Is it expensive to study law in UK?

Asked by: Ms. Queen Schultz  |  Last update: September 10, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (19 votes)

Tuition fees for Law degrees in London While tuition fees in the U.K. vary widely, the average for a Master's programme ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 GBP/year, while those for Bachelor's degrees can be anywhere between 4,000 to 16,000 GBP/year.

How expensive is law school in the UK?

You're likely to be looking at fees of more than £9,000 per year for your undergraduate studies, but that's just the beginning. In 2024/25 Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) course fees could be as much as £14,300 (in London), depending on the provider and location.

Can an American study law in the UK?

No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you! Canadian and American students have the choice of studying a qualifying Law degree at a wide range of UK Universities immediately after high school or after they have completed an undergraduate degree.

Do you have to pay for law school in the UK?

Universities and colleges can charge up to £9,250 a year for courses, although you will not need to pay these fees upfront if you are from England and studying for your first degree or other higher education qualification. Fees can vary depending on personal circumstances.

Is UK a good country to study law?

The world's best seven countries to study Law courses are the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Sam Zell: Get a Law Degree

35 related questions found

How many years to become a lawyer in the UK?

How long it takes. It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It will be longer if you study a different subject for your degree and decide later you want to follow a legal career.

How long is law school in the UK?

If you complete an “ordinary” LLB, this takes 3 years. Most students undertake an LLB with Honours, and this takes 4 years. If you study part-time the LLB usually takes 5 years to complete.

How much does law school cost for 4 years?

How Much Is Law School Tuition? For the 2023–2024 year, the cost of attending private law schools can range from $12,000–$80,000 a year, with an average cost of $53,034 a year. Public law schools range from $12,000 to $60,000 for in-state students, averaging $29,610 annually.

Can a US lawyer become an UK lawyer?

From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.

What GPA do you need for law school UK?

For the class of 2019, the UK College of Law's minimum GPA and LSAT requirements were 3.36 and 154, respectively. For the class of 2023, the minimum accepted GPA and LSAT were 3.17 and 152. To be on the safe side, aim to score higher than the accepted minimum GPA and LSAT of the previous year.

What are the magic circle law firms?

In the world of Commercial Law, you will often hear talk of 'Magic Circle' firms. This is an informal term used to describe what are generally regarded as the five leading UK-headquartered law firms, namely Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters and Slaughter and May.

How much does it cost to go to university of London Law School?

For 2025 entry, UCL's tuition fees (per year) for overseas undergraduate students applying to the LLB Law programme (M100) are £31,100 per year. Tuition fees for our other undergraduate programmes are £28,100 for 2025 entry.

Do lawyers earn more in the UK or US?

At a glance. Trainees in London earn more than those working outside the capital. You'll earn less in smaller firms but will likely rise up the ladder quicker. USA based firms pay the highest trainee and newly-qualified salaries, followed by Magic Circle then City firms.

Which field of law pays the most UK?

The area of law you work in

The most profitable legal area is commercial and corporate law, where solicitors can easily earn over £100,000 a year. Commercial lawyers provide business-related advice to companies, making sure that they comply with regulation and a particular country's legal system.

In which country do lawyers earn the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

Is studying law in the UK worth it?

High standard of teaching, research led programmes and emphasis on practical law skills are among some of the reasons why a UK law degree is so valued. Because a UK law degree is respected globally by many employers, you'll have the option to pursue your career in many countries, not just in the UK.

How long is law school in the USA?

All law schools in the US, both public and private, grant the J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree that is required to practice law in the country. A J.D program involves three years of study for full-time Law students and four years for part-time students.

Can an American become a lawyer in the UK?

US law graduates may find employment opportunities in various sectors and practice areas within the UK legal market. International law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organisations are among the potential employers.

Are lawyers in high demand in UK?

Corporate lawyers are in high demand, driven by the UK's dynamic business environment. Companies, both large and small, require legal expertise to navigate complex regulations, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and corporate governance.

How long is law school at Harvard?

The J.D. (Juris Doctor) at Harvard Law School is a three-year, full-time, in-person rigorous program of study that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study and practice, and then gives students the opportunity to focus their studies on areas of particular interest through advanced classes, ...