London has always been a center of attraction for Law aspirants, and there’s a big reason for it. The common law tradition originated in the UK and serves as the foundation for 27% of legal systems globally, including those in India, Australia, and the US.
And this is not a very recent attraction for students. Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi also studied law in London. Law is a sought-after field among university students globally, with the best law universities concentrated in London.
The eligibility to pursue law is just a high school diploma and a good IELTS score. To know more about it read the blog.
Discover the top law colleges in London renowned for their prestigious programs, globallaw universities in London ranking, and comprehensive admission requirements.
1. London School of Economics (LSE)
QS subject Ranking 2024
Program
Duration
Annual Fees (GBP)
Application Deadline
Course Start
Entry Requirements
7th
LLB
3 years (full-time)
£ 28,176
January, Rolling Admissions
September
Personal Statement, Previous Qualifications, English Proficiency with A-level
LLM
Full-time (1 year), Part-time (2-4 years)
£36,168,£18,084
January
September
Undergraduate law degree, English Proficiency, CV, SOP, Two academic references
PhD
Full-time (4 yrs), Part-time (8 yrs)
£22,632,£11,316
January
September
English language proficiency score, Postgraduate law degree with above 70% in PG degree
Here is why you should choose London to study law:
UK Law is Globally Dominating and Recognized
The UK's legal system, which has developed over more than 900 years, influences legal systems internationally. The UK is where common law originated, and it is recognized globally, with over a third of the world having a legal system based on English common law.
The UK is Home to Top International Law Firms
The UK hosts hundreds of international law firms, with some of the world’s biggest firms basing their headquarters here, offering great opportunities for training contracts and career development. The prestigious law firms Allen & Overy, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Slaughter & May are based in the UK.
Other famous law firms in the UK include Ashurst, CMS, Dentons, Eversheds Sutherland, Hogan Lovells, Herbert Smith Freehills, Latham & Watkins, Norton Rose Fulbright, RPC, Simmons & Simmons, Taylor Wessing, Travers Smith, Addleshaw Goddard, Clyde & Co, DLA Piper, Pinsent Masons, and Womble Bond Dickinson.
Simple Process for Admission Application
The application process is well-structured and simplified, with clear guidelines compared to the USA, Canada, and Australia. The entry requirements are designed to give a chance to study law for students from almost all backgrounds.
Shorter Course Duration
Law degrees in the UK are often shorter: an undergraduate LLB degree is three years, and a postgraduate LLM is one year. This is significantly less than in other countries such as Canada and the USA, where a law degree can last up to 7 years, costing students more money and time. UK law degrees are the quickest route to entering legal careers.
Practice-Based Teaching and Learning
Students studying law in the UK have a golden opportunity to learn from a variety of experiential opportunities. There are pupillages, vacation schemes, legal clinics, Moot Courts, chances to work on Pro-bono cases, and shadowing in court as options for work experience.
Some universities have volunteering or internship arrangements with law firms, allowing international students to engage with these.
Improvement of Academic and Professional English
In addition to high-level technical academic English, law students in the UK can look forward to better communication skills and high adaptability towards various career transitions.
Law students develop the ability to argue from a basis of evidence in a way that can be hard for others to do, this actively develops advanced communication skills, keen problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for independent thinking. As a result, UK law graduates adapt very well to various situations or career transitions.
Transferable Skills with Added Value
UK law courses are designed to provide transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, teamwork, writing, listening, creativity, attention to detail, relationship building, report and draft writing, debating, negotiation, communication, organizing, decision-making, meeting deadlines, commercial awareness, and other soft skills.
These skills add extra value to your professional profile for career commencement and enhancement.
UK Law Degree Earns Prestigious Careers
UK degree fromlaw universities in London for international studentscan lead you to highly respected and rewarding careers such as Solicitor, Barrister, Arbitrator, Costs Lawyer, Legal Executive, Company Secretary, Patent Attorney, and Licensed Conveyancer.
Some graduates prefer careers as Government Research Officers, Civil Service Administrators, Human Resource Officers, Political Risk Analysts, Stockbrokers, Trading Standards Officers, Legal Writers, Law Teachers, or freelance advisers.
Further Read: Why Pursuing a Master’s in the UK Can Be Your Best Decision Yet
Cost of Study & Scholarships for International Students to Study Law in London
Understand the costs and scholarships for international students studying in top law colleges in London, covering LLB, LLM, and PhD programs.
LLB (Bachelor of Laws) Programs:
Three-year Full-time Degree:
Non-London: £16,700 per year
London: £17,550 per year
Four-year Full-time Degree with Foundation Year:
Non-London: £16,700 per year
London: £17,550 per year
Two-year LLB (Hons) Senior Status:
Non-London: £16,700 per year
London: £17,550 per year
Two-year LLB (Hons) Law Accelerated / Two-year BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Accelerated:
Scholarships for International Students to Study Law in London
Scholarship Type
Benefit
Funded by
Chevening Scholarships
£18,000
Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, Partner org
GREAT Scholarship for Justice and Law
£10,000
British Council, Great Britain Campaign, UK higher ed
Commonwealth Scholarship
Economy return international travel, Tuition fees, Basic Allowance
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, others
Postgraduate Funding Scholarships
£3,000-5,000
Queen Mary University of London
UCL faculty research scholarship
Covers your tuition fees and provides an annual living allowance of around £20,622 for full-time students.
UCL Londen
Admission Requirements to Study Law in London
LLB Admission Requirements in London Universities
Admission requirements for LLB programs in London universities typically include a mix of academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and other criteria.
Here are the common requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
A-Levels: Most universities require AAA to BBB grades in A-Levels.
International Baccalaureate (IB): A score of 34-38 points, with higher level subjects relevant to law.
Equivalent Qualifications: Recognized equivalent qualifications from other countries are accepted.
Subject Requirements: While specific subjects may not always be mandatory, some universities prefer students with a background in humanities or social sciences.
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS: Typically, a score of 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0.
TOEFL: Equivalent scores as per university requirements (around 100-110).
Other Tests: Some universities accept other English language tests like PTE Academic.
LLM Admission Requirements in London Universities
For LLM programs, the requirements are slightly different and typically include:
Academic Qualifications:
Undergraduate Degree: A first or upper-second-class honors degree in law or a related discipline from a recognized university.
Equivalent Qualifications: Accepted from international institutions, often requiring a GPA equivalent of 3.3-3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS: Generally, a score of 7.0 overall, with no component below 5.5.
TOEFL: Equivalent scores as per university requirements (around 100).
Other Tests: PTE Academic and other recognized tests are also accepted.
PhD Admission Requirements in London Universities
Admission to PhD programs in the law requires meeting higher academic standards and demonstrating research capability.
Here are the typical requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
Master’s Degree: A master’s degree in law or a related discipline with a merit or distinction.
Undergraduate Degree: A strong undergraduate degree (usually a first or upper-second-class honors) in law or a related field.
Research Proposal:
A detailed research proposal outlining your intended research, its significance, methodology, and how it fits with the university’s research strengths.
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS: Usually, a score of 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5.
TOEFL: Equivalent scores as per university requirements (around 100-110).
Career Prospects After Pursuing Education From Best Law Colleges in London
Discover a world of career opportunities after graduating from thetop law colleges in London, whether you pursue an LLB, LLM, or a PhD program.
After LLB from Top Law College in London
LLB graduates from the prestigious best law universities in London can pursue various career paths in the legal field. Here are some potential job titles and their average salary according to PayScale:
Job Title
Average Salary
Solicitor
£61,974 per year
Barrister
£35,000 per year
Legal Advisor
£57,000 per year
Paralegal
£29,000 per year
Compliance Officer
£49,000 per year
Corporate Lawyer
£93,000+ per year
Source: Indeed
After LLM from Top Law College in London
Completing an LLM program from a leading law college in London opens up diverse career opportunities. Here are potential job titles and their average salary ranges based on industry standards:
Job Title
Average Salary Range
Legal Counsel
£74,000 per year
Legal Secretary
£33,000 per year
Corporate Lawyer
£93,000 per year
Law Clerk
£23,000 per year
Source: Indeed
After PhD from Top Law Colleges in London:
PhD graduates from esteemed and good universities in London for law can pursue academic and specialized roles. Here are potential job titles and their average salary according to industry standards:
Job Title
Average Salary
Law Professor
£74,000 per year
Business Consultant
£44,000 per year
Law Firm Partner
£73,000 per year
Lecturer/ Speaker
£50,000 per year
Source: Indeed
Employers Hiring Law Graduates in London, UK
Explore employment opportunities for law graduates in London, UK, with these top employers offering competitive salaries and diverse career paths.
Studying in London's top 5 law universities offers a gateway to prestigious careers with global recognition. These topLondon law university listabove offer exceptional programs and diverse career paths in the legal field. Graduates from these esteemed institutions earn competitive salaries and contribute significantly to the legal landscape.
With London's vibrant legal scene and renowned educational institutions, it's an ideal destination for aspiring legal professionals aiming for excellence and success in their careers.
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing a law school in London?
Deciding on a university for your law degree is a significant step. Here's a simplified guide to help you choose.
Key considerations when choosing a university for law:
- Reputation and Rankings: Consider university rankings but understand their subjectivity.
- Entry Requirements: Check specific grade requirements like AAA or A*AA.
- Location: Decide on proximity to home and preference for urban or rural settings.
- Costs: Compare tuition fees and living expenses; explore scholarships and bursaries.
- Facilities and Social Life: Assess the quality of facilities and availability of clubs/societies.
- Course Details: Review law course specifics, optional modules, and study abroad opportunities.
- Graduate Prospects: Research employment outcomes for law graduates from the university.
What makes LSE a good choice for law students?
LSE offers a unique approach to legal education, emphasizing that law is not just a collection of texts but a living entity influencing our daily lives. Here's what makes LSE a standout choice for law students:
1. Practical and Relevant Learning
At LSE, students understand that law is omnipresent in social, civil, and business interactions. This practical perspective is crucial for aspiring lawyers who want to see the real-world impact of their studies.
2. Immersive Academic Environment
LSE students are immersed in an environment where faculty members are knowledgeable and actively involved in cutting-edge research. This means students learn from those shaping the law's development and addressing contemporary legal issues.
3. Engagement with Pressing Legal Problems
LSE Law explores key legal issues:
Displacement by conflict: Legal protections for displaced individuals.
Corporate executive pay: Legal restraints on excessive compensation.
Assisted suicide: Legal frameworks for prevention and punishment.
Other topics include Brexit's constitutional impact, contract law enforcement, punishment in legal systems, and social media regulation.
How important is the location of the law school in London?
Here are the reasons why the location of the law school in London is important:
1) Proximity to key legal institutions like the Royal Courts of Justice and the Supreme Court offers direct exposure to legal proceedings.
2)Abundant professional opportunities with top law firms for internships and jobs enhance practical experience.
3)A networking hub with frequent legal conferences and diverse legal practices enriches students' professional connections and knowledge base.
Which law school gives the best scholarships in the UK?
Several law schools in the UK offer excellent scholarships for international students. Here are a few renowned ones:
University of Cambridge
University College London (UCL)
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), School of Law
What are the best A levels to study for law?
Choosing the right A-Levels is crucial for aspiring law students. Subjects like English Literature, History, and Politics develop essential skills in critical thinking, analysis, and argumentation, laying a strong foundation for legal studies.
Additionally, subjects such as Economics, Maths, and Modern Languages offer valuable knowledge and versatility for specialized legal fields.
Which field is the best in law?
The best field in law depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Here are some promising fields to consider:
Complex Litigation
Corporate Law
Tax Law
Intellectual Property
Blockchain
Healthcare
Environmental Law
Criminal Law
Civil Rights Law
Animal Rights Law
Immigration Law
Sports and Entertainment Law
Labor Law
Family Law
Elder Law
Education (Teaching Law)
Which lawyer is most in demand?
Here are the six law specializations with the highest-paid lawyers and their average salaries:
Corporate Law - £70,850 per year
Human Rights Law - Salary not specified
Employment Law - £52,920 per year
Criminal Law - £51,928 per year
Intellectual Property Law - £47,794 per year
Clinical Negligence Law - £41,756 per year
What job in law pays the most?
Here are some of the highest-paying legal jobs across the globe, as per Indeed:
Patent attorney: £171,346 per year
General counsel: £148,465 per year
Chief legal officer: £135,307 per year
Employment lawyer: £120,956 per year
Contracts lawyer: £111,921per year
Litigation lawyer: £108,588 per year
Counsel: £105,339 per year
Intellectual property paralegal: £97,599 per year
Attorney: £97,777 per year
Family lawyer: £93,821 per year
What type of lawyers make the most money in the UK?
Lawyers specializing in commercial and corporate law tend to make the most money in the UK. They can earn over £100,000 a year, especially if they work for US-based firms or top-tier firms. These firms handle high-value transactions and have prestigious clients, contributing to higher salaries for their lawyers.
On the other hand, lawyers in areas such as personal injury, immigration, and family law earn less than those in commercial and corporate law.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
Tanya is a skilled content writer and marketing strategist with deep expertise in the EdTech industry. She has a proven track record of producing engaging content and developing effective marketing strategies for leading platforms. At upGrad Abroad, Tanya focuses on providing study-abroad aspirants with accurate and relevant information, significantly contributing to the growth of educational technology.