There are many reasons why students would want to pursue any profession, but when it comes to the law, the challenging nature of the work alone and the fulfilment professionals feel after a day's work in the legal profession are two of the greatest motivators.
Thankfully, you couldn't be in a better place if you are embarking on the journey towards a career in law. Law schools here in the UK are well-known worldwide for their curriculum, rigorous training programs, and respected faculty members.
Our aim in this article is to provide you with a guide that encompasses everything you need to know before studying law in the UK. We will explore reasons for choosing to study here along with the legal and education systems it offers aspiring law students such as yourself.
Why Study Law in the UK?
🎓 High Ranking Universities
📜 Reputable Degrees
🧑⚖️ Job Prospects
There are certain subjects that we associate with different places or universities, and in just about any conversation regarding law education, the UK is always a forerunner in the discussion.
It’s no wonder why so many international students flock to the UK each year to study the subject at university. Studying law here presents a number of benefits that make it a desirable choice for those aiming to become professionals. Here are some convincing motivations for exploring obtaining a law degree here.
Unlock your legal potential with the UK's varied undergraduate law courses.
Prestigious Universities
The reputation and international ranking of our universities easily make them among the best institutes in the world to study the subject, with unmatched global recognition in the corporate world and society.
By having a law degree from an accredited UK university on your resume, you will immediately be put right up to the top of the pile when you get around to applying for roles.
The great thing is that there is no shortage of options considering that 12 of the top 100 law universities in the world are right here. These highly regarded institutions will open up a range of opportunities in your future career and make you a sought-after candidate from the moment you graduate.
You can set yourself up for an easier time studying for a law degree by selecting the right choice of A level subjects.
Wide Range of Career Opportunities
The legal system in the UK has a rich history spanning over 900 years and holds significant global influence.
Common law, which originated here, serves as the foundation for legal systems in many countries worldwide, accounting for approximately a quarter of legal frameworks globally, including those in India, Australia and the US.
This makes transitioning into a career abroad all the more seamless, adding to the potential pool of roles that you can enter, having graduated with a law degree here in the UK.
Diverse Legal System
Opting to study in the UK means entering a job market that is always changing. It offers numerous thrilling career paths that will allow you to develop a range of skills.
Finishing your law degree here also has the unsaid advantage of the alumni status of being a graduate of a globally renowned university.
This will make life a little easier for you when it comes to taking on positions like administrative law judge, attorney, legal counsel or advisor, associate attorney, and more.
The average law graduate's salary in the UK starts easily from £30,000 and can go up to £200,000 with the right experience.
For aspiring legal professionals without a law degree, a law conversion course serves as a transformative bridge to the world of jurisprudence.
Structure of Legal Education in the UK
🧑💻 LLB
🎓 GDL
🧑⚖️ LPC
👨🏻⚖️ BPTC
The legal education system here in the UK offers lawyers a straightforward route to follow their chosen profession.
However, you can’t expect to walk into a major role from the time you graduate like in many other professions. Usually, you'll have to finish a law degree (LLB) or a graduate diploma in law (GDL) before moving on to training. Here's how the system is set up:
Undergraduate Law Degree (LLB)
An undergraduate degree is the most commonly chosen option for third-level education since there is a direct entry point from A-level education. A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is a three-year program that teaches the principles of law.
While the module descriptor for each course will differ somewhat depending on the university, the course usually includes topics like contract law, tort law, criminal law, equity and trusts property law and constitutional and administrative law.
After finishing an LLB degree, you can then pursue training to qualify as either a solicitor or a barrister. Just make sure to manage your expectations, as this can take a number of years!
Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)
If you hold a bachelor's degree in a field of law then you have the option to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) which is also referred to as the Common Professional Examination (CPE).
This rigorous one-year program equips you with the understanding required for further professional training.
The GDL is a great option for those who may not have a legal background but wish to pursue a career in law.
Navigating the legal education landscape becomes clearer when you explore the top law schools in the UK, illuminating paths for future barristers and solicitors.
Legal Practice Course (LPC)
Upon finishing either an LLB or GDL, individuals aiming to become solicitors are required to enrol in the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This practical training program usually spans over the course of a year if pursued full time, or two years if undertaken part-time.
If you decide to pursue this option, you can expect to concentrate on honing the legal skills that are crucial for solicitor roles.
The LPC curriculum also provides an in-depth understanding of several other topics, including ethics, financial management, tax law, and a range of fields such as corporate law, real estate law, and dispute resolution.
Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)
While you might feel a sense of pride in having attained a law degree after years of study, the work is not yet done. If you're thinking about pursuing a career as a barrister, the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) comes after completing your LLB or GDL.
This rigorous training program also lasts one or two years, depending on whether you take it full or part-time.
The training course incorporates hands-on trials and enhances your advocacy, drafting, and research abilities, which are essential for a successful Bar career.
Forge a unique path in the legal realm by acquiring a masters in law, setting yourself apart from fellow applicants in the race for prestigious roles.
Choosing the Right Law School
While the are a number of decisions that you will be tasked with making over the course of your academic career, few hold the significance of selecting the right Law School.
In order to find the right fit for you, there are some important factors to think about. Selecting the location is one crucial consideration seeing as you'll be living for three to six years, depending on your course duration. You’ll need to ask yourself how long you intend to commute each day and if the area is void of any unnecessary distractions.
It's also wise to pick a place with firms nearby so you can gain practical work experience alongside your studies.
Certain law programs offer students the chance to do a "sandwich year", during which they gain practical experience at a law firm for a year before their final academic year. So, if this sounds like something that interests you then you will want to study the courses that you apply for carefully.
When searching for universities, focus on those that provide courses that allow you to choose some of your classes. While some law programs may include options, the majority of courses at universities are predetermined and mandatory. Therefore it's essential to review the courses available at various institutions to ensure they align with your future career goals post graduation.
While many courses may cover similar topics, it's wise to start thinking about whether there's an area of law you'd like to specialise in, such as criminal law, business law, family law, property law or environmental law.
While it most certainly isn’t the be-all and end-all of any degree, the course and university rankings are strong indicators of the learning experience provided at an institution and the weight that a degree might hold in the professional realm.
Although many courses may cover similar topics, it's wise to start thinking about whether there's an area of law you'd like to specialize in, such as criminal law, business law, family law, property law or environmental law.
Cost and Duration of Studying Law in the UK
When you consider the number of years that you will need to spend studying and the subsequent training you’ll need to complete in order to become a solicitor or barrier here in the UK, the cost can quickly begin to rack up!
Thankfully there are a number of supports in place to help ease the financial strain.
Tuition Fees
The cost of a law degree (LLB) can set you back as much as £9,250 annually with some leading universities even going north of this figure. However, if you're from England and pursuing your degree or another higher education qualification you won't have to pay these fees upfront.
On the other hand, postgraduate programs such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) tend to be more costly. For example, GDL course fees might be £14,300, while LPC fees can be upward of £19,950. The expenses for preparation courses for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) also vary; some providers charge over £16,000, excluding SQE assessment fees of £4,564.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
If, after considering some of the staggering costs associated with pursuing a legal career, you feel like you might need a helping hand, you’ll be glad to hear that many colleges offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and assistance programs.
These opportunities are typically awarded based on achievement, circumstances or other eligibility criteria.
Some law firms even sponsor students who secure training contracts by covering the expenses for courses like LPC, GDL or SQE preparation. So you might want to keep this in mind before parting ways with any of your hard-earned cash on your own accord.
The government also offers loans of up to £12,167 for masters programs; however, these loans may not apply to diplomas, yet nonetheless lift some pressure from you as you go about your studies.
Lastly, some universities have designed SQE preparation programs that incorporate a master's degree component, which may result in you qualifying for a postgraduate scholarship.
Embarking on Your Legal Career
So, now you should have some more clarity about the long road ahead when setting your sights on a career in law. Hopefully, this guide has helped you realise all that you need to consider before embarking on your studies as well as the potential that lies ahead if you do!
With this information, you now have a grasp of considerations regarding the suitability of law courses, as well as the costs and financial aid options that will help you progress from undergraduate studies to professional training.
As you contemplate entering the profession, keep in mind that perseverance, dedication and a genuine love for the law will serve as your greatest assets. While the road ahead may pose challenges, the rewards of a career are substantial, so make sure to embrace opportunities for learning so that you can hone the practical skills needed for a successful legal career.
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