Top 10 Best Universities for Law in UK 2024

Finding the right university is really important for your future career. The university you choose can make a big difference in how your career shapes up. It’ll influence everything from the quality of education you receive to the opportunities available after graduation.

So, if you’re considering studying in the best universities for law in UK, keep reading to make the right decision for your future.

Criteria for Ranking

When ranking the best universities for law in the UK, Times Higher Education (THE) and The Guardian look at a few factors. Based on these, they rank which ones are the top choices.

Academic Reputation

Ranking depends on how much recognition a university’s law program gets from other experts and schools. The better the reputation, the higher the ranking.

Employer Reputation

Both THE and The Guardian take into account employer feedback. This includes hiring trends, satisfaction with graduates, and partnerships between universities and law firms.

Faculty/Student Ratio

The faculty members and students ratio reflects the level of individualized attention and support available to law students. A lower ratio means better access to professors, mentorship opportunities, and smaller class sizes.

Citations per Faculty

This is about how often the work of a university’s law professors and researchers gets referenced or mentioned in other academic works. It shows how much influence and impact the faculty members have in the field of law.

Comparison of Top 10 Best University For Law in UK for 2024

University Name	UK Law Rank 2024 (THE)	UK Law Rank 2024 (The Guardian)	Global Law Rank 2024 (THE)	Trends/Changes
University of Cambridge	1	3	3	Consistently top-ranked in all categories for several years.
University of Oxford	2	2	7	Maintains its position as one of the top law schools globally.
UCL	3	8	12	UCL continues to be a strong contender among UK law schools.
University of Edinburgh	4	14	13	The University of Edinburgh maintains its position as a leading law school globally.
London School of Economics and Political Science	5	4	14	This university retains its standing as one of the five law schools in the UK.
King’s College London	6	23	–	King’s College London stepped down from the top 5 law schools in the UK.
University of Glasgow	7	13	–	Continues to hold its position among the top law schools nationally and globally.
University of Nottingham	8	59	–	Nottingham maintains a strong presence in the UK law school rankings.
University of Essex	9	30	–	Essex consistently ranks among the top law schools in the UK.
Queen Mary University of London	10	73	–	The Queen Mary University of London will retain its position within the top 10 UK law schools in 2024.

Detailed Profiles of Top 10 Best Universities for Law in UK

Now that we know what are the best universities for law in the UK, here are the detailed profiles of these universities.

University of Oxford

• The University of Oxford is the best university in the UK for law. It offers a prestigious Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) program.
• Faculty achievements include numerous publications in leading legal journals, participation in landmark legal cases, and contributions to legal scholarship.
• The campus facilities include the Bodleian Law Library. It is one of the UK’s largest law libraries that provides extensive legal research resources.
• Notable alumni include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

University of Cambridge

• Cambridge offers a renowned Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program.
• Faculty members at Cambridge have received prestigious awards, grants, and recognition for their contributions to legal academia and practice.
• The Squire Law Library at Cambridge provides students with a huge collection of legal books and online resources for them to use.
• Sir John Vickers and Sir David Clementi, a former chairman of Prudential plc, are two notable alumni.

London School of Economics and Political Science

• LSE is another renowned university in the UK for law and criminology. It offers a diverse range of law programs, including LLB, LLM, and PhD programs.
• Faculty members at LSE are leading experts in their fields, actively engaged in research, consultancy, and policy-making.
• The campus boasts modern facilities, including the LSE Law Department Library, equipped with specialized legal databases and study spaces.
• Famous alumni include Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti, and former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

University College London (UCL)

• UCL offers an LLB program with various specialization options, along with LLM and PhD programs.
• Faculty achievements include groundbreaking research in areas such as human rights law, international law, and legal theory.
• The Bentham House at UCL houses the Faculty of Laws and provides state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, and collaboration.
• Notable alumni include Mahatma Gandhi, former President of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and renowned philosopher Jeremy Bentham.

King’s College London

• King’s College London offers LLB, LLM, and PhD programs with a focus on interdisciplinary legal education.
• Faculty members at King’s are actively involved in policy research, advocacy, and consultancy for various organizations.
• The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s provides students with access to cutting-edge research centers, moot courtrooms, and legal clinics.
• Prominent alums include novelist John Grisham, human rights attorney Helena Kennedy, and former UK prime minister Clement Attlee.

The University of Edinburgh

• The University of Edinburgh is counted as one of the top universities in UK for law. This university offers LLB and LLM programs, known for their strong focus on legal research.
• The Law School at Edinburgh is housed in the historic Old College building and is among the best law schools in the world.
• Faculty members at Edinburgh have received awards and honors for their contributions to legal scholarship, advocacy, and judicial service.
• Notable alums are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Secretary-General of the UN Kofi Annan, and novelist J.K. Rowling.

The University of Manchester

• The University of Manchester offers LLB, LLM, and PhD programs, emphasizing practical skills.
• Faculty members at Manchester are engaged in cutting-edge research across various legal fields.
• The university’s law library in the John Rylands Library offers a vast collection of legal resources, archives, and digital databases.
• Former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, human rights attorney Geoffrey Bindman, and legal scholar Francesca Klug are among the notable alums.

The University of Bristol

• Offering LLB, LLM, and Ph.D. programs, the University of Bristol is renowned for its cutting-edge instructional strategies and emphasis on legal ethics.
• Faculty members at Bristol are renowned for their research contributions in different law areas.
• The university’s law library in the Wills Memorial Building provides students access to extensive legal collections, study spaces, and IT facilities.
• Notable alumni include former President of the Supreme Court of the UK Brenda Hale, former Attorney General for England and Wales Dominic Grieve, and legal scholar Sir David Williams.

The University of Glasgow

• The University of Glasgow is also known as one of the best universities for law, offering LLB, LLM, and Ph.D. programs.
• Faculty members at Glasgow are actively involved in research projects, policy development, and legal consultancy.
• The School of Law at Glasgow is housed in the historic Gilbert Scott Building, providing students with modern teaching facilities, seminar rooms, and a dedicated law library.
• Renowned alums include human rights attorney Baroness Helena Kennedy, legal scholar Neil MacCormick, and former UK prime minister Bonar Law.

Queen Mary University of London

• Queen Mary University of London offers LLB, LLM, and PhD programs and is known as one of the best universities for law in the UK.
• Faculty members at Queen Mary are recognized for their research excellence in areas such as international arbitration, financial regulation, and immigration law.
• The Law Library at Queen Mary provides students with access to huge legal resources, online databases, and collaborative learning spaces.
• Prominent alums include human rights attorney Martha Spurrier, legal scholar Baroness Ruth Deech, and former UK prime minister Clement Attlee.

Alumni Success and Career Outcomes from The Top Law Schools in The United Kingdom

University	Employment Rates	Prominent Sectors	Career Support Services
University of Oxford	High	Corporate law, government, academia, international law	Career counseling, networking events, job postings
University of Cambridge	Excellent	Commercial law, finance, academia, public sector	Career fairs, alumni networks, CV workshops
London School of Economics	Strong	Law firms, investment banking, international organizations	Employer presentations, skills workshops, internships
University College London	High	Commercial law, technology law, government, academia	Mentoring programs, alumni networking, career fairs
King’s College London	Strong	Corporate law, advocacy, government, international NGOs	Workshops, industry panels, internship opportunities
University of Edinburgh	Good	Corporate law, government, and international organizations	Career guidance, employer events, internship placements
University of Manchester	Favorable	Corporate law, finance, public sector, NGOs	Career workshops, networking events, internship placements
University of Bristol	Strong	Commercial law, public sector, NGOs, academia	Development workshops, employer engagement, internships
University of Glasgow	Favourable	Corporate law, government, international NGOs, academia	Career guidance, employer events, internship placements
Queen Mary University of London	Strong	Corporate law, finance, government, international organizations	Career workshops, employer presentations, networking events

Choosing the Right Law School for You

Picking the perfect law school is a big decision, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit:

• Think About Your Goals: Consider what you want to achieve with your law degree. Do you have a particular field of law that interests you? Look for schools that offer strong programs in that area.
• Research the Schools: Take the time to learn about different law schools. Look at their websites, read reviews, and talk to current students if you can. Pay attention to things like faculty expertise, resources, and campus culture.
• Consider Location: Think about where you want to study. Do you prefer a crowded city or a quiet town? Consider things like the cost of living, career possibilities, and personal preferences.
• Look at the Curriculum: Check out the courses and programs offered by each school. Some schools offer programs in specific areas such as corporate law, environmental law, human rights law, or intellectual property law.
• Evaluate Support Services: Look into the support services offered by each school. Do they have career counseling, academic support, or networking events? These services can make a big difference in your overall experience and success as a student.
• Visit the Campus: Visit the university campuses of your top choices if possible. Get a feel for the environment, talk to faculty and students, and imagine yourself studying there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UK suitable for law studies?

Yes, the UK is highly suitable for law studies due to its prestigious universities, rich legal tradition, and the opportunity to study English Common Law.

How long is a law degree UK?

In the UK, a law degree typically requires three years of full-time study. For those pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), which is an alternative route, it adds one additional year for non-law graduates.

Is law school expensive in the UK?

Yes, law school can be expensive in the UK, with costs varying by program and institution. Tuition for legal education programs like the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) may range significantly.

Which law field is in demand in UK?

Fields such as commercial law, corporate law, and technology law are in demand in the UK.

Is law better in UK or US?

It depends on specific legal needs and perspectives. Both have strengths, with the US known for its constitutional protections and the UK for its common law heritage and parliamentary sovereignty.

How much is LLB fee in London?

LLB fees in London can range from £40,000 to £75,000 per year.

Can international students study law in the UK?

Yes, international students can study law in the UK.

Is IELTS required for LLB in UK?

IELTS requirements for LLB programs in the UK may vary by university. Generally, international students need to demonstrate English proficiency, often through IELTS, with specific score requirements set by the institution.

Can I get a scholarship to study law in UK?

Yes, you can apply for scholarships to study law in the UK. Research universities and organizations offering scholarships for international students in law.

Is it easy to get a law job in UK?

Securing a law job in the UK can be competitive, requiring strong academic credentials, relevant experience, and networking skills. Success often depends on the area of law and market demand.

Conclusion

While rankings can provide valuable insights, prospective students must consider various factors beyond rankings. By carefully evaluating factors such as academic reputation, faculty expertise, and resources, students can find the best fit for their law education journey. So, remember to do your research. Choose wisely to ensure that you’re on the path to success at the Best Universities for Law in UK.