A guide to law courses

What can you study?

Universities often allow students to specialise in particular areas of law based on their interests and career aspirations. Common legal specialisations include:

• Criminal Justice
• Commercial Law
• Human Rights
• International Law
• Environmental Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Criminology
• Economic Law

These pathways offer a focused approach for students who wish to work in niche sectors or pursue advanced study.

Why choose to study a university degree in law?

A law degree offers many personal and professional benefits:

• Diverse career options – Beyond legal practice, law graduates work in business, government, media, NGOs, and international organisations.
• Intellectual challenge – Law demands rigorous reasoning, interpretation, and debate.
• Real-world impact – Legal professionals play a crucial role in promoting justice, resolving disputes, and shaping policy.
• Transferable skills – Including critical thinking, communication, negotiation, research, and writing.
• Global relevance – Legal systems influence almost every aspect of society, making legal knowledge valuable worldwide.

Law appeals to students who enjoy problem-solving, advocacy, analysis, and understanding how societies function.

Practical learning and research opportunities

Law schools integrate practical learning and research to prepare students for professional environments:

• Moot courts and mock trials – Simulated court proceedings that build advocacy and public speaking skills.
• Legal clinics – Opportunities to provide free legal advice under supervision, offering hands-on experience.
• Internships – In law firms, courts, government agencies, or NGOs.
• Pro bono work – Participation in legal aid or community justice projects.
• Legal research projects – Often focused on real-world legal reform, case analysis, or comparative law.
• Debate and negotiation competitions – Encourage argumentation and strategy skills.

These activities help students bridge theory and practice, build networks, and strengthen their CVs.

Courses available at undergraduate and postgraduate Levels

Undergraduate Courses:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – The most common entry-level qualification to practise law in many countries.
• BA/BSc in Law – Often paired with another subject (e.g. politics, criminology, or business).
• Law with Languages or International Relations – For students interested in cross-border or diplomatic work.

Duration:

• UK, Australia, and many Commonwealth countries: 3 years full-time.
• Some integrated degrees (e.g., Law with a year abroad or placement): 4 years.
• USA and Canada: Law is typically a postgraduate degree, not undergraduate.

Postgraduate Courses:

• Master of Laws (LLM) – A 1-year advanced qualification allowing specialisation in a legal field.
• Juris Doctor (JD) – The primary professional law degree in countries like the USA and Canada (typically 3 years).
• Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – For non-law graduates in the UK wanting to convert to law.
• Bar Practice Course (BPC) or Legal Practice Course (LPC)** – Required for barristers or solicitors in some jurisdictions.
• PhD in Law – Research-based, usually 3–4 years, for academic or policy careers.

Academic entry requirements

Requirements vary depending on the country and university, but typically include:

Undergraduate Law (LLB):

• Completion of secondary/high school with strong grades (especially in essay-based subjects).
• Minimum A-level/IB points or equivalent.
• Personal statement or motivation letter.
• Some universities may require:
  • Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) in the UK.
  • Interview or writing sample.
  • English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) for non-native speakers.

Postgraduate Law (LLM or JD):

• A completed undergraduate degree (in law or another relevant discipline, depending on the program).
• Minimum GPA or honours classification.
• References and personal statement.
• For JD programs, entrance exams like the LSAT (USA) may be required.

Tuition fees for Law Degrees

Law programs can be relatively expensive, especially at prestigious universities. Approximate tuition costs include:

UK:

• Undergraduate (home): ~£9,250/year.
• International: £18,000–£30,000/year.
• LLM: £15,000–£35,000 (depending on institution and specialisation).

USA:

• JD programs: $40,000–$70,000/year.
• LLM: $30,000–$65,000/year.

Canada:

• JD: CAD 12,000–25,000/year (domestic), CAD 30,000–50,000/year (international).
• LLM: CAD 15,000–35,000/year.

Australia:

• LLB (undergraduate): AUD 20,000–40,000/year.
• JD: AUD 30,000–55,000/year.
• LLM: AUD 25,000–50,000/year.

Scholarships, government funding, and bursaries are often available, especially for high-achieving or underrepresented students.

In conclusion

Studying law equips students with a deep understanding of society, justice, and governance.

Whether aiming to practise as a lawyer, work in international relations, advocate for human rights, or lead in the corporate world, a law degree provides a powerful foundation.

With a broad range of specialisations and strong practical components, legal education opens doors to intellectually fulfilling and impactful careers across the globe.