Studying Law at University

Law courses at University are not all the same, this guide helps you to break down whether studying law is right for you and which course you should apply for. So if you are keen to learn the difference between LLB and BA, or to know what other subjects you can take alongside a Law degree then this is the guide for you.

Grade and subject entry Requirements for studying law at University

Grade Requirements

Different Universities have different grade requirements. It is important when choosing which Universities to apply for that you bear in mind the grade requirements and that you have checked the grade requirements against your target grades. It is a good idea to have a variety of grade requirements across your 5 University Choices. 

The table below aims to give you an idea of the A-Level grade requirements for studying law at different universities (check the university websites for requirements for alternative qualifications)

Subject Requirements

Law courses at universities do not typically require that you have taken certain subjects at A-Level (for example you DO NOT have to have studied Law at A-Level). There are however some A-Levels which are not accepted as part of your offer (e.g. critical thinking) and you need to check this with your preferred university.

Some universities recommend that an essay-based subject will be helpful. This does not mean that you have to choose an essay subject at A-Level just that it might support you in your law studies. Essay subjects include

• English Literature

• Politics

• History

• Geography

The difference between an LLB and a BA Law Course at University

When you are applying for law at university you will notice a little code at the end of each course title: e.g. “LAW LLB” or “LAW BA”. LLB stands for “Bachelor of Laws” whilst the BA stands for “Bachelor of Arts”. 

What is the difference between an LLB and a BA?

• An LLB means that the course is a ‘qualifying law degree’, which basically means that you have studied everything you need to begin the path to practicing law (i.e. as a solicitor or a barrister)

• On the other hand, a BA sometimes provides the opportunity to study non-law modules. This means that it is possible to get a BA degree without having covered enough of the core materials to go straight into professional training courses. You will hence need to sit an additional exam to bridge the gap and put you on the path to professional training.
  • This might be a good choice for you if you are interested in the study of law more than the practice of law, and you think you might like to explore opportunities to study non-law topics within your degree.

• But! There are some BA courses which do cover the necessary material for you to begin training for practice straight away. This means that if a course is BA you should next check whether it is a ‘qualifying law degree’, if it is then it is the same as an LLB and you can start professional training courses immediately after you graduate.

LLB

You can start the path

To practicing law straight away

BA

“Qualifying Law degree” same as LLB

You may not start the path

Practicing law straight away

What is in the course: studying law at University

When studying an LLB law course at university you will study the following compulsory modules. The list includes a brief explanation of what each topic is about …

Constitutional and Administrative Law – the law of the constitution relates to the interaction between individuals and the state. This subject has links to politics.

Criminal Law – this involves learning the legal rules of when something is and is not a crime, as well as some normative considerations about when something should and should not be a crime and when we can justify state punishment

Contract Law – This is a private law topic in which you will study the requirements of a valid contract as well as the role of promissory estoppel

Tort Law – In this topic you will learn about ‘civil wrongs’ this means wrongs that are not criminal, e.g. defamation

Equity and trusts Law – Equity is about fairness/justice and equity and trusts law is based on the Courts of Chancery

EU Law – You will study the law pertaining to the members of the European Union

Land Law – This subject covers the rules pertaining to rights and interest in land

Your law course may also include

• Other mandatory topics specific to that university/some universities
  • E.g. Oxford University requires that you take ‘An introduction to Roman Law’ module

• A wide list of optional modules for you to choose from 

When looking at modules you should …

> Have a look at the universities list of options for non-compulsory models particularly if there is a module you are especially wanting to study

When looking at modules you should not …

> be too critical or decided on what modules you think you will like/dislike. Remember you have not yet started studying law and you might surprise yourself!

Options and variations on the standard ‘Law LLB” course: Studying Law at University

Languages/Year abroad

If you are fluent in a language, or have language proficiency such as from taking a language at A-Level, you might want to look into applying for a law course with a language. Law courses are typically 3 years long, law with a language adds a bonus year where you may have the opportunity to move to another country and study or work whilst practicing your language skills.

Some Universities also offer this year abroad language addition to countries where you will be able to learn in England, e.g. the Netherlands, and this might suit you if you are wanting to spend some time in another country.

This might particular be of interest to you if you take an interest in international law.

Law with …

You don’t have to take law on its own! If you are tempted by law but also interested in another subject it is possible to do a joint honours. Particularly, you might really enjoy a subject at A-Level but also want to add something new to your degree level study. Some subjects that can be taken with law include …

• Politics

• History

• Sociology

• Business

There are certainly advantages to studying joint honours. Charlotte Woodhead (director of Law at University of Warwick) says it helps students “engage with law in a more humane manner” rather than just viewing the law as “strict prescriptive rules”. If that sounds appealing to you then research into joint honours options.

Concluding remarks

Choosing what to study at degree level can be a tricky and overwhelming task – you will never be certain of what you want to do or how things will turn out. There are however many reasons to look to law – you might be drawn to its analytical focus, looking to study something you have never studied before or impressed by its real life application and varied career prospects. Once you have come to this decision, it is important to know that the differences don’t stop there – there is not one “law” course at all universities! 

You should first have a think about the different grade requirements and your subject choices at A-Level. 

Next take a look at the course modules, especially if you have a particular model in mind that you really want to study. 

Then, decide if the LLB suits your goals or whether the flexibility of a BA is a better fit. 

Finally, run through the additions to law that are available to you (this might be languages or a joint honours degree) and check that you are wanting to study law on its own rather than with something else.

Once you have worked your way through all this you will be ready to make a considered and well thought through application to study law at university – and will hopefully feel much more confident that your decision is the right one for you!