Top 10 Law Colleges & Universities in UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s leading law colleges and universities, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in law and legal studies. These institutions provide students with a comprehensive education in the legal field, covering a wide range of topics, including commercial law, criminal law, human rights law, international law, and more.

With highly qualified faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on practical training and real-world experience, UK law colleges are an excellent choice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in law or related fields. Whether you are looking to become a solicitor, barrister, judge, or legal researcher, you can find the education and resources you need at a UK law college.

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How to study law in UK?

To study law in the UK, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a program: There are various law programs offered by universities in the UK, including LLB (Bachelor of Laws), LLM (Master of Laws), and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Law. Choose a program that fits your interests and career aspirations.
2. Meet the entry requirements: Entry requirements for law programs in the UK vary by institution, but typically, you need to have a good high school diploma and strong grades in relevant subjects such as English, mathematics, and social sciences.
3. Apply for a program: You can apply for law programs in the UK through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You need to submit an application form, academic transcripts, personal statement, and any other required documents.
4. Prepare for the entrance exam: Some universities in the UK require you to take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) as part of the admission process. The LNAT tests your reasoning and critical thinking skills.
5. Attend the course: If you are accepted into a law program, you will attend lectures, seminars, and tutorials. You will also complete assignments and exams and may participate in mooting and legal clinics.
6. Get practical experience: Most law programs in the UK offer the opportunity to gain practical experience through work placements, pro bono work, and volunteer opportunities. This will help you build a strong network of contacts and gain real-world experience in the field of law.
7. Qualify as a lawyer: After completing your law program, you will need to complete a legal practice course (LPC) and complete a two-year training contract with a law firm. Once you have completed these requirements, you will be eligible to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in the UK.

Here are some of the top law colleges and universities in the UK:

1. University of Oxford
2. University College London (UCL)
3. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
4. King’s College London
5. The University of Cambridge
6. Durham University
7. University of Edinburgh
8. University of Glasgow
9. University of York
10. University of Bristol.

It’s important to note that the ranking of law schools can vary depending on the criteria used, such as employment prospects, research output, and reputation, so you may want to research and compare different sources before making a decision.

1. University of Oxford

As of 2021, the fees for a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) course at the University of Oxford are approximately £33,220 per year for UK/EU students and £57,000 per year for international students. The fees for a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (BJuris) course are approximately £22,720 per year for UK/EU students and £43,000 per year for international students.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and students should check the University of Oxford’s website for the most up-to-date information.

The University of Oxford offers a number of undergraduate and graduate law programs, including:

Undergraduate:

• Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
• Jurisprudence (Law)
• Law and Philosophy

Graduate:

• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Law
• Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Law

For more information on the specific requirements, curriculum, and application process for these programs, you can visit the University of Oxford’s Faculty of Law website.

2. University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) Law Course Fees: The fees for the UCL law courses vary depending on the program and mode of study. For example, the LLM program fee for the academic year 2022/2023 is £20,050 for full-time students and £14,000 for part-time students.

Pros of studying law at UCL:

1. Prestigious institution: UCL is a highly-ranked university known for its excellence in law and other disciplines.
2. Diverse programs: UCL offers a range of law programs, including LLB, LLM, Ph.D., and non-degree courses.
3. Location: UCL is located in London, a global hub for legal practice and research.
4. Strong industry connections: UCL has strong connections with the legal industry, which can help students find employment opportunities.

Cons of studying law at UCL:

1. Cost: UCL is one of the more expensive universities in the UK, and the cost of living in London can be high.
2. Competition: UCL is a highly competitive environment, and getting into the law program can be challenging.
3. Workload: The law courses at UCL are demanding and require a significant amount of time and effort.

Eligibility for UCL Law Courses:

To be eligible for UCL law courses, you must have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject and meet the English language requirements. Additional requirements may apply for specific programs, such as the LLM. For more information, you can visit the UCL website.

3. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The fees for law courses at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) vary depending on the program and the duration of the course. On average, the fees for an undergraduate law course can range from £9,000 to £11,000 per year, and for a postgraduate law course, the fees can range from £13,000 to £22,000 per year.

Pros:

1. Prestigious Institute: LSE is one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of law and is highly regarded in the academic community.
2. Experienced Faculty: The faculty at LSE are experienced professionals in the field of law and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the courses they teach.
3. Access to Resources: LSE provides its students with access to a wide range of resources, including law libraries, legal databases, and academic journals.
4. Career Opportunities: Graduates of LSE’s law courses are well-prepared for a career in the legal field and are highly sought after by employers.
5. Diverse Student Community: LSE is known for its diverse student community, which allows students to learn from and network with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Cons:

1. Cost: LSE’s law courses are some of the most expensive in the UK, which may make them unaffordable for some students.
2. Competitive Environment: LSE is a highly competitive institution, and the law courses can be challenging for some students.
3. Location: LSE is located in central London, which can be expensive to live in and can make it challenging for some students to find affordable housing.

Eligibility: To be eligible for admission to LSE’s law courses, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Undergraduate: Applicants must have completed their secondary education and have obtained the equivalent of a UK A-Level or equivalent qualification.
2. Postgraduate: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field and a minimum GPA of 2.1.

In addition to these requirements, applicants must also meet the English language requirements set by LSE and may be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination.

4. King’s College London

Fees for law courses at King’s College London vary depending on the program and whether the student is a UK/EU or international student. On average, tuition fees for a full-time undergraduate law program for the 2021-2022 academic year range from £9,000 to £19,000 per year for UK/EU students and from £22,000 to £30,000 per year for international students.

Pros of studying law at King’s College London:

• A renowned institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence
• Wide range of law programs is offered, including specialized areas of law such as International and European Law
• Access to excellent resources and facilities, including its central location in London, which is a hub for legal professionals and organizations.

Cons of studying law at King’s College London:

• High tuition fees, especially for international students
• Competitive admission process, with a high number of applicants for limited places

Eligibility for law programs at King’s College London typically requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and strong academic performance, particularly in subjects related to law. The specific requirements for each program can be found on the university’s website. International students may also need to meet English language proficiency requirements.

5. The University of Cambridge

Law course fees at the University of Cambridge vary depending on the program. On average, fees for undergraduate programs range from £9,250 to £12,000 per year for UK/EU students and from £26,000 to £39,000 per year for international students. For graduate programs, fees are usually higher and can range from £12,000 to £26,000 per year.

The pros of studying law at the University of Cambridge include access to top-notch facilities and resources, a strong reputation, and opportunities for networking and professional development. Cons may include the high cost of tuition and living expenses, as well as the competitive nature of the program.

To be eligible to study law at the University of Cambridge, you typically need to have a strong academic record, including good grades in relevant subjects such as law or politics. Additionally, you may need to submit standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement to demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to succeed in a challenging academic environment.

6. Durham University

The fees for a law degree at Durham University range from £9,250 to £9,000 per year for UK and EU students, and £22,400 to £22,000 per year for international students.

Pros:

1. Reputable Institution: Durham University is a highly-ranked university known for its excellent academic standards and research facilities.
2. Wide Range of Modules: Durham University offers a wide range of modules in law, covering various areas such as commercial law, public law, human rights law, and more.
3. Strong Career Prospects: Graduates from Durham University’s law program have strong career prospects, with many going on to work in leading law firms, government agencies, and international organizations.
4. Experienced Faculty: The faculty members at Durham University have extensive experience in the field of law and are recognized experts in their respective areas.

Cons:

1. High Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for a law degree at Durham University can be expensive, especially for international students.
2. Competitive Environment: Durham University is a highly competitive environment, which can be challenging for some students.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a law degree at Durham University, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the university’s English language requirements. Additionally, they must have good grades in relevant subjects such as mathematics, English, and humanities. An interview or test may also be required.

7. University of Edinburgh

The fees for law courses at the University of Edinburgh vary depending on the level of study and the program. The approximate fees for a full-time law degree program at the University of Edinburgh are £18,000 to £22,000 per year.

Pros:

1. Prestigious Institution: The University of Edinburgh is a highly regarded institution, and its law program is ranked among the top in the UK and Europe.
2. Wide Range of Law Courses: The University of Edinburgh offers a diverse range of law courses, including LLB, LLM, and PhD programs. This allows students to choose a program that suits their career goals and interests.
3. Experienced Faculty: The law faculty at the University of Edinburgh is made up of experienced academics and practitioners who provide students with a strong foundation in law.
4. Hands-On Learning Opportunities: The University of Edinburgh offers its law students a range of hands-on learning opportunities, including legal clinics, mooting competitions, and internships.

Cons:

1. High Living Costs: Edinburgh is known to be an expensive city, with high costs for accommodation, food, and other expenses. This can be a challenge for students who are on a tight budget.
2. Competitive Environment: The University of Edinburgh is a highly competitive environment, with a large number of law students vying for limited opportunities.

Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for a law course at the University of Edinburgh, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications: Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record.
2. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
3. Work Experience: Work experience may be required for some law courses, especially for graduate-level programs.

Overall, the University of Edinburgh offers a high-quality law education with a range of opportunities for hands-on learning. However, the high cost of living and competitive environment may not be suitable for everyone.

8. University of Glasgow

9. University of York

The fees for the LLB (Bachelor of Laws) program at the University of York for the 2022/2023 academic year are £9,250 per annum for UK/EU students and £19,950 per annum for international students.

Pros of Studying Law at the University of York:

• Reputable law school with a strong academic record.
• Wide range of law specializations is available, such as international law, criminal law, human rights law, and more.
• Access to a wide range of facilities, including law libraries, moot courts, and career development services.
• Opportunities for practical legal experience through internships, pro bono work, and other extracurricular activities.

Cons of Studying Law at the University of York:

• High fees for international students.
• A relatively small city location may not suit everyone.

Eligibility for the LLB program at the University of York:

• Hold a minimum of three A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) with grades AAB or above.
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 or equivalent).
• Meet the university’s general admission requirements.

Note: The specific eligibility criteria may change from time to time, so it’s best to check the latest information on the University of York’s official website.

10. University of Bristol

The law course fees at the University of Bristol vary depending on the program and the year of study. On average, the fees for undergraduate law courses are £9,250 per annum, while the fees for postgraduate law courses can range from £12,000 to £22,000 per annum.

Pros of studying Law at the University of Bristol:

1. Prestigious reputation – the University of Bristol is a highly respected institution known for its excellent law programs.
2. Experienced and knowledgeable staff – experienced professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise staff the law department at the University of Bristol.
3. Strong connections with industry – the University of Bristol has strong connections with legal firms, courts, and other organizations in the legal industry, providing students with opportunities for practical experience and networking.
4. Cutting-edge facilities – the University of Bristol provides state-of-the-art facilities for students to study, research, and practice law.

Cons of studying Law at the University of Bristol:

1. High fees – the fees for law courses at the University of Bristol can be expensive, making it a challenge for students from lower-income backgrounds to attend.
2. Competitive environment – the University of Bristol is known for having a competitive environment, which can be challenging for some students.
3. Limited course offerings – although the University of Bristol has a strong law program, it may not offer the specific courses or specializations that some students are looking for.

Eligibility for Law at the University of Bristol: To be eligible to study law at the University of Bristol, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Undergraduate – applicants must have a minimum of three A-levels (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C, and a minimum of grade B in one of the subjects.
2. Postgraduate – applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field with a minimum grade of 2:1 (or equivalent).

Note: International students must also demonstrate proficiency in English through an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Why study law in the UK?

There are several reasons to study law in the UK, including:

1. Reputation: The UK has a long-standing reputation for legal excellence, and its legal system is widely respected and influential globally.
2. Wide range of programs: UK universities offer a diverse range of law programs, from traditional law degrees to interdisciplinary programs that combine law with other subjects.
3. Career opportunities: The UK legal sector is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, offering a wide range of career opportunities for law graduates.
4. Global connections: Studying law in the UK provides students with the opportunity to make valuable connections with legal professionals and organizations from around the world.
5. Study environment: The UK is home to some of the world’s leading law schools and universities, providing students with a supportive and challenging study environment.
6. Unique legal system: The UK legal system is based on common law and has a distinct history and culture, making it an interesting and engaging place to study law.

Is it safe to study in UK?

The UK is generally considered a safe place to study. The UK is known for its high standards of living, safety, and security and is home to many prestigious universities and colleges. However, like any other country, it also has its own share of crime and safety concerns, and students should take necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings to ensure their safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UK law colleges provide a diverse and comprehensive range of education and training opportunities for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals. These institutions offer a mix of academic learning, practical experience, and personal development to prepare students for a successful career in the legal industry.

With well-established curricula, state-of-the-art facilities, and highly qualified faculty, UK law colleges provide a strong foundation for students to build their skills and knowledge. Whether you are just starting your legal journey or looking to specialize in a specific area of law, the UK has a law college to suit your needs and help you achieve your career goals.