The school where you earn your law degree matters, which is why we have carefully listed the best law schools in the UK along with their rankings. This article aims to provide comprehensive information about the most prestigious law schools and universities in the United Kingdom. Graduating from one of these institutions will enhance your marketability.
We also discuss key factors students should consider before choosing a law school or university for any legal-related course.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Law Schools in the UK
Whether you are a domestic or international student, thorough research is essential when selecting from the best law schools in the UK. Course content and teaching methods vary significantly between universities and academic institutions.
Many students focus solely on rankings and may end up choosing a school that is not the best fit for them academically. Don’t rely solely on rankings; consider other factors to ensure the school you choose aligns with your academic and professional goals.
In this article, we have listed nearly all the UK law schools and their rankings. Additionally, we have included links to the official websites where you can find the most up-to-date information about each school before submitting your application.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a Law School in the UK
When applying to enroll at any of the top law schools in the UK, it’s crucial to assess the academic prerequisites of the institution. This involves understanding the qualifications and grades required by the school before you proceed with your application.
Additionally, you should evaluate the curriculum or modules offered by each school. Since course content varies among institutions, selecting a program that aligns closely with your academic objectives is essential.
Another critical factor to consider is the teaching approach employed by universities and academic institutions offering law degrees in the UK. It’s essential to conduct thorough research on the teaching methods used at the law school you are considering applying to. Assess whether their teaching style aligns with your preferences and academic needs, as different methods may vary in effectiveness for individual students.
As a student, understanding the examination and assessment methods used by your prospective law school is also crucial. Investigate how exams are conducted, the grading criteria, and the overall structure of their curriculum. This knowledge is vital for navigating your law degree journey effectively.
Next, take into account the duration of the course you intend to pursue. Some law schools in the UK offer accelerated programs that provide a quality law degree in a shorter timeframe, whereas others may have longer programs. Understanding the duration of the course at your preferred school is crucial for planning your academic journey effectively.
Lastly, ascertain whether the school you are interested in requires a dissertation as part of its graduation requirements. This information is essential to know before applying, as it can significantly impact your academic and research commitments during your studies.
Selecting the Ideal University for Your Law Degree in the UK
When selecting a university for your law degree in the UK, it’s important to consider more than just the academic program you aim to pursue. Factors such as proximity to home, campus facilities, cost of living in the city where the university is situated, the layout of the campus (centralized or dispersed), and available extracurricular activities should also be taken into account.
The criteria that are most important to you when choosing among the top law schools in the UK can be highly personal. It’s crucial to select a university where you feel comfortable and where you believe you can thrive both academically and personally.
Law degree programs are highly competitive, not only in the UK but globally. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a school that suits your needs, even if it’s not the most prestigious, especially if attending a more prestigious institution might result in a lower second class (2:2) degree.
Graduating with a lower second class can significantly reduce your job prospects, as many companies may overlook such applications. However, attending a law school where you feel comfortable, even if it’s less prestigious, and graduating with a second-class upper (2:1) degree will improve your chances of getting a job compared to someone who graduates with a lower second class from a more highly regarded school.
Law firms prioritize your degree classification over the prestige of your school.
If possible, and if you live near the university in the UK where you wish to study law, it’s advisable to visit the campus. This will help you assess the school environment and determine if it is the right fit for your career aspirations.
List of Notable Law Schools in the UK (Unranked)
The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive list of university law schools in the UK that offer degrees related to legal practice. Below, we have compiled a list of UK law schools, including some that are part of larger universities. This section will cover these law schools in the UK along with their official websites.
List of Notable Law Schools in the UK (Unranked)
The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive list of university law schools in the UK that offer degrees related to legal practice. Below, we have compiled a list of UK law schools, including some that are part of larger universities. This section will cover these law schools in the UK along with their official websites.
This section of the article will provide an overview of these UK law schools along with their official websites.
The schools listed below are not ranked according to their reputation. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive list of all law schools in the UK, followed by the top 10 universities based on their rankings.
1. The Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge
Cambridge Law School, also known as the Faculty of Law, is part of the University of Cambridge. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the world, renowned for its quality of teaching and cutting-edge legal research, particularly in international law and criminology. It consistently ranks as the best law school in the UK in national rankings.
2. The Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford
The Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford is among the leading law schools in the UK. With over 800 years of legal teaching and learning history, it is renowned for its excellence. Oxford Law School was ranked first in the world in the 2019 Times Higher Education Ranking of World Universities.
3. The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College, London
The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London is part of the federal University of London and one of the university’s nine academic schools. It is situated in the east wing of Somerset House on the Strand, in the heart of London’s legal district, near the Royal Courts of Justice and the Four Inns of Court. It is acknowledged as one of the top 15 law schools worldwide and ranks fourth in the UK.
4. Edinburgh Law School at the University of Edinburgh
Established in 1707, the Edinburgh Law School is part of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, and is dedicated to the research and teaching of law. It is housed in the historic Old College, the university’s original location. Notably, two of the twelve judges currently serving on the UK Supreme Court are Edinburgh graduates.
5. The Faculty of Laws at University College London
The UCL Faculty of Law, part of University College London (UCL) and the federal University of London, is one of the world’s leading law schools. Situated in London, UK, it is one of the 11 constituent faculties of UCL. In the 2018 Times Higher Education World Law University Rankings, it reached the eighth position globally.
6. The Law School at Queen Mary University in London
The Law School at Queen Mary University of London, which is connected with the University of London and the Russell Group, is well-regarded. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, it ranked 30th globally. Consistently listed among the top 10 law schools in the UK for its research and teaching quality, the School boasts many internationally renowned faculty members who serve as legal advisors to governments, industries, and NGOs both domestically and internationally.
7. The School of Law at SOAS University of London
The SOAS Law School, situated at the University of London, is housed in the Paul Webley Wing of Senate House in Bloomsbury, London, UK. Specializing in legal systems across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the school accommodates over 400 students. It offers LLB, LLM, and MPhil/PhD programs, with a majority of its undergraduate and postgraduate students being international.
