LLBs

If your mind is set on a career in law the most common first step is to study an undergraduate law degree (LLB) at university. Learn more about these law courses, from what they involve, how to apply and how much they cost

If you want to practice law it's important to acknowledge that a Bachelor of Law isn't the only way to qualify. Not all solicitors or barristers studied law at undergraduate level and there are in fact a number of routes to qualification. Learn more about how to become a lawyer.

However, if you know at an early stage that becoming a solicitor or barrister is your ultimate goal studying for a law degree is one of the most popular ways of achieving this.

What is an LLB?

An LLB is a Level 6 undergraduate law course, equivalent to a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science). The term is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Legum Baccalaureus, which means Bachelor of Laws.

Most universities run these programmes and you're usually able to complete them on either a full or part-time basis.   

If you want to pursue the most direct route to qualification it's important that you choose a qualifying law degree (LLB). Qualifying law degrees teach core modules that are essential for further training. Take a look at the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) list of qualifying law degree providers.

If you have an idea of the type of law, you'd like to practice you can combine the study of law with another subject, such as business, criminology, economics, finance, international relations or politics but this makes it a non-qualifying law degree and you will need to take a postgraduate conversion course to progress on to the next stages of qualification.

What does an undergraduate law degree involve?

An LLB degree generally takes three years to complete if studied full time. Four-year, sandwich options are also available where you spend a year on placement or studying abroad.

No matter where you study, LLBs cover seven compulsory modules as well as giving you the option to study a number of electives. Your final year usually culminates in a dissertation.

The seven core modules include:

• Constitutional/administrative law
• Criminal law
• Contract law
• Land law
• Equity and Trusts
• EU law
• Tort law.

While the choice of optional modules differs from institution to institution, here are a few examples:

• company law
• employment law
• family law
• human rights law
• intellectual property law.

On the three-year LLB Law at The University of Law you can study at a number of campuses (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester and Nottingham). Optional modules include Real Estate, Legal Practice in the 21st Century, Criminal Litigation and Evidence, Wills and Succession and Legal Technology and Innovation. Assessment methods involve exams, essays, presentations and portfolios.

The four-year Law (sandwich) LLB at Nottingham Trent University allows students to spend their third year on a paid, 36-week legal placement. Previous students have completed this element at Browne Jacobson, Shoosmiths and Hodge Jones & Allen. In years two and four you can choose from a list of optional modules such as Commercial Law, Critical Legal Thinking, Evidence Insurance Law, Mooting and Sports Law. You'll be assessed through mooting exercises, oral presentations, group projects, problem-solving assignments and exams. Alongside your studies you'll also get the option to learn a new language through the University Language Programme (ULP).

Upon completion of an LLB will I qualify as a solicitor or barrister?

The short answer is no. An LLB on its own isn't enough.

If you want to become a solicitor, upon completing a Bachelor of Laws you'll then need to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE), complete two years of qualifying work experience and pass the SRAs suitability requirements.

If you aspire to work as a barrister your next steps will need to include completing a Bar course and pupillage.

Leading on from your LLB, you might want to consider studying for an LLM (Master of Laws). This isn't a mandatory requirement to qualification and a Masters degree in law doesn't necessarily strengthen training contract or job applications, but courses at this level allow you to study a particular area of law in more depth.

Discover what you can do with a law degree and read up on available law careers.

As previously mentioned, qualifying via a law degree is far from your only option. You could study an unrelated degree at undergraduate level and convert to law through a conversion course, or if you're looking for an alternative to university, you can qualify as a paralegal, chartered legal executive or solicitor via an apprenticeship.

How do I apply for a Bachelor of Law?

For a place on an undergraduate law degree you need to make your application via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply to up to five universities as part of your application. Learn more about applying for university.

Entry requirements vary depending on where you study, so check with your preferred institution. At The University of Law you'll need BBB at A-level to gain entry onto the LLB Law. At Nottingham Trent University you'll need ABB-BBB, while at the University of Birmingham you'll need A*AA.

Some (but not all) universities require you to sit the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). This entrance exam is used by admission tutors to determine whether potential students have the competencies required to study law. To discover which universities require you to take the test see LNAT - Do I need to sit the test? The test fee at UK and EU centres is £75. If you're taking the test outside the UK or EU the cost is £120.

How much do LLBs cost?

Fees for undergraduate courses are capped at £9,250 per academic year in 2023/24. International students can expect to pay considerably more. Bear in mind you'll also likely encounter additional costs for things such as books, travel, accommodation and living expenses.

Qualifying as a solicitor or barrister via the university route is relatively expensive so it's good to know that trainee and newly-qualified solicitors and barristers earn some of the highest starting salaries in the country. Discover how much lawyers earn.

Can I get funding for my law degree?

The good news is yes, you can apply for a student loan to cover the costs of tuition fees, and a maintenance loan to help with living costs. For more information see student loans and finance.

Some universities also offer undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to help lessen the financial burden. For example, The University of Law offer the Lawyer 2B Scholarship, which is a first year, full-fee award. They also run the Set for Success Scholarship and The University of Law Undergraduate Bursary.

At Queen Mary University of London The School of Law offers a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries such as the Gianni Sonvico Bursary, First, Second, Final Year Scholarships, Undergraduate Bursaries and the LVFA Scholarship.

Do some research into what's on offer at your chosen institution.

Find out more

• Read up on ways to gain legal work experience.
• Discover the reality of working in law.
• Learn more about top UK law firms.