The United Kingdom has long been a global hub for legal education, home to some of the most prestigious law schools in the world. From the historic lecture halls of Oxford and Cambridge to the vibrant, modern campuses of London’s top universities, UK law schools have set benchmarks for academic excellence and professional training. Studying law in the UK not only equips students with a deep understanding of legal principles but also opens doors to diverse career paths in the global legal landscape.
Whether you dream of becoming a barrister, solicitor, crown prosecutor, or even a specialist in areas like maritime or technology law, UK universities provide the foundation to turn those ambitions into reality. In this guide, we delve into the top 10 law universities in the UK for 2024, showcasing what makes each institution stand out, the career opportunities they offer, and why pursuing a legal degree here is an investment in your future.
Top 10 Law Schools in the UK (2024 Rankings)
Here are the UK’s leading universities for law degrees, based on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024:
| UK Rank | Global Rank | University | City |
| 1 | 3 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
| 2 | 7 | University of Oxford | Oxford |
| 3 | 12 | University College London (UCL) | London |
| 4 | 13 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
| 5 | 14 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | London |
| 6 | 27 | King’s College London | London |
| 7 | 43 | University of Glasgow | Glasgow |
| 8 | 45 | University of Nottingham | Nottingham |
| 9 | 49 | University of Essex | Essex |
| 10 | 50 | Queen Mary University of London | London |
Why Study Law in the UK?
A law degree from a UK university is highly regarded worldwide. The UK’s legal education system is designed to nurture critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and practical skills, all essential for excelling in the legal profession.
The traditional route to becoming a lawyer in the UK begins with an undergraduate law degree, known as the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). For those with a background in other disciplines, a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) offers a streamlined path into the legal field. Many universities also offer joint honors degrees, allowing students to pair their legal studies with subjects like politics, business, or international relations.
To specialize further, students can pursue advanced qualifications such as the Bar Practice Course (BPC), which prepares them to practice as barristers in England and Wales, or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) for aspiring solicitors. These programs provide in-depth training and practical experience, equipping graduates for success in their chosen career paths.
Career Opportunities with a UK Law Degree
A UK law degree opens doors to diverse and rewarding careers, including:
- Barrister: Represent clients in court and provide expert legal advice.
- Solicitor: Offer legal guidance on a variety of matters, from corporate law to family law.
- Crown Prosecutor: Work within the criminal justice system to prosecute cases on behalf of the Crown.
- Patent Attorney: Protect intellectual property rights for inventors and businesses.
- Coroner: Investigate sudden or unexplained deaths.
For those aspiring to work internationally, a UK law degree is often recognized globally. Depending on the country, graduates may need additional qualifications, such as Practical Legal Training or the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, to practice law abroad.
Standout Features of the UK’s Top Law Schools
1. University of Cambridge
Cambridge’s Faculty of Law is a beacon of academic excellence, with a history spanning over 800 years. Students begin their studies with foundational courses like constitutional, criminal, and civil law, later specializing in areas such as family, commercial, and international law.
Postgraduate offerings include master’s degrees in general law and corporate law, as well as a doctorate program for aspiring legal researchers. Cambridge’s partnerships, such as the Herbert Smith Freehills Global Visitor Programme and a collaboration with Harvard Law School, enhance students’ global exposure and academic opportunities.
2. University of Oxford
Oxford’s law faculty is one of the largest in the UK, offering undergraduate programs like Jurisprudence and Law with European Legal Studies, which includes a year abroad. The BA in Jurisprudence with Senior Status caters to those with a prior degree, condensing the law degree into two years.
Graduate students can pursue the Magister Juris (MJur) or engage in cutting-edge legal research. Oxford’s ongoing projects, such as AI applications in English law and asylum policies across Europe, highlight its commitment to innovation in the legal field.
3. University College London (UCL)
A pioneer in legal education, UCL was the first UK university to establish a faculty of common law. Its undergraduate program includes opportunities for international exposure, such as the LLB/JD dual degree with Columbia University or a year abroad at the National University of Singapore.
Postgraduate offerings are equally diverse, with LLM specializations in fields like maritime law, international trade, and public law. UCL’s research centers, including the UCL Centre for Commercial Law and the Centre for Empirical Legal Studies, foster collaboration on groundbreaking legal projects.
4. University of Edinburgh
As Scotland’s premier institution for legal research, Edinburgh Law School offers a blend of traditional and innovative programs. Undergraduate students can choose from joint honours degrees or specialised courses in areas like global justice and legal technology.
Edinburgh also provides a range of online master’s programs, making its world-class education accessible to students worldwide. Its vibrant research community and state-of-the-art facilities support academic exploration and professional growth.
5. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The LSE Law School is one of the institution’s largest departments, with over 60 faculty members. Its undergraduate program includes the LLB Bachelor of Laws and a unique double-degree option, where students spend two years at Columbia University Law School in the United States.
For graduate students, LSE offers an LLM Master of Laws and an Executive LLM for those with at least three years of post-degree work experience in law. The department also features a rigorous PhD program, allowing students to delve deeply into advanced legal research.
LSE’s legal research spans numerous fields, including commercial law, environmental law, criminal justice, EU law, and human rights. A notable initiative is the Law and Economics Forum, which fosters collaboration between lawyers and economists, promoting interdisciplinary research.
Additionally, the department is closely associated with The Modern Law Review, one of the world’s leading academic legal journals. Published six times annually, it includes articles, case studies, legislative analyses, and reviews, reflecting the department’s strong academic reputation.
6. King’s College London
King’s College London offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. With its central location in London, the university offers extensive networking opportunities with law firms and legal professionals.
King’s College is renowned for its research in areas like international law, public law, and human rights law, with its Dickson Poon School of Law being a leader in academic and professional legal education.
7. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s oldest law schools, with a distinguished history of teaching and legal research. Known for its emphasis on both academic rigor and practical application, it offers a variety of LLB programs, as well as LLMs in specialized fields such as international law and criminal justice.
Glasgow’s legal research spans diverse areas, including intellectual property law, human rights law, and energy law, with a focus on the global challenges of the 21st century.
8. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham has gained a reputation for its strong focus on legal research and innovation. The university offers a variety of undergraduate law programs and a range of postgraduate options, including LLMs in various fields, such as commercial law, environmental law, and international law.
Nottingham’s Centre for International Law and its diverse research groups provide students with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge legal research.
9. University of Essex
The University of Essex is known for its commitment to social justice and human rights. Its Law School offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including an LLB with a focus on human rights law and an LLM in international human rights law.
Essex’s legal research is focused on issues like human rights, international law, and criminal justice, making it an ideal destination for students interested in law with a social impact.
10. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is known for its strengths in commercial law, intellectual property law, and international arbitration. Its undergraduate and postgraduate programs are designed to provide students with both academic depth and professional relevance.
With its location in the heart of London’s legal district, QMUL offers students access to top-tier law firms and international legal events, helping them build a global network for their careers.
Ready to pursue a Law Degree?
Choosing the right university for a law degree is a critical step toward building a successful legal career. The UK boasts some of the world’s most prestigious law schools, offering a wealth of specializations and research opportunities that will equip you with the skills needed to thrive in the legal profession.
Whether you aspire to be a barrister, solicitor, or pursue other legal careers, universities like Cambridge, Oxford, and UCL provide top-tier education and valuable networking opportunities. For those looking to navigate the application process and ensure a smooth transition into law school, GoGrad is here to help. With expert guidance and tailored support, GoGrad makes it easier to embark on your legal studies with confidence and clarity.