Is Law a popular program in UK?
Law in UK is a direct entry program and students can study straight after high school. UK is a popular study destination for students to study Law.
Almost all UK law courses allow students the option of taking a year’s professional placement at a firm, with the option of studying overseas. All LLB programmes at UK universities are formally accredited by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council of England and Wales.
How long does it take to become a lawyer in UK?
If you study full time, it will take about five or six years to qualify as a solicitor. This includes a three-year law degree, the SQE assessments and two-years of qualifying legal work experience.
What subjects should I choose in high school?
There are no must have subjects that you should take at school. However, to demonstrate that you have the skills, choose subjects that involve research, analysis and communication – such as history, geography, modern languages, sciences or maths – as these can give you an edge. Be aware that many universities do not accept general studies or critical thinking A-levels.
Legal work is intellectually challenging and competitive, so universities expect excellent A-level grades as evidence that you’ll be able to cope with the demands of studying law. Entry requirements for an undergraduate law degree at top universities typically range from A*AA to AAB in other words 85% and higher grades. Other institutions have less stringent criteria.
In addition, to study law at university you’ll often have to take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) as part of your application. This does not test your knowledge of law – instead, it assesses your aptitude for the required skills.
What are the best universities for studying law?
Where you choose to study should be based on your own research into different locations, institutions and their facilities, reputations, industry connections and employability records. It’s a personal choice – just because an institution tops the rankings doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you.
However, according to the Times Word University Rankings by subject 2021, the following UK universities top the list for law:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University College London (UCL)
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Edinburgh
- Kings College London
- Durham University
- University of Warwick
- University of Glasgow
- University of Kent
What skills will I need?
In addition to strong academic grades, there are certain skills you’ll need to demonstrate to become a lawyer.
A good indicator of what’s required is the LNAT, which is used by many universities as an entrance exam for law degrees. It assesses your:
- verbal and written reasoning skills
- ability to understand and interpret information
- inductive and deductive reasoning abilities
- ability to analyse information and draw conclusions.
How do I get legal work experience?
Getting law work experience is vital if you want to become a lawyer – it’ll help you to develop the required skills and learn whether it’s the right career for you.
Try and get internships or part-time experience related to law before going to university. For example, this could be a couple of weeks spent work shadowing a solicitor and carrying out general office duties. Placements like this, arranged independently, look good on applications for law degrees.
The admission officers want to see that you have experience in the field of Law, and you know what it takes to become a lawyer. They want to assess your passion and understanding of the subject matter.
Other ways of gaining useful experience include undertaking pro bono work (advising and representing people on a voluntary basis) and getting involved in your school’s debating society.
Can I Practise Law Abroad with a UK-Based Law Degree?
For the most part, yes – although you may well be required to take an exam to prove your comprehension of the new legal system you’re moving to practise in. If you wish to move somewhere in the EU, you must join a bar or law society in the country you’re moving to.
Start preparing for your Law application at least 2-3 years prior to your admissions cycle to get success.
