Gavin Howe
Law is a fascinating and rewarding subject to study, offering a wide range of career opportunities. In the UK, a law degree typically takes three years to complete if studied full-time, with students gaining insight into fundamental legal concepts in their first year and then honing their knowledge in subsequent years. While it's not necessary to have studied Law beforehand, certain A-Level subjects are recommended, such as English, History, Languages, and Mathematics, as they develop skills like essay writing and logical reasoning, which are essential for a law degree. Universities like Oxford and Cambridge have rigorous entry requirements, but there are also institutions with less stringent standards, making the path to becoming a lawyer more accessible. Law graduates can pursue careers as solicitors or barristers, or explore other fields like academia, media, business, and politics, where their legal expertise is highly valued.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree type | Undergraduate, postgraduate or master's |
| Degree name | LLB, LLM, MSL, MLS, JM, JD, MA Law Conversion |
| Degree length | 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time, 7 years with a bachelor's degree |
| Degree content | Business ethics, labour law, regulatory compliance, policing, law enforcement, criminal justice system, interdisciplinary topics |
| Degree extras | Scholarships, bursaries, grants, sandwich courses with a professional placement or international exchange year, foundation programmes |
| Further qualifications | Postgraduate qualifications, MBA and Law programmes, Master of Laws (LLM) |
| Further qualification content | Specialised areas of law, e.g. cybersecurity, entertainment law, health care compliance, bank regulations |
| Further qualification length | 2 years after earning a bachelor's degree |
| Further training | Legal trainee schemes, apprenticeships |
| Salary | Entry-level: £22,000, Average: £25,000, Qualified: £45,000, Within 4 years: £82,000 |
| Study techniques | Summarising cases, discussing topics with others, teaching others, testing yourself, practising answering legal questions, creating outlines, breaking down topics, covering key points |
| Study tools | Law Dojo, LawStack, Audio Law Reader |
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What You'll Learn
Law degree apprenticeships
During a law apprenticeship, you will gain valuable work experience and develop transferrable professional skills such as oral and written communication, collaboration, research, direction following, and organisational skills. You will also get to network with law experts, which can benefit your future career prospects. Furthermore, you will earn a salary while training and gain real-life experience in a legal practice, enhancing your commercial understanding and confidence in a work environment.
Some law firms that offer solicitor apprenticeships include Osborne Clarke, Bird & Bird, and Womble Bond Dickinson. These programmes often combine practical work-based learning with formal study towards a law degree. For example, the Solicitor Apprenticeship at Osborne Clarke is a six-year Level 7 programme where you can gain an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice while working in their international legal practice. Similarly, the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme at Bird & Bird is a Level 7 qualification that includes on-the-job training and an LLB Law degree.
The entry requirements for law degree apprenticeships vary depending on the specific role and organisation. For instance, for a solicitor degree apprenticeship, you will likely need GCSEs and A-levels (or their equivalent), while other programmes may require you to have a UK-awarded degree or equivalent qualification. Additionally, some organisations may require you to submit a short statement outlining your skills, motivations, and why you think their apprenticeship programme is right for you.
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Law degree entry requirements
Entry requirements for law degrees vary depending on the university and the specific programme. However, there are some common requirements that you should be aware of.
Academic Requirements
Universities often require students to have strong academic credentials, with high grades in their previous studies. For example, at the University of London, the standard entry requirement for the LLB programme is a minimum of three UK GCE A-Levels at grades A* to C or an acceptable equivalent. Similarly, the London School of Economics (LSE) requires GCSE grades at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9), including English Language and Mathematics grades at B (6) or higher.
A-Level entry requirements for law degrees typically range from BCC to A*AA, with the majority of applicants receiving an offer of ABB. While there are no specific A-Level subject requirements, certain subjects, such as English, are recommended by universities like Oxford and Cambridge as they develop skills relevant to law study.
Language Proficiency
A good command of the English language is usually required for admission to law programmes, especially for international students. Universities often accept proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, with a minimum overall score requirement.
Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
Some universities, such as UCL, require applicants to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) before their application is considered. This test helps assess whether an applicant is suited for a career in law and has the potential to succeed in a law course.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In some cases, students who have previously studied comparable content may be exempted from certain modules in their law degree through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). However, this typically requires meeting the entrance requirements for the programme and making a formal request during the application process.
Graduate Entry
For graduate-level law programmes, such as the Graduate Entry LLB at the University of London, applicants typically need an undergraduate degree.
It is important to note that each university and programme may have its own unique entry requirements, and it is always advisable to refer to the specific institution's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Law degree specialisations
Law degrees are diverse and multifaceted, offering a multitude of specialisations to align with your interests and career aspirations. Here are some of the most common law specialisations:
Criminal Law
Criminal law is a widely recognised specialisation, focusing on criminal behaviour, law enforcement, individual liberty, fundamental rights, and juvenile justice. This specialisation equips students with the necessary skills to become prosecutors, defenders, or lawyers.
Civil Law
Civil lawyers handle a range of matters, including damage suits, private rights of individuals, drafting deeds and wills, breach of contract suits, and acting as trustees or guardians. Civil law often intersects with other areas of law, such as family law, criminal law, and property law.
Corporate Law
Corporate law, also known as business law, deals with the legal aspects of industry and commerce. This specialisation covers topics such as taxes, liability, licensing, trademarking, and the financial and structural aspects of companies.
Constitutional Law
Constitutional law is a broad and complex branch of law that centres on the interpretation and implementation of a country's constitution, aiming to preserve the relationships between state and federal governments and protect individual rights.
Intellectual Property Law (IP Law)
IP law, also known as IPR, encompasses areas such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. It involves protecting the intellectual creations and assets of individuals and organisations.
International Law
International law, sometimes referred to as admiralty law or maritime law, deals with matters beyond the jurisdiction of any single nation. This specialisation covers topics such as international waters, shipping, navigation, and the laws governing different countries' interactions.
Law degrees offer a wide range of specialisations, and this list is by no means exhaustive. Other notable mentions include tax law, labour law, real estate law, cybersecurity law, and animal law. The specialisation you choose will depend on your interests, career goals, and the specific curriculum offered by your chosen law school.
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Law degree duration
The duration of a law degree varies depending on the type of degree, the country, and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.
In the United States, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required to practice law. Earning a JD typically takes three years of full-time study after obtaining a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years. Some universities offer accelerated JD programs that combine a bachelor's and JD degree, allowing students to complete their studies in a shorter duration. Additionally, individuals who wish to specialize in a particular area of law may pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, which usually takes an additional year of full-time study.
In other countries, such as Canada, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is the primary law degree. The LLB is typically a three or four-year undergraduate program that serves as the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. After completing an LLB, individuals may choose to pursue further legal education, such as an LLM or other postgraduate studies.
It is important to note that the duration of a law degree may be influenced by various factors, including the time required to study for and pass entrance exams, such as the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the student's career goals and chosen specialization. Part-time law programs are also commonly available and usually take longer to complete than their full-time counterparts.
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Law degree career paths
A law degree is a versatile qualification that opens doors to a multitude of career paths, both within and beyond the legal profession. While some law graduates choose to pursue traditional legal careers as solicitors or barristers, others venture into diverse industries such as business, finance, government, and technology.
Traditional Legal Careers
The most well-known path for law graduates is to qualify as a solicitor or barrister and practice law in various specialisations. In the UK, aspiring solicitors must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), while future barristers need to undertake a Bar course followed by a one-year pupillage. In the US, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required, followed by the Bar Exam. These legal professionals may work in different areas of law, including criminal, family, probate, and business law, as well as corporate, human rights, or intellectual property law.
Non-Traditional Legal Careers
Law graduates can explore a range of non-traditional legal careers that utilise their legal knowledge and skills in different sectors. Some examples include:
- Compliance Analysts and Data Protection Officers: These professionals ensure organisations comply with legal and regulatory requirements, especially in the tech sector.
- Legal Consultants: They provide legal expertise to businesses, often on a project basis, guiding decisions, shaping policies, and managing risks.
- Mediators, Arbitrators, or Conciliators: These professionals help settle disputes outside of court, facilitating communication and amicable resolutions between parties.
- Legal Academics: Law graduates can pursue scholarly pursuits and become professors at law schools, conducting research and teaching the next generation of legal professionals.
Other Career Options
Law degrees are also valued in industries beyond the legal field. Law graduates can find employment in business and corporate services, public administration, finance, media, human rights organisations, and international NGOs. Their skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and persuasive communication are highly transferable and can be applied to advocacy, corporate negotiations, and public policy roles.
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Frequently asked questions
Most universities will require five GCSEs at grade 9-4, and a university may ask for specific minimum GCSE grades in English and maths. For A-levels, universities typically ask for grades ranging from AAA to ABB, including either a grade B in an English A-level or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature. However, it is not necessary to have studied law at A-level.
A law degree typically takes three years to complete in the UK if studied full-time. However, there are exceptions to this. For example, the University of Law offers a two-year accelerated Law LLB degree, and online Law LLB's that allow students to complete their studies over four or six years.
There are no specific A-level subjects required to apply for law. However, universities are interested in broader foundational skills, so subjects such as English, history, languages, and mathematics are good choices as they teach transferable skills.
After completing a law degree, you can pursue further vocational training to become a solicitor or barrister. A law degree is also beneficial for careers in academia, media, business, politics, and banking. Alternatively, you can take a postgraduate qualification to specialise in a particular area of law.
