FAQs
What is a Law degree?
A Law degree is the study of the law. Law degrees cover all different areas of the law, including criminal defence, contracts, business and finance. Law degrees can also be studied in combination with other degrees, including Business, Criminology, Accounting and Politics.
What can you do with a Law degree?
You can potentially consider a wide range of jobs with a Law degree.
The most common jobs you can find are:
- Arbitrator
- Barrister
- Company secretary
- Conveyancer
- Mediator
- Paralegal
- Patent Attorney
- Solicitor
Many legal jobs require you to have passed Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
How long is a Law degree?
The length of a degree will depend on how you choose to study. Part-time courses take longer than those studied as a regular degree.
Generally, a Law degree runs for three years. At the same time, part-time courses can take five years. Those who decide to study at a postgraduate level will have their education last a little longer, depending on which era of the law they choose to specialise in.
What to do after a Law degree?
Your next steps are your choice. Many decide to look at the next step of their careers, either as a solicitor or paralegal. Many graduates take a gap year before considering their next options.
It is also possible to study for a Law degree at a postgraduate level. At postgraduate level, you may specialise in one area of the law and build your knowledge from there.
You can also look at potential internships or work experience opportunities.
How many Law degrees are there?
There are many different types of Law courses you can consider.
The subjects are wide and varied and largely depend on which area you want to specialise in.
As for the different qualification types, there are:
- LLB (Bachelor of Law)
- Graduate LLB
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- LPC (Law Practice Course)
- GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law)
- BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course)
- QLTS (Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme)
Not all universities will offer these types. You will need to make sure the type of degree you want to study is available at the university you want to study at.
What GCSEs do you need for a Law degree?
The GCSE requirements for a Law degree will largely depend on the university you are applying to. Typically, you must have at least five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above. You will likely need to have GCSEs in Mathematics, English Language and Science.
How hard is a Law degree?
The difficulty of a degree is relative to the person studying it. The course has a heavy courseload and a fairly high amount of examinations and coursework. The difficulty will largely depend on your abilities, how you understand the course and how you cope with the different learning aspects of the course.
What are Law degree entry requirements?
The entry requirements for a Law degree depend on the university you are applying to.
Typically, you will need at least 36 to 64 UCAS tariff points. Even that number can be low, as many universities have known to ask prospective students to have BCC to AAA grade ranges.
Some institutions may also ask you to pass the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) before you can study with them.
Do you need A-Levels for a Law degree?
Entry requirements vary depending on where you apply. Typically, most universities ask for a minimum of two A-Levels. Three A-Levels with an A grade are needed for the most popular courses and universities.
You do not necessarily need to have a Law A-Level. Many universities have been known to accept students without an A-Level or AS Level in Law, however, it is recommended.