Law Courses in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A law course is an academic diploma or degree conferred for studies in law. Unquestionably, studying law provides you with lifelong abilities that are valued by employers all over the world. Graduates from UK law schools can make a lot of money because their excellent skills are regarded and in great demand. Company lawyers, including intellectual lawyers and solicitors, are among the highest-paid professionals worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the beginning wage for a barrister is £35,000, with the possibility of increasing to £1 million after 6 to 10 years of practice. This article is a worthy read if you want to study law in the UK and want to know all about the bachelor's and master's programs available.

Highlights of Law Courses in the UK 

You need to invest one to three years to attain a master’s law degree, and a bachelor's law degree course requires complete three years. Law course types offered in the UK are full-time as well as part-time. Oxford, Cambridge, King's College London, and Edinburgh are the top universities to enroll in Law courses in the UK. The average tuition fees for international students seeking admission to bachelor's degree and master's degree range from £20,000 to £30,000 and £25,000 to £40,000, respectively.

Why Study Law Courses in the UK ?

The English judicial system is well respected around the world, and English law is the primary choice for multinational companies, guiding many significant commercial agreements between nations.

The laws that evolved in English common law are used by one-third of the global population, including those in the United States, India, and Malaysia.

The UK is home to four of the world's top ten legal firms in terms of the total number of engaged lawyers. These are international corporations offering global job options. Clifford Chance, for example, has offices in 25 countries and employs a maximum of its lawyers outside of the United Kingdom. In addition to introducing you to a varied and lively culture, studying law in the United Kingdom provides you with the opportunity to visit world-class educational institutions. Here are a few reasons why you should study law in the UK:

• Globally recognized degrees
• All-inclusive curriculum
• Credentialed and experienced academics
• Great employability

Best Universities for Law Courses in the UK 

 The following is a list of the top universities in the UK for a law degree. 

• The Oxford University

Oxford University is the most popular college in the UK and one of the oldest in the globe. The law school provides a wide range of legal and multidisciplinary specializations. According to QS rankings, the university is placed tenth and provides unrivaled master's degrees in legal education. It is well-known for its collaboration with several discussion clubs and colloquia, as well as its emphasis on research. The following courses are available at the University of Oxford:

1. Bachelor of Civil Law – full-time – 10 months
2. Law Dphil – full time – 3-4 years
3. Law Mphil – Full time – 1 year
4. Magister Juris (Mjur) – Full time – 10 months

• Cambridge University

Cambridge University is well-known for its innovative legal research, especially in international criminal law. The 13th-century institution has 11 research centers, 31 instructors, 6 readers, and approximately 70 additional personnel. The University of Cambridge is ranked third in the world by QS and has one of the most outstanding law schools in the world. It offers a wide range of programs, including:

1. BA Tripos Undergraduate Degree – full time – 3 years
2. Masters of law – full time – 1 year
3. MCL Masters Degree in Corporate Law – full time – 9 months
4. PhD – full-time – 3 years
5. MLitt – full-time – 2 years

• University College London

University College London is home to a vibrant intellectual community of legal experts. The university's strategy for research and education is multidisciplinary. University College London has a reputation for engaging in debates and discussions, which it uses to instill critical thinking and develop analytical abilities in students. University College London also has a vibrant student community that organizes a range of events. The following courses are available at the university:

1. LLB – 3 years – full time
2. LLM – 10 months – full-time / 20 months – part-time
3. M Phil – full-time – 1 year
4. D Phil -part-time – 3-4 years

• London School of Economics

The Law School at the London School of Economics is not only one of the greatest in the United Kingdom, but it also has an international reputation. Furthermore, the University was a trailblazer in the research fields of taxation law, banking law, corporate law, employment law, civil litigation, and the legal community and system. For its research output, the LSE was placed top in the latest Research Excellence Foundation.

• University of Glasgow 

The School of Law at the University of Glasgow offers a number of undergraduate and graduate legal studies. At the moment, almost 1,000 learners are pursuing law at Glasgow, and there are 49 full-time teaching staff members. 

• Queen Mary University of London

Since its inception in 1965, the Queen Mary University of London School of Law has grown to become one of the most prominent law schools in the United Kingdom. The School of Law at Queen's University is comprised of two organizational divisions: the Department of Law and the Centre for Commercial Law Studies.

Specialized course: LLB (Hons)

• Imperial College London

Since 1831, King's College London's Dickson Poon School of Law has been transmitting legal knowledge, and over two centuries later, research and instruction keep influencing the best minds.

Specialized program: LLM in law

• Durham University

Durham University Law School's academic faculty has earned accolades and is known for performing pioneering research. They also take part on a national and international level. Durham's law programs have a varied student base, and the courses are extremely competitive

Level of Study in Law Courses in the UK 

Bachelor's Level: 

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is a three-year program that provides a comprehensive foundation in legal studies. The eligibility criteria for the LLB program typically include meeting the academic requirements set by the university, such as certain A-level grades or equivalent qualifications. International students may need to provide proof of English language proficiency. The cost of studying for an LLB degree can vary depending on the university and whether the student is classified as a home or international student. Tuition fees for international students can range from around £10,000 to £30,000 per year.

Master's Level: 

The Master of Laws (LLM) degree is a one-year program that offers specialized knowledge in specific areas of law. Eligibility criteria for an LLM program typically include holding an LLB degree or equivalent qualification. Some programs may also consider applicants with relevant work experience or a non-law background. Tuition fees for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree can range from around £15,000 to £35,000 or more. 

Doctoral Level: 

For those seeking the highest level of academic achievement in law, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law is available. The PhD in Law is a research-focused program, and the eligibility criteria for a PhD program typically include holding a master's degree in law or a related field. The cost of studying for a PhD in Law can vary depending on the university and funding options available. Tuition fees for international students can range from around £15,000 to £25,000 per year, but many universities offer scholarships and funding opportunities for doctoral students.

Scholarships for Law Courses in the UK

• Freshfields Scholarship

One of the most coveted awards, the Freshfields Scholarship, is awarded to the undergraduate student with the highest GPA and the finest academic record. The Freshfields Scholarship is worth £40,000 and is renewable for an additional three years. For up to two years after graduation, the scholarship will pay for all of your tuition, housing costs, and monthly living expenses.

You must have a grade point average of 2.50 or better in your undergraduate study to be eligible for the Freshfields Scholarship. Outstanding academic achievements and the endorsement of your faculty or departmental representative are other requirements.

• The Lawscott Foundation Awards Grants

The Lawscott Foundation offers grants that can be applied to tuition, books, supplies, and other costs associated with pursuing a legal education.

Students from all UK colleges and institutions are eligible for the awards. If your family's annual income is less than £34,000 and you have an exceptional academic record, you may be eligible for a Lawscott Foundation Grant. This award is not open to students convicted of a crime. 

For a maximum of two years, Lawscott Foundation grants are renewable. After receiving a Lawscott Foundation Grant, you must reapply for funding if you want to continue your education.

Career Opportunities after Law in the UK

Some of the employment available to law graduates with a law degree in the UK, along with their salaries, are listed below:

• Advocate - £73,344 per year
• Solicitor - £62,588 per year
• Barrister - £70,767 per year
• Police Detective - £35453 per year
• Law Journalist - $38499 per year

In addition, there are several career opportunities in other departments, such as tax consultant, administrative assistant, human resources, and so on.