An overview of studying law at university
Studying a law degree (LLB) at university usually takes three years, though some universities offer accelerated two-year courses.
That said, you don’t need to study law at undergraduate level to become a solicitor. In fact, about half of newly qualified solicitors come from non-law backgrounds. Since academic study of law is very different from practising it, exploring the profession through work experience and research is valuable no matter what subject you study at university.
Since September 2021, anyone wanting to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales must follow the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) route. A law degree or conversion course is no longer compulsory. Instead, to qualify you will need to:
Traditionally, qualifying as a lawyer in England and Wales involved three key stages: academic study, vocational training, and professional practice.
The academic stage was usually completed through a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). This is a law degree that covers the seven core ‘foundation subjects’ of legal knowledge and is formally recognised by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
It’s important to note that not every law degree holds this status. If your goal is to become a solicitor or barrister, always check whether your chosen degree is recognised as a QLD before applying.
In addition to these compulsory areas, LLB students also choose from a range of law-focused electives.
Each university structures its programme differently. Some cover all compulsory subjects in the first and second year, while others spread them alongside optional modules over three years. Because of this variation, it’s important to check the module information on the university’s course page before applying.
If your goal is to qualify as a solicitor or barrister as quickly as possible, choosing an LLB with Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) status is the most direct route.
That said, many universities also offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) law degrees, where law is studied alongside subjects like history, criminology, politics, or languages. These can be a great option if you’re not fully certain about a career in law and want to combine legal studies with another area of interest. Keep in mind that if you complete a non-QLD BA and later decide to become a lawyer, you will need to take a law conversion course first.
It’s also worth noting that some law BAs do carry QLD status. For example, the law BAs at Oxford and Cambridge are qualifying. In addition, some universities give students the option to transfer from a BA to an LLB during the first or second year.
Because course structures vary, always check whether a degree is qualifying by reviewing the university’s information or the UCAS course listing.
A law degree is highly respected by employers and can be both rewarding and intellectually stimulating. But before you decide to study law, it’s worth thinking about a few key points:
1. Academic interest in law
Studying law at university is very different from practising it. The degree is academic and theory-based, so you’ll need a genuine interest in law as a subject.
2. Time commitment
Law students spend a lot of hours reading, researching, and preparing for classes. Expect long reading lists and plenty of independent study.
3. The step up from A-Levels
Moving from A-Levels to university law can feel like a big jump. Essays are more demanding, and law schools place strong emphasis on accurate referencing and academic writing.
4. Organisation and planning
With multiple deadlines and heavy workloads, good time management is essential to balance your studies with other aspects of student life.
5. Preparation for tutorials and seminars
Law schools expect students to prepare thoroughly. You may need to spend eight hours or more reading and researching for just one seminar.
6. Competitive environment
Law is a competitive subject, and this atmosphere can be motivating for some but challenging for others.
Career opportunities
A law degree is highly respected and can open doors far beyond the legal profession. Many law graduates go on to work in fields such as management, human resources, politics, and more.
Building legal knowledge
Studying law at undergraduate level gives you the chance to explore areas that connect directly with future practice. Many universities offer electives such as employment law, family law, commercial law, or competition law, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.
Transferable skills
Law students develop a wide range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and communication. These are valuable not only in legal practice but also in a wide variety of other careers.
Professional networks and opportunities
As a law student, you’ll join a community of peers who share similar career goals. This comes with unique opportunities such as mooting, debating, and client interview competitions that are often harder to access outside of law school.