
The University of Edinburgh's LLB programme is designed to prepare students for a career as a lawyer in Scotland. Students interested in practising law in England or Wales should be aware that there are significant differences between Scots and English law. However, Edinburgh graduates have gone on to qualify and practise law in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, by meeting the relevant local conversion requirements and completing any necessary further study. Edinburgh's LLB Global Law programme, for example, focuses on the general principles and techniques of global law, encouraging students to think about legal frameworks, structures, and problems beyond the boundaries of any particular legal system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University | Edinburgh |
| Course | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
| LLB Focus | Scots Law |
| LLB Career Preparation | Solicitor or Advocate in Scotland |
| LLB Entry Requirements | English Literature, English Language or combined English at B. English Language and English Literature GCSE, both at A or 7, are accepted in place of A Level English. |
| LLB Ranking | 1st in Scotland, 4th in the UK and 13th in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Law 2024) |
| LLB Benefits | Access to academic law materials, supportive law community, peer-assisted learning scheme, opportunity to study at a partner university in Europe, the Far East or the USA in Year 3 |
| Other Courses | LLM by Research, PhD, Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, LLM in Comparative and European Private Law, CPD courses, TCPD for trainee solicitors in Scotland |
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What You'll Learn
- Edinburgh Law School is ranked 16th in the world for law
- Students study Scots Law, with the option to qualify in England and Wales
- Graduates can go on to practise law in other jurisdictions, including Europe
- The LLB programme teaches general principles of law and how to apply them
- Entry requirements include demonstrating a level of English language competency

Edinburgh Law School is ranked 16th in the world for law
Edinburgh Law School, established in 1707, has been at the forefront of legal research and education for more than 300 years. Located in Scotland's capital, it is ranked 16th in the world for law by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Law 2025. This ranking underscores the school's reputation as one of the world's premier law schools, attracting top students from across the globe.
The Law School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that provide a strong foundation for a career in law. The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programmes, for instance, are designed to teach students the general principles of law and their application to specific cases. Students develop analytical and legal research skills, as well as the ability to construct clear and persuasive arguments. The LLB programmes also offer the opportunity to study for a qualifying degree in Scots Law, which is essential for those aspiring to practise law in Scotland.
Edinburgh Law School's LLB Global Law programme takes a broader perspective, focusing on global legal principles and techniques. This programme equips students with the skills to tackle global legal challenges beyond the confines of a single legal system. This international perspective is invaluable for students aiming to practise law in an increasingly globalised world.
For those seeking postgraduate qualifications, Edinburgh Law School offers on-campus LLM and MSc degrees that are internationally recognised. The LLM by Research or PhD programme, for instance, enables students to become part of the school's dynamic research community, renowned for its excellence. The LLM in Comparative and European Private Law is also notable, providing a unique opportunity for professional and personal growth.
Edinburgh Law School's ranking as 16th in the world for law is a testament to its academic excellence and the quality of its programmes. The school's location in Edinburgh, the legal centre of Scotland, further enhances its appeal, providing students with access to some of the best academic law materials in Europe. With a challenging curriculum, a supportive law community, and opportunities for international exchange, Edinburgh Law School offers a holistic legal education that prepares graduates for successful careers in law and beyond.
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Students study Scots Law, with the option to qualify in England and Wales
At the University of Edinburgh, students can study Scots Law, with the option to qualify in England and Wales. The University of Edinburgh is ranked 1st in Scotland, 4th in the UK, and 13th in the world for law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Law 2024). The University's Law School is situated in the heart of Scotland's capital and has been at the forefront of legal research and education for more than 300 years.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme, which will teach them the general principles of law and their application to specific cases. The LLB programme is designed to prepare students for a career as a lawyer in Scotland and provides a foundation for further professional study. It equips students with the legal skills and knowledge needed to become a solicitor or advocate in the Scottish legal profession.
However, for students interested in practising law in England or Wales, it is essential to be aware of the significant differences between Scots Law and English Law. Graduates from the University of Edinburgh have gone on to qualify and practise law in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, by meeting the relevant local conversion requirements and undertaking any necessary further study.
The University of Edinburgh also offers postgraduate degrees, such as the LLM in Comparative and European Private Law, which can provide a pathway to a career as a solicitor or advocate in Scotland. The University's Law School provides a supportive community, with access to some of the best academic law materials in Europe through its law library.
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Graduates can go on to practise law in other jurisdictions, including Europe
The University of Edinburgh's Law School has been a part of legal research and education for over 300 years. It is ranked 16th in the world for law and offers LLB, Joint LLB, and Graduate LLB degrees, which provide the opportunity to study for a qualifying degree in Scots Law. The LLB programme is designed to prepare students for a career as a lawyer in Scotland, providing a foundation for further professional study.
Edinburgh's Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programmes teach the general principles of law and how to apply them to specific cases. Students develop analytical skills and legal research skills and learn how to present an argument clearly, accurately, and persuasively. The LLB is not only a gateway to practising law; many graduates choose not to practise law, but the degree provides an excellent foundation for other careers.
Students interested in practising law in England or Wales should be aware that there are significant differences between Scots and English law. Graduates who wish to practise law in other jurisdictions, including Europe, must meet the relevant local conversion requirements and complete any further study required in the non-Scottish destination jurisdiction. For example, the LLM in Comparative and European Private Law at the University of Edinburgh may be a good option for those interested in European law.
In their third year, students at Edinburgh Law School have the opportunity to study at one of the partner universities in Europe, the Far East, or the USA. This allows students to gain exposure to other legal systems and cultures, which can be beneficial for those interested in practising law in multiple jurisdictions.
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The LLB programme teaches general principles of law and how to apply them
The University of Edinburgh's Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme is designed to teach students the general principles of law and their application to specific cases and situations. The LLB programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with a strong foundation in legal knowledge and skills.
The LLB programme at Edinburgh Law School covers a range of topics essential for understanding the general principles of law. Students will explore the academic discipline of law, studying its origins, growth, and interaction with related fields. They will delve into concepts such as the rule of law, judicial independence, the legal profession, and access to justice, forming the theoretical underpinnings of their legal education.
In addition to the theoretical aspects, the LLB programme also emphasises the practical application of law. Students are trained to become proficient in accurate problem-solving, understanding societal structures, and grasping the intricacies of legal frameworks. The curriculum is designed to help students develop analytical skills, legal research skills, and the ability to construct clear and persuasive arguments. These skills are invaluable for aspiring solicitors or advocates who wish to enter the legal profession.
While the LLB programme primarily focuses on Scots Law, it also acknowledges the differences between Scots Law and English Law. Graduates intending to practise law in England or Wales are made aware of these distinctions and can pursue further qualifications to meet the requirements of practising law in other jurisdictions. The LLB Global Law programme, in particular, takes a broader perspective, encouraging students to think beyond the confines of a single legal system and towards solving global legal problems.
Located in the heart of Scotland's capital, Edinburgh Law School provides students with a unique advantage. The proximity to Edinburgh's legal centre, with the highest courts in Scotland within walking distance, enhances the learning experience. Additionally, students have access to exceptional academic law materials in Europe through the law library, further enriching their legal education.
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Entry requirements include demonstrating a level of English language competency
The University of Edinburgh's Law School, established in 1707, is ranked 16th in the world for law. It offers LLB, Joint LLB, and Graduate LLB degrees, which provide the opportunity to study for a qualifying degree in Scots Law. The LLB programme is designed to prepare students for a career as a lawyer in Scotland, providing the ideal foundation for further professional study.
Regardless of nationality or country of residence, applicants must demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable them to succeed in their studies. For SQA, GCSE, and IB students, a pass is required in English at specific grades. The required grades are: SQA National 5 at C, SQA Standard Grade at 3, SQA Intermediate 1 at A, SQA Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4, Level 2 Certificate Grade C, or IB Standard Level at 5. English ab initio is not accepted for entry.
Unless the applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country, their English language qualification must be no older than three and a half years from the start of the degree. If using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no older than two years from the start of the degree, regardless of nationality.
In addition to demonstrating English language competency, applicants must meet other entry requirements. For A-level students, the required subjects are English Literature, English Language, or combined English at grade B. For Scottish Highers, the required subject is English at grade B, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S5.
It is important to note that the University of Edinburgh's Law School primarily focuses on Scots Law. Students interested in practising law in England or Wales should be aware of the significant differences between Scots and English law. Graduates who wish to qualify and practise law in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, must meet the relevant local conversion requirements and complete any necessary further study.
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Frequently asked questions
No, at the University of Edinburgh, you will study Scots law.
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5.
Many graduates go on to practise law in Scotland or other jurisdictions in the UK, Europe, and elsewhere. A small proportion of graduates move into other fields, including management, accountancy, and teaching.
The University of Edinburgh is ranked 1st in Scotland, 4th in the UK, and 13th in the world for law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Law 2024).
You will be at the heart of Edinburgh's legal centre, with the highest courts in Scotland a five-minute walk away. You will also have access to some of the best academic law materials in Europe in the university's law library and be part of a supportive law community.











































