How to Study Law in the UK

The LLB and other routes into law

The most common starting point for studying law in the UK is the LLB (Bachelor of Laws), a qualifying undergraduate law degree usually taken straight after school. Some students instead read a different subject at undergraduate level and then take a law conversion course, while others enter through degree apprenticeships at certain providers.

Which route suits you depends on your goals and background. Programme structures, lengths, and entry requirements differ by university, so confirm the details for each course on the official university website before you apply.

• LLB — a qualifying undergraduate law degree (the typical route)
• A non-law degree followed by a recognised law conversion course
• Solicitor apprenticeships or other work-based routes at some providers

How undergraduate law applications work

Undergraduate law applications are made through UCAS, the UK's central admissions service, rather than directly to each university. You submit one application with your course choices, a personal statement, and an academic reference.

Law is a popular and selective subject, so entry requirements expressed in A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, or recognised equivalents can be high. Check the exact grades and any required or preferred subjects for each course on the official university pages.

The LNAT — required by some universities, not all

A number of UK universities ask undergraduate law applicants to sit the LNAT (the National Admissions Test for Law), which assesses reading comprehension, reasoning, and written argument rather than legal knowledge. It is important to understand that the LNAT is required only by certain universities — it is not a universal requirement for studying law in the UK.

Because the list of universities that use the LNAT, the registration windows, and how scores are used can change from year to year, do not rely on summaries. Confirm whether your chosen courses require it, and the current process, on the official LNAT website and each university's admissions pages, and verify on the official source before you plan.

English-language and supporting documents

International applicants whose first language is not English usually need to evidence their English proficiency through an accepted test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, at the level set by the programme. Law degrees often involve dense reading and writing, so required scores can be set accordingly.

You will also typically submit academic transcripts and certificates. Confirm the current accepted tests, exact score thresholds, and document list on each official university website, as these are updated regularly.

Qualifying as a solicitor or barrister (a neutral overview)

A law degree is an academic qualification; becoming a practising lawyer in England and Wales involves further professional stages, and the routes for solicitors and barristers differ. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate legal systems and professional pathways.

These professional requirements are set by the relevant regulators and can change over time, and they differ for international students depending on circumstances. This is a general overview, not legal or career advice — confirm the current professional routes on the official regulator and university sources, and seek qualified guidance for your situation.