Top UK Universities For Law - Ranking & League Table (2024 Rankings)
Check out our full guide on the top universities offering law degrees to study at in the UK. We’ve also curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for Law.
Table of Contents
Why Study Law At A UK University?
UK Universities are popular destinations to study Law. Here are a couple of reasons why you should choose to study in the UK if you want to practise law.
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Quality Education: UK universities are globally renowned for their academic excellence and high teaching standards. Many UK law schools consistently rank among the top institutions worldwide, offering a rigorous and comprehensive legal education.
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Diverse Course Options: UK universities provide a wide range of law programs and specializations, allowing you to tailor your studies to align with your interests and career aspirations. You can choose from undergraduate LLB degrees, postgraduate LLM degrees, or specialized programs in areas like international law, human rights, commercial law, and more.
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Practical Focus: UK law programs often emphasize practical skills development, ensuring that students gain a solid understanding of legal principles alongside practical application. Moot court competitions, legal clinics, and internships are common opportunities for students to enhance their practical skills and gain real-world experience.
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Prestigious Institutions: Studying law at a UK university can enhance your credentials and provide you with a competitive edge in the job market. Many UK law schools have prestigious reputations globally, and their degrees are highly respected by employers, both within the UK and internationally.
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International Perspective: The UK is a hub for international students, and studying law in this multicultural environment provides you with exposure to different legal systems, cultures, and perspectives. This international exposure can broaden your horizons and prepare you for a globalized legal profession.
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Career Prospects: A UK law degree can open up various career paths, not just limited to legal practice. Many law graduates pursue careers in areas such as corporate law, finance, consulting, government, academia, and non-profit organizations. The skills and knowledge gained from a UK law degree are highly transferable and sought after by employers in diverse sectors.
UK University League Table For Law (Updated 2024 Rankings)
The University League Table for Law shows some of the top ranking universities to study Law in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by UK and global ranking as well entry requirements.
| University | Course name | Fees (Per Annum) | Duration | Subject Ranking | UK Ranking | TEF rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | Law BA (Hons) | £24,507 | 3 years | 2 | 1 | Gold |
| UCL | Law LLB (Hons) | £ 29,000 | 3 years | 3 | 9 | Silver |
| University of Glasgow | Common Law LLB (Hons) | £ 23,520 | 4 years | 5 | 26 | N/A |
| Durham University | Law LLB (Hons) | £ 23,000 | 3 years | 7 | 8 | Gold |
| University of Bristol | Law LLB (Hons) | £ 22,200 | 3 years | 8 | 15 | Silver |
| University of York | Law LLB (Hons) | £ 21,950 | 3 years | 12 | 16 | Gold |
| University of Sheffield | Law LLB (Hons) | £ 22,680 | 3 years | 23 | 63 | Silver |
| University of Kent | Law LLB (Hons) | £19,300 | 3 years | 26 | 48 | Gold |
Top Law Schools In The UK
The University of Cambridge consistently ranked top 3 for Law studies in the UK. Founded in 1209, this prestigious institution is world-renowned for outstanding academic success, attracting students from UK and all over the world.
In 2024, University College London (UCL) ranked third place in the UK for Law degrees. Being near the city area, students get to experience the hustle and bustle of a Londoner’s life as well as the rich culture and exciting social scene London has to offer. UCL also happens to be England’s 3rd oldest university.
The Scottish University of Glasgow ranked 5th for Law in the UK. Based in scenic Scotland, students get to experience a beautiful olden-style castle-like backdrop: The Glasgow University campus. Perfect if you’d like to experience the rich cultural experience the Scots have to offer.
Recommended Law Schools In The UK
Durham University ranks 7th in the UK for Law. Despite it being one of the oldest and historic universities in the UK (which is a great cultural experience for students), they pride themselves on their modern, forward-mindset. Students get to explore the historical and scenic town of Durham which has an old British charm like no other.
The University of Kent has a great track record of producing some of the highest paid law graduates in terms of starting salaries. The institution has an excellent track record of employability and has an affordable tuition fee.
The University Of Bristol is one of UK top 15 universities according to the QS rankings. The institution boasts a dynamic, vibrant community which is a stone’s throw away from the historical charm of the city. In short, you get the best of both worlds – the city and the outdoors. The course comes with an embedded law clinic programme that enables students to work on real-life cases, with professional guidance and support.
How To Apply To Study Law In The UK?
Step 1: Choose A University
The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK which offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Things to consider when applying:
- Location
- Employability
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- University Ranking
Step 2: Submit Your Application Via UCAS
UCAS is a UK-based organisation whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities. You can apply for multiple Universities simultaneously to ensure you get multiple offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here. When you are ready, apply through the UCAS website directly.
Step 3: Wait For Offer Letters
Once the application to UCAS is done, you’ll have to wait to get your offer letters. Come and speak with us once you’ve received an offer letter and want to make arrangements to apply for that University.
UK Law School Entry Requirements
Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK law school:
- English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Law National Aptitude Test(LNAT). The LNAT test is a requirement for all students who wish to study a Law Degree in a UK University. It helps you see if a Law degree is right for you, and it helps universities determine if you’ll succeed in this course.
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities) Health checks. All potential medical students are required to undergo screening for blood borne viruses. Details will be provided should you accept an offer.
- University entrance interviews.
- Personal statement. This is a supporting document an part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.
The Complete Guide To Studying Law in The UK
Getting into a good Law school in the UK is not easy, which is why we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide, A-Z on how to get into Law School in UK. Read the guide here:
Frequently Asked Questions
The number 1 university for law in the UK is currently the University of Oxford, as of 2023.
The fees for law degrees in UK depends on the university, but can range anywhere between £16,000 to £24,000 per annum for international students. Rankings and location of a university might also affect the price.
For most law degrees, it is best to apply before 15 of January of the year of admission. Take note that if you are applying for most courses in Oxford and Cambridge University, you need to apply before 15 of October.
Top Law Schools In The UK - 2021 Rankings And League Table
Looking for the 2021 results and rankings for the top UK universities for Law? Here is the 2021 league table for Law courses.
| University | Subject Ranking | Fees (£ Per Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 1 | £22,227 |
| University of Oxford | 2 | £28,370 |
| UCL | 3 | £23,300 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 4 | £21,570 |
| University of Glasgow | 5 | £19,350 |
| King's College London | 6 | £23,550 |
| Durham University | 7 | £21,730 |
| University of Edinburgh | 8 | £20,950 |
| University of Bristol | 9 | £ 20,100 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 10 | £21,950 |
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