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A complete guide to law degrees

Your future is in your court, and we’ve built you a case for success. Explore how to get your start in law here.

A law degree does more than prepare you for the courtroom, it helps you make sense of the world. Law shapes our societies, protects our rights, and influences decisions at every level. Whether you’re passionate about justice, intrigued by legal systems, or looking to spark real change, studying law opens up a world of opportunity. From criminal justice to constitutional frameworks, you’ll build a strong foundation in legal thinking, sharpen your analytical skills, and learn to apply the law in practical, meaningful ways. This guide will walk you through your study options, potential career paths, and how to get started.

Topics you’ll explore

Your journey into law begins with understanding its core principles. Here’s what you’ll study to build a strong foundation.

Criminal law

Contract law

Constitutional and administrative law

Law of Torts

Property law

Equity and trusts

Skills you’ll gain

A law degree equips you with a mix of technical and transferable skills, preparing you for a range of career paths. Here’s what you’ll develop during your studies:

Hard skills

Legal research
Legal writing
Negotiation
Commercial awareness
Case analysis
Contract drafting
Legal citation

Soft skills

Problem solving
Excellent written and oral communication
Accuracy and attention to detail
Interpersonal skills
Time management and prioritisation
Flexibility
Resilience

Degree routes available to you

A law degree offers a variety of pathways designed to match your career goals and interests. From foundational studies to specialised fields, there’s a degree route that suits your ambitions.

BA in Law

This undergraduate degree combines legal studies with broader humanities or social science subjects, offering a well-rounded and interdisciplinary approach to the law.

LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

The LLB is a three-year undergraduate degree that covers the essential core legal subjects, and serves as the qualifying law degree for England and Wales.

Graduate LLB

Designed for individuals with a non-law undergraduate degree, this accelerated two-year course offers a comprehensive legal education, providing an entry route into the legal profession.

LLM (Master of Laws)

The LLM is a postgraduate qualification that allows you to specialise in a specific area of law, typically completed over one year, and is ideal for deepening your expertise.

Online law degrees

This flexible option allows you to study law remotely, enabling you to balance your education with other professional or personal commitments.

Common questions about law degrees

An undergraduate law degree, such as an LLB or BA in Law, typically takes three years of full-time study. Part-time options can extend this to four to six years. Postgraduate degrees, such as the LLM, generally take one year, while a Graduate LLB takes two years.

For UK students, undergraduate law degrees cost £9,250 per year, though fees may vary for international students. Postgraduate law degrees typically range from £12,000 to £25,000, depending on the institution and programme.

Funding options for law degrees:

Undergraduate degrees (and typically the first year of a master’s degree) are covered by Student Finance in the UK. This means you can receive a loan to fund your degree, with the possibility of additional grants for living costs. There are also scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages available at many universities, which can help manage the cost of your studies.

Most law degrees require A-levels at grades ABB or equivalent, such as BTEC DDM or Scottish Highers at BBB. You’ll also need five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, maths, and science.

Must-haves:

Relevant academic qualifications
Basic knowledge about the legal field
Passion for your subject
Strong writing skills

Nice-to-haves:

Work experience or shadowing at a law firm, court, or legal charity
Observing court cases in person or through case videos on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website
Keeping up with news stories that have legal implications and staying informed through legal news sources
Reading around your subject, including recommended books on your chosen university’s website
Staying updated about the legal profession by visiting the websites of law societies and regulators
Developing writing and debating skills through clubs and societies

In the UK, undergraduate law degrees are typically applied for through UCAS, where you can select five degree options and rank them in order of preference. You’ll also need to meet the entry requirements set by your chosen university and submit a personal statement that explains why you’re suited to the degree—more details on this below. For master’s programmes, you apply directly through the institution’s website, and you’ll need an undergraduate degree in a related field.

Assessment methods vary by programme, but law degrees typically use a combination of exams, essays, group projects, reports, portfolios, and oral presentations. This variety of assessments prepares you for the wide range of tasks required in the legal field, including written reports and presenting in court.

Why pursue a law degree

Diverse careers

A law degree opens doors to a broad spectrum of career paths, from legal practice to roles in business, politics, and more, providing you with a wide array of opportunities.

Intellectual challenge

Studying law hones your critical thinking and analytical skills, offering the chance to engage with complex legal issues and apply them in real-world scenarios.

Social impact

A law degree gives you the tools to advocate for justice, shape societal structures, and make a meaningful difference in your community.

Global perspective

Many law programmes incorporate international legal systems, equipping you to navigate the globalised world and address cross-border challenges.

Transferable skills

You’ll gain valuable skills such as research, negotiation, and communication, all of which are highly regarded across various industries and professions.

Professional prestige

A law degree is a prestigious qualification that not only boosts your credibility but also opens the door to influential and rewarding career opportunities.

Where this degree will take you

A law degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, both within the legal profession and beyond. Here are some common paths you can pursue after completing your degree.

Solicitor

Advise clients, prepare legal documents, and represent parties in transactions or disputes, often specialising in areas such as family, corporate, or criminal law.

Barrister

Present legal arguments in court, advocate on behalf of clients, and specialise in fields like criminal defence, civil litigation, or employment law.

Chartered Legal Executive

Focus on a specific area of law, handling legal matters independently or assisting solicitors and barristers with casework and legal research.

Judicial Assistant

Support judges through legal research, drafting case summaries, and helping manage court proceedings and decisions.

Civil Servant

Use your legal knowledge in government roles to help develop policy, draft legislation, and ensure laws and regulations are applied correctly.

Detective

Apply investigative and critical thinking skills to solve crimes, analyse evidence, and contribute to law enforcement efforts.

Find your law degree

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Common questions about teaching careers

Legal roles can be deeply rewarding thanks to the intellectual challenge and real-world impact. Many professionals report strong satisfaction with their work, clients, and organisations. However, it’s also a demanding field—high workloads and long hours can lead to stress and burnout. A 2023 Axiom report, for example, found that many UK lawyers felt fulfilled but also overwhelmed, especially in private practice.

Graduate salaries vary by role and experience. Five years after graduating, most UK law graduates earn between £30,000 and £35,000—though top earners reach £50,000–£70,000. Here are some average UK salaries for common roles:

Solicitor: £62,000
Chartered Legal Executive: £38,624
Arbitrator: £65,000
Civil Servant: £33,980
Detective: £39,000

Your salary is likely to increase as you gain experience and progress in your chosen path.

Most legal careers begin with roles like paralegal or trainee solicitor. From there, you can qualify as a solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive—and later progress to senior or partner-level roles. Specialising in an area of law, such as corporate or family law, can also create new career opportunities.

Yes. If you want to become a solicitor or barrister in the UK, you’ll need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or the Bar Practice Course (BPC), respectively. These are essential for entering the profession after your degree.

Currently, property law, immigration law, and corporate law are particularly strong areas, with growing demand for specialists. These fields offer solid prospects for graduates entering the legal profession.

A UK law degree is well-regarded around the world. Many graduates go on to work in international law or at multinational firms. However, to practise in another country, you may need to meet specific local qualification or licensing requirements.