The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, especially in law. Whether you’re seeking a specialized degree in law or a combined law and criminology course, the UK offers a wide array of options. This blog will discuss the top universities to study law in the UK, their standout courses, entry requirements, course fees, and all the essential details you need to know before applying.
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What University Is Best for Law in the UK?
Here are some of the top universities to study law in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London (KCL)
- University of Glasgow
- University of Durham
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Bristol
- Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
1. University of Oxford
As one of the oldest and most well-respected universities in the world, the University of Oxford consistently ranks as the UK’s best university to study law. Oxford offers an undergraduate course called BA in Jurisprudence, which is deeply rooted in legal theory and history, yet provides practical opportunities for learning contemporary aspects of law.
Key Details:
- Best Course: BA in Jurisprudence
- Law Department: Known for its history of producing leading legal minds globally.
- Entry Requirements: Predominantly AAA-A*AA at A-Level, with an LNAT score.
- Acceptance Rate: Around 15%.
- Course Fees: £28,370 annually for international students, £9,250 for home students.
2. University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge is another top-tier institution, renowned for providing world-class education in law. The Law Faculty at Cambridge is steeped in history and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and scholarship.
Key Details:
- Best Course: BA in Law (Tripos)
- Law Department: Cambridge offers excellent research and facilities, and covers a broad spectrum of law modules.
- Entry Requirements: A*AA at A-Level, along with a successful Cambridge Law Test (CLT).
- Acceptance Rate: Around 21%.
- Course Fees: £28,296 annually for international students, £9,250 for UK students.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE is one of the top 10 universities to study law in the UK, known for its rigorous research and focus on the intersection of law, economics, and politics. LSE’s Law degree focuses on critical thinking and provides opportunities for specialization in diverse areas.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: LSE Law School is highly ranked for its focus on socio-legal studies.
- Entry Requirements: A*AA at A-Level and LNAT.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 16%.
- Course Fees: £25,656 annually for international students, £9,250 for home students.
4. University College London (UCL)
Located in the heart of London, UCL ranks consistently among the good universities to study law in the UK. Its undergraduate law program is widely regarded for combining theoretical and practical aspects of law, preparing students for both legal and non-legal careers.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: UCL offers cutting-edge legal education, blending tradition with innovation.
- Entry Requirements: Standard entry is A*AA at A-Level, supplemented with an LNAT.
- Acceptance Rate: Around 12%.
- Course Fees: £26,200 annually for international students, £9,250 for home students.
5. King’s College London (KCL)
King’s College London has a longstanding reputation as one of the top universities to study law in the UK, particularly for those interested in international law and legal research. KCL’s Dickson Poon School of Law is one of the most competitive law schools in the country.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: The program at KCL is known for its global legal perspective.
- Entry Requirements: A*AA or AAA at A-Level, and LNAT.
- Acceptance Rate: About 13%.
- Course Fees: £25,980 annually for international students, £9,250 for local students.
6. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is known for offering students flexibility, allowing them to tailor their law degree with optional courses. Situated in a vibrant city, Glasgow offers a strong reputation combined with great resources.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: Renowned for its research output and teaching quality.
- Entry Requirements: AAB-BBC at A-Level or equivalent.
- Acceptance Rate: Around 20%.
- Course Fees: £23,950 annually for international students, £9,250 for local students.
7. University of Durham
The University of Durham consistently ranks as one of the best schools to study law in the UK and boasts an outstanding law department. Durham’s law graduates are highly sought after by top law firms and other legal institutions.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: Durham’s Law School is recognized for its emphasis on intellectual rigor.
- Entry Requirements: A*AA at A-Level, with satisfactory LNAT results.
- Acceptance Rate: Roughly 17%.
- Course Fees: £23,500 for international students, £9,250 for local students.
8. University of Edinburgh
A world-leading university, University of Edinburgh offers acclaimed law degrees appreciated for their academic structure. Students benefit from a dynamic curriculum that is both challenging and rewarding.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: Known for a good balance of enriched theoretical knowledge and practical training.
- Entry Requirements: AAA-AAB at A-Level.
- Acceptance Rate: Around 15%.
- Course Fees: £23,200 per year for international students, £9,250 for local students.
9. University of Bristol
Bristol has established a stellar law school ranked among the best colleges to study law in the UK. The university is known for fostering independent thinking and critical analysis in the field of law.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: It is famous for its research output and strong academic staff.
- Entry Requirements: AAA at A-Level, LNAT recommended.
- Acceptance Rate: About 16%.
- Course Fees: £21,100 for international students, £9,250 for local students.
10. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Queen Mary University of London consistently appears among the UK best universities for law. Located in London, this university combines location advantage with excellent legal education.
Key Details:
- Best Course: LLB Law
- Law Department: QMUL has a wide array of optional modules, encouraging specialization.
- Entry Requirements: A*AA or AAA at A-Level, plus LNAT.
- Acceptance Rate: Around 20%.
- Course Fees: £23,650 for international students, £9,250 for home students.
Read More: Working in the UK as a Lawyer: Process, Exams and Income
Best Universities to Study Law and Criminology in the UK
If you’re looking to combine a law degree with criminology, several top universities to study law in the UK offer such courses. These universities include:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University of Birmingham
- Cardiff University
- University of Surrey
- University of Exeter
Best Universities to Study Law in England
For students aiming to specifically study in England, here are several best schools to study law in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London (KCL)
- University of Durham
- University of Bristol
Best Universities to Study Law in London
For those who want to be in the heart of the UK’s legal hub, London offers a variety of top law schools. Some of the top universities to study law in the UK located in London include:
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London (KCL)
- Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
- City, University of London
Bottom Line
Choosing the right law school in the UK is a significant decision that hinges on factors such as course offerings, location, faculty quality, and future career prospects. Each of these universities provides a competitive edge for those aiming to excel in the legal field. Research each institution thoroughly and consider visiting them to make the best decision for your academic and professional life. Whether you choose Oxford, Cambridge, or one of London’s prestigious institutions, studying law at any of these universities will set you on a path toward a successful legal career.
