What are the requirements to study law in UK?

Asked by: Bryana Goyette  |  Last update: August 20, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Entry requirements for an undergraduate law degree at top universities typically range from A*AA to AAB, although it varies by institution. A Law Foundation is an alternative route to studying law. Some universities specify require GCSE grades in English, maths and possibly a foreign language.

What qualifications do I need to study law in the UK?

Getting in: Entry requirements
  • A levels. ABB.
  • Scottish Highers. BBB.
  • Vocational. BTEC D*D*D* (Level 3 National Extended Diploma in specific subjects) Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative.

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.

How many years does it take 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.

Is it hard to get into law school in UK?

Studying Law at University is an extremely popular choice in the UK Courses at certain Universities frequently receive far more applicants than there are available places. Entry requirements for these courses is very rigorous, usually A*AA at 'A' Level.

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How long is law school in UK?

Length of Study

Gaining a practicing Law degree can take seven years in Canada, but just three years in the UK. A quicker qualification means lower total costs for your degree and a quicker route into paid work. Students who have already completed a first degree can do an undergraduate Law degree in just two years.

What is the hardest degree in the UK?

While Medicine may top the list, the UK offers a range of other challenging degrees. Whether you're considering a BA Hons or a BSc Hons, here's a more detailed look at the top five hardest degrees. Medicine: As mentioned, Medicine is the toughest degree due to its length, complexity and the sheer volume of material.

Are lawyers well paid in the UK?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

Can a foreigner become a lawyer in the UK?

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.

How much does it cost to study law 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 a lawyer in the UK work in the US?

Yes. UK lawyers can register as an FLC if they meet the New York eligibility requirements. UK lawyers can sit the New York State bar exam if they hold a law degree equivalent in duration to a US law degree or have at least two years of legal education and obtain a master's in law from an ABA-approved university.

What does LLB mean?

The Bachelor of Laws degree abbreviates to 'LLB', due to the traditional name of the qualification derived from Latin, 'Legum Baccalaureus'.

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.

Is it hard to study law in the UK?

Law is a prestigious degree that requires hard work and determination. It will require you to develop your analytical thinking and English language skills. A degree in law is fast-paced and offers an exciting challenge.

Can you go straight to law school in the UK?

If you apply directly from high school, it takes three years to get your practicing law degree (LLB) in Great Britain whereas it would take a total of seven years in Canada. You're saving yourself four years of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses by going to the UK.

Are lawyers in demand in UK?

According to recent insights from the LexisNexis GLP Index, property, immigration, restructuring, and insolvency law are projected to experience the strongest demand growth in 2025. This mirrors the increasing demand across several core practice areas, each driven by unique economic and social factors.

Do you have to pass the bar for international law?

You will have to obtain an undergrad, create a stellar law school application, attend law school, and pass your bar exam to begin a career in international law.

How much do solicitors earn in the UK?

Starting salaries for newly qualified solicitors in private practices typically range from £28,000 to £69,000. This can rise to between £35,000 and £65,000 for those with one-to-three years' experience and around £38,000 to £85,000 for those with four-to-eight years' experience, depending on your location.

Who earns more doctors or lawyers UK?

Lawyers are earning an average of £92,606 each year; they are the second highest earners and beaten only by chief executives, who earn an average of £130,734, according to the ONS' 2021 data. By contrast, doctors took home £74,588 this year and dentists £59,669.

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.

Is it difficult to become a lawyer UK?

Becoming a lawyer in the UK is not a quick process by any means. It involves dedication, years of study and work experience, and ongoing professional development.

Is the UK education system harder than the US?

It's not necessarily harder; it's structured differently. The British curriculum tends to focus on specialized subjects, while the American curriculum allows more flexibility and broader learning. Both can be challenging in their ways depending on the subjects and teaching methods.

What is the most stressful university in the UK?

The University of the West of Scotland takes the lead as the most stressful university earning a stress score of 73.7 out of 100. This is largely due to an abundance of negative student reviews and the challenge posed by its courses, which are ranked among the most difficult nationwide.