteering opportunities within the local community and beyond.
Additionally, the University of Edinburgh recommends staying informed by becoming a member of SYLA, which is free, and joining the Law Society of Scotland's Student Associate scheme, which is also free and open to Scots Law LLB students and Diploma students.
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Differences between Scots and English Law
Yes, you can study law in Scotland. Ten universities in Scotland are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland to provide the LLB as the Foundation Programme. The LLB degrees offered by these universities ensure that graduates are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, which is required to start a training contract in Scotland and work towards qualification as a solicitor in Scotland or to be called to the Scottish Bar.
There are important differences between Scots law and English law. Scots law is the legal system of Scotland and is one of the three legal systems of the United Kingdom, alongside English law and Northern Irish law. Scots law is a hybrid or mixed legal system containing civil law and common law elements, recognising four sources of law: legislation, legal precedent, specific academic writings, and custom. On the other hand, English law is based on common law, which is a system that gives great precedential value to previous court decisions.
Some specific differences between Scots law and English law include:
- Age of legal capacity: 16 years old in Scotland, 18 years old in England
- Jury size for criminal trials: 15 members in Scotland, 12 members in England
- The accused in a criminal trial in Scotland does not have the right to elect between a judge or jury trial
- Scotland did not separate the administration of equity and law, while England has a parallel system of common law and equity
- Scotland's Court of Session has absorbed the functions of ancient courts, such as the Court of Exchequer and the Admiralty Court, while England has a different court system
- Property law, criminal law, trust law, inheritance law, evidence law, and family law also differ between the two jurisdictions
While there are significant differences between Scots law and English law, there are also areas of overlap and influence. Since the Union with England Act of 1707, Scotland has shared a legislature with England and Wales, and English law has had some influence on Scots law. Additionally, both systems have been influenced by Roman law and European law, and there is some similarity in areas of UK-wide interest, such as commercial law, consumer rights, taxation, employment law, and health and safety regulations. Furthermore, practising law in Scotland may involve dealing with English firms and English law, depending on the specific practice area and market.
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Frequently asked questions
Entry requirements vary for each university and can change yearly, so it's important to check with each institution. The standard entry requirements range from ABBB to AAAAAA for Scottish Highers and BCC to A*AA for A Levels.
The University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of the West of Scotland all offer law degrees.
To practice law in Scotland, you must complete an LLB degree at one of Scotland's 10 accredited universities and then complete a one-year postgraduate qualification, the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
Scots Law is for those who intend to practice law in Scotland. Common Law is for those who intend to practice in Common Law jurisdictions such as England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, or India.
Applications for LLB courses in Scotland are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The application process is similar to applying for law elsewhere in the UK, with a focus on grades and a good personal statement.
