Applying For Law School In The Uk: A Step-By-Step Guide

Law is a challenging field of study, but it is worth pursuing given the benefits it brings later. There are numerous career options for law graduates, ranging from lawyer to TV presenter. UK law graduates also tend to earn high salaries, as their services are highly valued and in demand. To be among these individuals, you need to seek a high-quality education that ensures you possess the critical thinking and practical abilities required to excel in the legal field. In this article, we will discuss how to apply to study law in the UK, covering topics such as entry requirements, application processes, and the benefits of pursuing a legal education in the UK.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate Entry Requirements:

For undergraduate law degrees in the UK, applicants typically need:

• High school grades of at least 60% or 70% (or equivalent qualifications)
• English proficiency (for non-native speakers)
• To be at least 17 years of age

Some universities may also require specific grades in certain subjects, such as English, Maths, or History.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

For postgraduate law degrees, such as the LLM, applicants usually need:

• An undergraduate law degree (LLB) or equivalent
• English proficiency (for non-native speakers)
• Proof of experience (two to three years)

It is important to note that entry requirements may change from year to year, so it is always best to check with the specific university and course you are interested in.

Additional Requirements for International Students:

International students may also need to meet additional requirements, such as obtaining a student visa and demonstrating a minimum level of English language proficiency to be granted a UK visa.

Application Process:

Most UK law schools use the UCAS platform for applications, although some universities may have their own online application system. Applicants will need to submit their grades, English language proficiency test scores, and any other required documentation.

Deadlines:

As an international student, you can apply for programs in the UK up to a year in advance. The deadline for programs starting in September is usually in January of the same year, but universities often keep their application portals open until the start date of the program.

Application process

The application process for studying law in the UK can be straightforward, but it's important to do your research beforehand and ensure you meet all the requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Research Law Schools: Begin by researching different law schools in the UK. Consider factors such as ranking levels, fee structures, scholarship programs, intake seasons, additional admission tests, and other relevant information such as location and accessibility. Shortlist a few options that best suit your needs and preferences.
• Check Requirements: Once you have a list of potential law schools, carefully review the requirements for each program. The specific requirements may vary depending on the school and the type of law degree you are applying for. However, standard requirements often include a minimum age of 17 years, meeting English proficiency standards, and having a high school diploma with consistent grades.
• Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents for your application. For undergraduate law programs, you will typically need your higher school qualifications (such as A-Levels or their equivalent), transcripts or records of your previous education, and proof of English language proficiency. If you are applying for a postgraduate law program, you will need additional documents, such as an undergraduate law degree, language proficiency test scores, and sometimes proof of work experience.
• Choose an Application Platform: You can choose to apply directly through the websites of the law schools you are interested in. Alternatively, you can use a centralized application platform like UCAS, which allows you to apply to multiple universities by paying a one-time fee.
• Submit Your Application: Complete your application by filling out the necessary forms, uploading the required documents, and paying any associated fees. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline, which is usually around January of the same year for programs starting in September.
• Wait for a Response: After submitting your application, wait for a response from the universities. The response time may vary, but you will typically receive an update within a few weeks to a few months.
• Accept an Offer: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of admission from the university. Carefully review the offer and decide whether to accept it. If you applied through UCAS, you will need to choose one offer as your firm choice and another as your insurance choice.
• Meet Any Conditions: In some cases, the university may impose certain conditions that you need to meet before enrolling. These conditions could be related to academic qualifications, language proficiency, or other requirements specified by the university. Make sure to provide any additional documentation or information requested by the university.
• Enrol and Finalize: Once you have met all the conditions and your place at the university is confirmed, proceed to enrol in your chosen law program. Finalize your enrolment by completing any necessary administrative tasks, such as paying tuition fees and arranging accommodation.

Remember to start the application process well in advance, as it can take time to gather all the required documents and complete the necessary steps. Additionally, it is beneficial to research the specific requirements and application procedures for each law school you are interested in, as there may be slight variations in their processes.

English language proficiency

To study law in the UK, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency. This is a mandatory requirement for admission to any undergraduate or postgraduate program at a UK university. According to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidelines, students from outside the UK and the EU must provide proof of a minimum level of English language proficiency to obtain a Tier 4 visa to pursue their studies.

There are several ways to demonstrate English language proficiency. If English is your native language or you come from a country where English is the official language, you will likely satisfy the requirements. However, if English is your second language, you may need to take an English proficiency test. One commonly accepted test is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), where a minimum score of 6.5 is generally required. Other equivalent English language proficiency tests may also be accepted, depending on the specific requirements of the university.

It is important to note that the English proficiency requirements may vary slightly between universities, so it is essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen institution. Additionally, some universities may have additional requirements, such as a minimum grade in English language courses or a certain level of proficiency in specific aspects of English, such as academic writing or oral communication.

Furthermore, international students applying for a student visa to study in the UK may also need to meet certain English language requirements set by the UK Home Office. These requirements ensure that students have the necessary language skills to succeed in their academic pursuits and effectively integrate into the local community.

In summary, demonstrating English language proficiency is a crucial step for international students seeking to study law in the UK. By providing the necessary documentation and meeting the required standards, students can increase their chances of gaining admission to their chosen universities and embarking on a rewarding academic journey in the field of law.

Deadlines

However, if you miss this deadline, there is usually still time. The deadline for a programme starting in September of the following year is typically January of that same year. For example, the 2024 deadline for intake in September 2024 was 25 January 2024. Universities often keep their application portals open beyond the January deadline, sometimes up until the month of the programme's start date. The main issue is securing a spot, as programmes tend to fill up quickly.

It is worth noting that almost all universities in the UK do not have a January intake for LLB degrees. Only a few universities offer a January intake for the LLM route.

Scholarships and fees

The cost of studying law in the UK can be high, but there are scholarships available to help with fees and living expenses. The fees you will pay depend on your citizenship, the course you choose, and the university's reputation. For international students, fees for undergraduate law programs can range from £12,000 to £20,000 per academic year. Postgraduate fees are higher, with LLM degrees ranging from £14,000 to £30,000.

If you are an EU or EEA student, you may pay less, but for students from other countries, the cost of a law degree in the UK is generally high. There are, however, scholarships available for international students. The British Council, for example, offers GREAT Scholarships for justice and law, which are jointly funded by the GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK higher education institutions. These scholarships are for students who want to study a one-year postgraduate course in a range of justice and law-related subjects, including human rights, criminal justice, and commercial law. Each scholarship offers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees.

There are also scholarships available for students from Commonwealth countries who are already studying in the UK. The UK government awards around 800 scholarships each year to students who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK.

Individual universities also offer scholarships. For example, the University of Roehampton and the University of Lincoln offer International Excellence Scholarships, and Manchester Metropolitan University offers International Postgraduate Scholarships of £3,000. The University of Bradford offers International Academic Excellence Fee Scholarships, and Newcastle University offers Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships of £6,000.

In addition to scholarships, there are other funding options available. If you are a UK student, you may be able to apply for a loan from your national funding provider (e.g. Student Finance England) of up to £9,250 towards your full-time course fee. International students should contact the relevant department within their home country's government to find out what funding may be available. Alternatively, your local British Council office will be able to provide details of scholarships and other funding sources.

Frequently asked questions