Most UK universities offer a law degree as a three-year undergraduate course. This differs from law schools in the US where you can only complete a law degree at the postgraduate level.
Navigating the university application process confuses many students, so to make things easier we’ve put together a simple three-step guide to becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK.
Stage 1: Applying to University
Most universities in the UK will offer a few different law degrees. You can often combine these with a year of studying abroad or with a separate honours subject.
It’s important to research the universities you’re looking to apply to because the range of modules differs quite significantly between them. It’s also a good idea to seek out student experiences to gain a detailed understanding of what it’s like to study law at the different universities you’re considering.
Most universities in the UK offer a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) where you’ll take assessments in a number of compulsory core modules. Having a QLD enables you to go on to study for your Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). After passing the SQE and completing two years of qualifying work experience, you can then qualify as a solicitor.
Stage 2: Completing Your Degree
Depending on your university, the core modules vary across the three years, meaning you’ll sit assessments at different stages in your degree.
At the University of Oxford, you’re examined in three core modules during your first year and seven more in your third year. In addition to this, you choose two modules in your final year to take exams in.
Alternatively, the University of Bristol assesses students regularly across the three years. The core modules differ from those at the University of Oxford and include a number of optional modules as well.
Please note, the Oxford Scholastica Academy does not have an affiliation with any UK university.
Ultimately, your choice of university should reflect your interests outside of the core modules. You’ll be assessed on these core modules in some form wherever you study, so these shouldn’t heavily impact your choice. Your optional modules won’t affect your overall degree or your ability to qualify as a solicitor, but they can help in deciding which area of law you might want to work in after you leave university.
Stage 3: Qualifying as a Solicitor
Thanks to the new SQE qualification, which replaces the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) and LPC (Legal Practice Course), you now have more ways to qualify as a solicitor after completing your degree. Everyone must complete the two exams which make up the SQE, but you no longer have to complete two years of training in a traditional training contract scenario (TC).
Previously, you had to spend these two years at a law firm. However, the SQE provides a wider choice of qualifying work experience. This can still include the traditional TC but also covers paralegal and pro bono work.
Upon qualification in England or Wales, you can practise law in both England and Wales. You also become eligible to train for qualification to practise abroad, like training to take the bar exam in the US.
It’s important to note that different states set their own requirements for taking the bar exam in the US and you may need to earn a Masters of Law. The New York bar exam doesn’t require you to complete an LLM, though other states do.
It should also be noted that studying for a Scottish law degree does not qualify you to practise in the rest of the UK without doing a conversion course under the SQE, because Scots law comprises a different legal system with its own unique jurisdiction.
To experience a taste of a UK law degree and gain valuable experience to boost your university application, apply for our Law summer course today.
By Jamie Emerick
Jamie is a recent law graduate of Trinity College, University of Oxford. Alongside his writing work, offering first-hand advice for those looking to study law at university, Jamie works at a MedTech firm as an IP Law Assistant, helping to manage their IP portfolio.
