Best Universities for law UK

International students aspiring to succeed and build a career in the legal sector can opt for a UK law degree. Such courses include compulsory modules in contract law, criminal law, EU law, land law, and administrative law. Aspiring certified lawyers must take foundational legal subjects, with undergraduate law degrees, graduate diploma in law conversion course, bar practice course, and solicitors qualifying examination as further requirements for specialisation. Law degrees are offered as bachelor's, master's, and PhD/MPhil courses, with universities offering joint degrees alongside disciplines such as economics, business, history, and politics.

To become a lawyer in the UK, traditional students usually study for a law degree, while those with different undergraduate backgrounds can take the graduate diploma in law conversion course. The Bar Practice Course and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination are also necessary, depending on the desired specialisation. Students can also opt for a joint honours degree by combining legal studies with other subjects.

Completing a law degree at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Glasgow, Durham University, King’s College London, University of Edinburgh, and University of Warwick can provide an intellectually challenging and rewarding experience, with students guided by some of the leading experts and scholars in the world. These universities offer undergraduate, master's, and research degrees in law, with a focus on diverse and outstanding student bodies.

With a law degree, one can choose career paths as a barrister, coroner, crown prosecutor, patent attorney, or solicitor, and develop transferable skills for any of these positions. Obtaining a law degree in the UK also allows for practising in other countries, but Practical Legal Training or the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme may be necessary depending on the destination country.

Here are the top ten law universities in the UK and their highlighted programs:

University of Cambridge

Cambridge's law program is intellectually stimulating and challenging, and students are taught by some of the world's leading experts and scholars. Completing a law degree at Cambridge requires passing a Part I and Part II Tripos examination. Take your time w

University of Oxford

Oxford offers a range of exceptional law degrees, including the BA in Jurisprudence, BA in Law with Law Studies in Europe, BA in Jurisprudence with Senior Status, and Diploma in Legal Studies. The law department has a rich history of personalised tutorials, ensuring excellent one-to-one support throughout your degree. Our expert team can help prepare Oxbridge Applications whether you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge.

London School of Economics

LSE's law school has an exceptional reputation globally, and the university is ranked first for research output in the latest Research Excellence Framework. LSE pioneered the study of many areas of law, including taxation law, banking law, company law, labour law, and civil litigation, as well as the legal profession and legal system.

University College London

UCL's Faculty of Laws is widely considered one of the best law schools in the UK and the world. Its programs offer an extraordinary study experience to students, with opportunities for practical application through student-led activities and competitions.

University of Glasgow 

The School of Law at Glasgow offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. With a faculty of 49 full-time academics and over 1,000 students pursuing law degrees, Glasgow provides unique study abroad opportunities to further broaden students' horizons.

Durham University

Durham University Law School is recognized as a premier centre for legal education and research worldwide. Its esteemed academic staff have won numerous accolades for pioneering research, as well as their active involvement in national and international affairs. Competition for entry into Durham's law programs is fierce, and the student body is diverse.

Course in focus: Master of Laws

King’s College London

King’s College London's Dickson Poon School of Law boasts a long history of teaching law, dating back to 1831. Today, its research and teaching continue to inspire the best legal minds around the world, almost 200 years later.

Course in focus: Master of Laws LLM

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh's School of Law is a vibrant, intellectually diverse community of scholars who recognize the global challenges that necessitate expertise across various disciplines. Research at the University is mainly organised into four primary centres or groups. Edinburgh offers law courses as undergraduate, master's, and research degrees.

Course in focus: LLB Law (Ordinary and Honours)

University of Warwick

The Faculty of Law at the University of Warwick consistently ranks among the top universities in national league tables. Warwick's dedicated and diverse range of staff have both professional and academic expertise and are committed to helping students reach their full potential. Throughout Warwick's law programs, students receive training in public speaking and advocacy skills from law lecturers as well as legal professionals.

Course in focus: Law LLB

Queen Mary, University of London

The Queen Mary, University of London School of Law was established in 1965 and is now one of the largest law faculties in the UK. The School of Law at Queen Mary is divided into two units: the Department of Law and the Centre for Commercial Law Studies. In REF 2021, 92% of Queen Mary's research submissions were rated as internationally excellent or world-leading.

The UK is home to some of the world's best law schools, and students looking for a quality legal education have a wide range of options to choose from. The universities mentioned in this list, including the University of Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, UCL, Glasgow, Durham, King's College London, Edinburgh, Warwick, and Queen Mary, are renowned for their rigorous academic programmes and commitment to producing graduates who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal profession. 

Each of these universities offers a unique set of courses and specialisations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. Whether you're interested in pursuing an LLB, LLM, or PhD, or you're looking to gain practical experience through clinical programmes, moot courts, or internships, these universities offer a wealth of opportunities to help you achieve your aspirations. By studying at one of these institutions, you'll not only receive an outstanding legal education, but you'll also become part of a vibrant academic community and gain access to a wide range of resources and support services to help you succeed in your studies and beyond.