Kara Sears
A BA in Law is a Bachelor of Arts degree with a law focus. Unlike the LLB Law degree, the BA in Law is not a qualifying law degree, meaning graduates cannot practise as lawyers immediately after graduation. However, a BA in Law can still provide a broad understanding of the law alongside another subject, making it a good choice for those who want to explore their academic interests or pursue careers in journalism, politics, business, policy, compliance, government, social services, criminal justice, conflict resolution, law enforcement, education, or human relations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualifying degree | BA Law is not a qualifying degree, unlike LLB Law |
| Career options | BA Law graduates can work in law offices, government agencies, businesses, education and related specialties |
| Modules | BA Law allows for substitution of some modules for non-law subjects, unlike LLB Law |
| Entry requirements | BA Law entry requirements are generally lower than LLB Law |
| Career preparation | BA Law may be a better option if you are unsure about your career path and want to explore different subjects |
| Skills | BA Law provides a broad understanding of the law, critical thinking, analytical writing, and oral presentation skills |
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What You'll Learn
- A BA in Law won't qualify you as a lawyer, but you can still become a barrister or solicitor
- You can study law alongside another subject, like criminology, history or a foreign language
- You can develop commercial awareness by taking modules in business, economics or politics
- You can gain skills that are valued in a wide variety of careers, including journalism and politics
- You can take your time to decide your exact career path while still building up your legal knowledge
A BA in Law won't qualify you as a lawyer, but you can still become a barrister or solicitor
While a BA in Law won't qualify you as a lawyer, you can still become a barrister or solicitor. However, you will need to take a conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), before proceeding to the vocational stage. The GDL is a one-year course that focuses on the seven foundation subjects of law. After completing the GDL, aspiring barristers and solicitors must also complete vocational and professional prerequisites.
To qualify as a solicitor, you must complete an undergraduate degree in any subject or gain equivalent experience and write two Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE). The SQE was introduced in 2021 and replaced the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC). Some aspiring solicitors can still qualify by taking the LPC until 31 December 2032. It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It takes between three and six years to qualify by completing a solicitor apprenticeship.
To qualify as a barrister, you must complete the academic, vocational, and pupillage stages. The academic stage can be satisfied by obtaining an 'appropriate degree' in Law or a non-law degree with a GDL or other accepted law conversion course. The vocational stage involves joining an Inn before starting your training, and some AETOs offer courses that allow you to combine the academic and vocational components. The pupillage stage involves a period of work-based, practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister. Obtaining a pupillage is very competitive, and you will need to be determined and motivated to succeed.
While a BA in Law may not be the obvious choice for those who want to qualify as a lawyer as quickly as possible, it offers many benefits. It provides a flexible basis to explore your academic interests and develop your commercial awareness, which can be advantageous when applying for training contracts or vacation schemes. Additionally, the BA in Law is often studied alongside other subjects, allowing you to combine your legal knowledge with other areas of interest. This can be useful for non-legal careers where some legal knowledge is beneficial, such as politics or journalism.
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You can study law alongside another subject, like criminology, history or a foreign language
If you're interested in law but also want to study another subject, a BA in Law could be the right choice for you. This type of degree is a Bachelor of Arts with a Law focus, allowing you to study a combination of Law and non-Law modules. This means you can study Law alongside another subject, such as Criminology, History, or a foreign language. For example, you could do a joint honours degree in Law with Spanish, or Law with Criminology.
The BA in Law is a flexible option that allows you to explore your academic interests while also building up your legal knowledge. It's important to note that the BA in Law is not a qualifying law degree, and if you want to become a lawyer, you will likely need to take an additional course, such as the GDL. However, the BA in Law can still provide you with a broad understanding of Law and can be useful for non-legal careers where some legal knowledge is beneficial, such as politics or journalism.
If you choose to study Law as an LLB, you will be required to take the seven qualifying modules, and any additional electives will also be Law-based. The BA in Law, on the other hand, gives you the option to substitute some of your modules for non-Law subjects. This means you can combine your legal knowledge with other subjects that interest you. For example, you could take modules in business, economics, or politics, which can develop your commercial awareness and put you at an advantage when applying for certain jobs.
The BA in Law can be a great choice if you want to keep your options open and explore different areas of interest. It offers more flexibility than the LLB, as you can mix and match your modules and deviate from Law. Whether you choose the BA or the LLB, you will still have the same opportunities, and you will be getting a well-rounded degree that will open up a variety of career paths in the legal sector and beyond.
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You can develop commercial awareness by taking modules in business, economics or politics
A BA in Law can open up a variety of career paths, including non-legal careers where some legal knowledge is beneficial, such as politics or journalism. A BA in Law is a Bachelor of Arts with a Law focus, allowing students to substitute some modules for non-law subjects. Modules in business, economics, or politics can develop commercial awareness, which is a highly sought-after skill by recruiters.
Commercial awareness, or business acumen, involves understanding how businesses work, the market they operate in, and the broader economic, political, and social issues that can impact the business world. Recruiters want candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding and interest in their company and the market it operates in.
Taking modules in business, economics, or politics as part of a BA in Law can provide a foundation of knowledge in these areas. For example, a business module might cover key commercial topics such as understanding a company's products, services, customers, and competitors. Economics modules can provide insight into broader economic issues and their impact on businesses. Politics modules can offer an understanding of political issues and their potential implications for businesses.
By combining these modules with their legal knowledge, students can develop valuable commercial awareness. This can put them at an advantage when applying for jobs, as they will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the company and its market, as well as the broader issues that may impact the business world.
Additionally, the transferable skills gained from a BA in Law, such as critical thinking, research, and communication, can also be beneficial when applying for jobs requiring commercial awareness.
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You can gain skills that are valued in a wide variety of careers, including journalism and politics
A BA in Law can be a great way to gain skills that are valued in a wide variety of careers, including journalism and politics. This is because a BA in Law provides a broad understanding of the law alongside another subject. This additional subject can be anything from Criminology to History or a foreign language. This means that, with a BA in Law, you can develop a unique combination of skills and knowledge that can be applied to a range of careers.
For example, the critical thinking, analytical writing, and oral presentation skills gained through a BA in Law can be beneficial for careers in journalism. Additionally, the legal knowledge and understanding gained through a BA in Law can provide a strong foundation for a career in politics, where an understanding of legal processes and institutions can be highly valuable.
The flexibility of a BA in Law allows students to explore their interests and develop a diverse skill set. This can be particularly advantageous when applying for jobs in journalism or politics, as it demonstrates adaptability and a broad range of knowledge. The soft skills learned through a BA in Law, such as teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and communication abilities, are also highly valued by employers in various industries, including journalism and politics.
Furthermore, a BA in Law can provide a well-rounded education that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills applicable across multiple disciplines. This can open up a range of career options, including those in journalism and politics. Graduates with a BA in Law can also work in law offices, government agencies, businesses, education, and related specialties, showcasing the diverse career paths that a BA in Law can lead to.
Overall, a BA in Law can be an excellent choice for those seeking to develop a diverse skill set valued in a wide range of careers, including journalism and politics. The combination of legal knowledge and soft skills gained through a BA in Law can be a strong foundation for various career paths and can provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
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You can take your time to decide your exact career path while still building up your legal knowledge
If you are unsure of your exact career path, a BA in Law is a great option. The course offers a broad and flexible curriculum that allows you to study law alongside other subjects. This means you can build up your legal knowledge while exploring other academic interests. For example, you could study Law with Spanish, or Law with Criminology. This additional subject matter will provide you with a well-rounded knowledge base and transferable skills that can be applied across multiple disciplines.
The BA in Law is a good choice if you want to take your time to decide on your career path. Unlike the LLB, which is a qualifying law degree, the BA in Law is not a direct route to becoming a lawyer. Instead, it provides a strong foundation in law and complements it with other subjects. This means you can keep your options open and explore a variety of career paths, both within and outside the legal field.
The BA in Law will equip you with valuable skills that are sought after by employers across industries. These include soft skills such as teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. These skills will not only make you a strong candidate for a wide range of jobs but will also give you the flexibility to change careers later in life if you choose to.
The BA in Law also provides a strong foundation for further academic study. Many graduates go on to pursue graduate degrees in law or other fields, such as policy, mediation, criminal justice, or social services. This means that even if you are not sure about your career path, the BA in Law can provide you with the knowledge and qualifications to continue your education and specialise in a particular area of interest.
Overall, the BA in Law is a versatile degree that will provide you with a strong foundation in law while allowing you to explore other subjects and career paths. It is a great option if you want to take your time to decide your exact career path, as it offers both legal knowledge and a broad educational base that will serve you well in a variety of professions.
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Frequently asked questions
A BA in Law is a Bachelor of Arts with a Law focus. It is a flexible degree that allows students to substitute some of their modules for non-law subjects, alongside a selection of Law modules.
A BA in Law can lead to careers in law offices, government agencies, businesses, education, and related specialties. It can also be useful for non-legal careers where some legal knowledge is beneficial, such as politics, journalism, or business.
The BA in Law is not a qualifying law degree, unlike the LLB. This means that graduates with a BA in Law will likely need to take additional steps, such as the GDL, to become qualified lawyers. The BA offers more flexibility and is suitable for those who want to explore different subjects before settling on a career path.
A BA in Law provides a broad understanding of the law, along with the opportunity to study another subject in-depth. It allows students to develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, analytical writing, and oral presentation abilities. The degree can open up various career paths and provide a well-rounded education.
