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Best Law Universities In UK
The UK has a large number of well-respected universities and in some subject areas the reputation of UK based institutions, such as the law, the reputation of UK universities has recently risen.
Top 10 law schools in the UK
Here are the top ten law schools in the UK, together with their rankings on the worldwide stage.
|
Ranking |
International Ranking |
UK Law School |
Number of |
|
1 |
2 |
University of Cambridge |
3 |
|
2 |
3 |
University of Oxford |
12 |
|
3 |
9 |
London School of Economics |
4 |
|
4 |
12 |
University College London |
18 |
|
5 |
20 |
King’s College London |
1 |
|
6 |
25 |
University of Edinburgh |
17 |
|
7 |
34 |
Queen Mary, University of London |
30 |
|
8 |
47 |
Durham University |
5 |
|
9 |
74 |
University of Manchester |
1 |
|
10 |
84 |
University of Nottingham |
1 |
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Ancient universities
Studying the law in some of the top-ranked universities in the UK involves studying in institutions that have ben teaching the law for hundreds and hundreds of years. This ancient tradition attracts students from all over the world and also brings in some of the best scholars and academic staff. The law libraries, like the Manchester Law Library, at many universities are among the best in the world and those studying subjects like Jurisprudence or Legal Theory will have access to outstanding resources.
Long-standing legal tradition
The English legal system has existed since the start of the rule of King Richard I in 1189 and this is considered to mark the beginning of the English Common Law system. This system is the basis for many legal systems around the world including the USA, Australia, Canada and India. The long-standing nature of the legal system, along with the heritage of many UK law schools, attracts students from around the world.
Legal education system
The education system for solicitors and barristers in the UK is a formal environment and international students from more relaxed education systems may find the dress codes different. Law students are expected to dress to many elements of their course in smart business clothing or at least in smart business-casual attire. This prepares students for the formal clothing of wigs and gowns that professionals in the British legal system are expected to wear.
Separate legal systems
The UK has separate devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and this makes studying the law in the UK confusing for some students. By undertaking an LLM in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the law schools are specialised and your education will be unique. Scottish Law has a great deal in common with both English and French Law and to practice in Scotland you must study Scottish Law and not English Law.
International community
The international connections of the UK result in a dynamic atmosphere in law schools around the UK, especially those based in or nearby to the transportation hub of London. The UK has a long-standing connection with many countries both close-by in Europe and further afield. With shared heritage, language and legal systems mean that exchanges between these nations create an exciting learning environment to study the law.
Internationally respected qualifications
LLM courses studied in the UK are recognised around the world. If you are an international student who wants to work in the legal profession back at home, then the UK is a great place to study the law. This is a significant reason that so many students apply to law schools in the UK giving them the law schools the high ranking status they enjoy. In the UK some law schools offer LLMs on a general basis allowing students to decide the course of their studies and other law schools have prescribed taught LLM courses. The subject areas available to study in the UK cover almost all legal areas including Legal Theory, Maritime Law, Energy Law, Family Law and Intellectual Property Law.
How to choose the best UK law school
The UK’s best law universities are scattered all over its various regions. Often seemingly docile villages and towns are home to the best universities and UK law schools, and as such are positively teeming with life and activities during term time and start of each semester; then the reverse is the case whenever the students go on holiday, returning the villages to a relatively comatose state. Great law schools are also located in the UK’s bustling cities – with highly ranked law schools based in the cosmopolitan cities of London, Manchester, Edinburgh and more.
Studying your law course in the UK can be rewarding and exciting. Most law schools are highly reputable and the degrees conferred on the students are recognised anywhere in the world. However, with so many reputable schools in sight, choosing the best UK law school can be a painstakingly gruesome affair.
It is a good idea to book yourself onto an online law school open day so you can talk to the academics and virtually tour the facilities to give yourself a better sense of the law school. But don't forget that you need to look at it from your own perspective – what law school is best for you? And when choosing for YOUR best UK law school it is wise to consider location, league tables, tuition fees, campus and learning environment.
Let's took a look at the considerations in more detail:
1. League tables
According to most league tables, the top three best law schools in the UK are the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and the University of Oxford. It is important to note that the league table is constantly revised, as a result, the top one university in 2023 might move downwards by 2024, so make sure you always check for the most up-to-date edition of league tables.
However, it is unwise to wholly rely on league tables when choosing best UK law schools, because one size does not fit all when it comes to institutions. Although the importance of institutional reputation and performance cannot be overlooked, students also need to consider the bigger picture before making their choice. Factors to consider include:
- State-of-the-art sports facilities
- Excellent careers and employability team
- Local industry links
- Continued support for students after graduation
2. Tuition fees
Tuition fees differ from university to university in the UK, so try and choose an LLM program that has tuition fees that you can afford. LLM tuition fees at UK law schools can range from £8,500 to £20,000 for UK/Home students, whilst EU/International students can expect to pay from £12,000 to £20,000+. The LLM program at the University of Cambridge costs UK/Home students £21,500 and Overseas students £37,500. Meanwhile, the LLM at the University of Birmingham costs £10,170 for UK/UK students and £21,960 for Overseas students.
3. Study mode
Your choice of best UK law school may well be influenced by your choice of study mode. If you are opting for full-time study a campus university may well be the perfect choice for you. However, it is important to note that some universities are best for students who want to study law part-time or via distance learning – and some law schools offer all options. For example, the University of Reading offers postgraduate law courses like LLM Oil and Gas, LLM International Commercial Law and LLM International Corporate Finance as a full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) option. The part-time study option is a great way to fit work and other commitments such as family life around your postgraduate degree.
Similarly, the distance learning option allows for virtual learning, with 100% of the taught modules done online. There are many UK law schools offering great distance learning LLM programs, such as the Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen) where you can study LLM Construction Law and Arbitration and LLM Employment Law and Practice, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world. Benefits of studying your LLM by distance learning include gaining a recognised qualification at an institution of your choice while combining full-time employment with study, any time and any place you choose.
4. Location
With the availability of many transport options in the United Kingdom such as buses, tube (underground), train (overground), DLR (Docklands Light Railway), cable car and coach services; you are spoilt for choice when it comes to travelling around. With this in mind, getting to your chosen law institution need not be arduous. However, it would be unwise to live too far from your chosen law school, for example living in London and travelling to Newcastle to attend lectures, while possible, would be costly and very tiring. And the time wasted travelling could have been spent researching and studying.
It’s important that your chosen university is easily accessible to you to make your life and studying as convenient as possible. Most universities have halls of residence that are located very close to the campus, similarly local estate agents also provide student accommodation which are usually within walking distance to the campus.
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