13 min read
Best Law Schools in the UK for International Students
to perform this action
Finding the best law schools in the UK for international students is essential if you want a successful legal profession. The contacts you build and the affiliations of the university you attend are crucial considerations. The UK is home to some of the best legal education programs in the world. Successful graduates of law schools have certain characteristics, including the ability to think critically and the possession of transferable leadership qualities. The UK's prestigious universities are providing students with first-rate education. Let's take a look at why the UK, one of the most popular study abroad destinations, is such a good place for international students to get their law degree.
Best Universities in the UK for Law
The top 8 UK institutions offering Law degrees are:
| University | QS World University Ranking 2023 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 | Tuition Fees for International Students |
| University of Oxford | #2 | #4 |
|
| University of Cambridge | #3 | #3 |
|
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | #7 | =7 |
|
| UCL | #14 | #11 |
|
| King's College London | #15 | #19 |
|
| The University of Edinburgh | #17 | #15 |
|
| Queen Mary University of London | #32 | #86 |
|
| Durham University | #46 | #42 |
|
1. University of Oxford
One of the biggest legal faculties in the UK is found at the University of Oxford. You can submit an open application and have one of the 30 colleges that offer law degrees assign a college to you once your application goes through.
There are two undergraduate degree options: law with legal studies in Europe, which includes a year spent studying abroad at a university in France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, or jurisprudence. For those who already have a bachelor's degree, there is the option of pursuing a shortened Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence with Senior Status. Graduate students can continue their education at the institution with the assistance of scholarships provided by the Law School at the University of Oxford.
The University has a significant emphasis on research and is famous for its collaboration with several discussion groups and colloquia. The following are some of the courses Oxford offers:
- Bachelor of Civil Law – 10 months
- Law Dphil – 3-4 years
- Law Mphil – 1 year
- Magister Juris (Mjur) – 10 months
Tuition fees for studying Law at the University of Oxford:
- Undergraduate - £34,445
- Postgraduate - £44,000
2. University of Cambridge
The second place spot on our list goes to the renowned University of Cambridge for its excellent law programes, approachable modern teaching techniques, and distinguished faculty. It ranks third among the world's top universities.
The academic offerings at this institution show a commitment to helping you reach your full intellectual and academic potential. Courses in international and comparative law, as well as jurisprudence and legal history, make the Faculty of Law a household name in this field in recent years. The faculty earns acclaim for its work in the fields of social science and sociolaw.
In the first year of a four-year legal programe, students study the basics of civil, tort, criminal, and constitutional law. Family law, international law, and corporate law are just some of the areas you will focus on in greater depth as you progress through your degree.
In addition to an undergraduate law degree, the faculty also awards two master's degrees in corporate law and law. A doctorate in law is also available for those who want to work in the field of legal scholarship. The Herbert Smith Freehills Global Visiting Program promotes scholarly interactions amongst affiliated institutions. In order to allow Cambridge PhD students access to Harvard's resources, the faculty formally collaborates with Harvard Law School.
Cambridge graduates have a high employability rate because they are well-trusted in the labor market. The following degree levels in law are offered at the University of Cambridge:
- BA Law
- LLM Law (Master of Law)
- Masters in Corporate Law (MCL)
- Postgraduate Research (MLitt/Ph.D.) Degree
- MPhil in Criminology
Tuition fees for studying Law at the University of Cambridge:
- Undergraduate - £24,507
- Postgraduate - £34,751
3. London School of Economics and Political Science
When it comes to the study and research of law, LSE Law is among the best law schools in the UK for international students. This prestigious institution is well-known for its innovative teaching methods, flexible course offerings, and forward-thinking educational philosophy. An education in law will prepare you for a competitive job market and a rigorous work schedule. Civil litigation, banking law, corporation law, labor law, tax law, and financial institution law are all areas in which the university is a pioneer.
Undergraduates can also enroll in a double degree program for LSE’s LLB and the Juris Doctor program offered by Columbia University Law School. You can access this pathway as a second-year LLB student at LSE. Once you enroll into the program, you will transfer to the Columbia Law School for two years. And yes, you’ll graduate with an award from both universities!
Both the LLM master of laws and the executive LLM are available to those with prior professional legal experience of at least three years. The department also provides a doctoral programe for those who want to advance the state of the law through their research.
Research is done by academic members and students in a variety of fields, including business law, environmental law, criminal law and justice, EU law, and human rights. The Law and Economics Forum, which promotes interdisciplinary cooperation between lawyers and economists, is one of their more recent research initiatives.
Nearly half of LSE's undergraduates come from outside the European Union, making it one of the most internationally diverse universities in the UK. Some of the most in-demand legal degrees offered by LSE Law are as follows:
- LLB Bachelor of Laws
- MSc Law and Accounting
- LLM Master of Laws
- Executive LLM
- Ph.D. Law
Tuition fees for studying Law at the LSE:
- Undergraduate - £26,592
- Postgraduate - £34,128
4. University College London
UCL's Faculty of Common Law was the first of its kind in the UK. When compared to other universities, it was the first to grant degrees in English law rather than civil law. University College London's Law School has widespread recognition as one of the best in the world.
In addition to covering the theoretical foundations of the law, your course will also provide you with a toolkit of methods for putting that knowledge into practice. Being one of the top legal schools in the UK, UCL also attracts a diverse and driven international student body.
The University College London Law Course takes three years to complete and focuses on both theoretical study and practical experience. Studying law in Australia, Singapore, or the United States for an additional year is an option after the second year.
UCL Faculty of Law collaborates with 15 other centers and institutes to advance law degree and research. It has several specialized centers, such as the Centre for Commercial Law, the Centre for Empirical Legal Studies, and the Centre for Law, Economics, and Society. University College London is a great place to study if you're interested in challenging conventions and creating new solutions.
Some of the law degrees available from UCL's Faculty of Laws are as follows:
- LLB
- Law with French Law LLB
- Law with Hispanic Law LLB
- Law with German Law LLB
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Law MPhil/PhD
Tuition fees for studying Law at UCL:
- Undergraduate - £24,000
- Postgraduate - £32,100
5. King's College London
King's College London's Dickson Poon School of Law is among the best law schools in the UK for international students. Its legal programes focus on finding and fixing global issues like climate change, international politics, global economics, etc. As an undergraduate at King's College London of Law, you can apply to some international programes through the UK's Central Application Service (UCAS). There are some international programes that won't be available to you until after you start the LLB course.
King's College London may be the appropriate school for you if you want to be a part of a powerful worldwide alumni network to help you get where you want to go in your career.
King's College London offers a number of excellent law programes, including:
- LLB
- LLB English Law & Spanish Law
- LLB Politics, Philosophy & Law
- LLB English Law & German Law
- MA Medical Law
- LLM Master of Laws
- MA Medical Ethics & Medical Law
Tuition fees for studying Law at King's College London:
- Undergraduate - £27,540
- Postgraduate - £31,980
6. University of Edinburgh
When it comes to studying law, the University of Edinburgh is among the top institutions in the UK and among the top 30 in the world. According to the Times Higher Education World Rankings, it is also the eleventh finest Law School in the world making it one of the best law schools in the UK for international students. According to QS World University Rankings 2022, its alumni rank as the 25th best in the world.
The LLB, the combined LLB with honors, and the graduate LLB, a two-year conversion course for those with an undergraduate degree, are the three undergraduate programes available.
LLM and MSc degree programes in fields like law provide specializations including global crime, justice, and security; innovation, technology, and the law; and comparative and European private law. The university also provides a master's degree programe that you can complete entirely online.
Edinburgh Law School dedicates itself to doing cutting-edge research as Scotland's preeminent center for legal study. The university has a number of research centers and institutions available for use by students and faculty.
The University of Edinburgh offers a number of excellent law degree programes, including the ones below:
- Property Law
- Jurisprudence
- Public Law and Individual Rights
- LLM in Corporate Law
- MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- MSc in Global Crime, Justice, and Security
- LLM in International Economic Law
Tuition fees for studying Law at the University of Edinburgh:
- Undergraduate - £23,100
- Postgraduate - £24,700
7. Durham University
Durham University is another of the best law schools in the UK for international students. Around 25% of the student body is international, with only 4% hailing from the European Union.
An LLB education covers not just the theory and practise of law, but also the English and Welsh legal systems. Students can tailor their education to their specific interests by selecting from a variety of elective modules that cover themes including public law, human rights, corporate law, international law, and more.
The Durham Law School is widely recognized as one of the world's preeminent centers of legal education and scholarship. Their three-year, full-time Juris Doctor (LLB) curriculum accommodates working students and enhances the knowledge and skills you need for careers in the legal field, including those of barrister and solicitor.
Take the Law National Admissions Exam and attend the scheduled interviews at Durham University if you dream of studying law here. Durham offers courses in a number of different areas of law:
- Criminal Law
- Commercial Law
- Constitutional Law
- Human Rights Law
Tuition fees for studying Law at Durham University:
- Undergraduate - £22,000
- Postgraduate - £24,900
8. Queen Mary University of London
Diversity is central to the mission of Queen Mary University of London. If you decide to attend Queen Mary University, you'll be getting a degree with renown all around the world. It ranks as a top 13 UK institution according to the Times Higher Education Global University Rankings.
Queen Mary's Juris Doctor programe emphasizes the skills of argumentation, communication, analysis, and attention to detail. This three-year programe is a necessary initial step towards practicing law as a solicitor or barrister. You may be confident that you will receive all the preparation you need for passing the Bar Council and Law Society exams.
You can spend an extra year in school working for prestigious foreign law firms if you so desire. Courses and programes leading to qualifying legal degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are available to international students at this institution.
The student community at this university represents many countries. Its connections with schools in parts of the world like Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Australia allow you to access study abroad options and give the university’s programes a truly international charm.
Tuition fees for studying Law at the Queen Mary University of London:
- Undergraduate - £27,900
- Postgraduate - £26,250
Affordable Law Schools in the UK for International Students
We've got you covered if you're an international student seeking for the top UK law schools on a strict budget. The following are some highly recommended schools with good law programes and more reasonable tuition prices:
| University | Tuition Cost Per Year for Undergraduate Degree |
| Liverpool Hope University | £12,500 |
| The University of Law | £15,900 |
| University of East London | £15,240 |
| University of Kent | £19,300 |
| University of Lincoln | £15,000 |
| Staffordshire University | £14,000 |
Job Opportunities for Law Students
Those who study law in the UK have many career options open to them. A lawyer's annual salary begins at roughly £131,000 and can go upwards of £202,000. Students interested in studying law in the UK should familiarize themselves with the range of career options in the legal sector in the country. The table below provides information about potential legal careers in the UK for foreign students.
| Designation | Average Annual Salary |
| Administrative Law Judge | £197,000 |
| Associate Attorney | £87,311 |
| Legal Counsel | £83,070 |
| Legal Advisor | £57,527 |
| Contract Manager | £57,500 |
| Judge Advocate | £79,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is pursuing a legal master's degree in the UK worthwhile?
Learning more about the law through a Master of Laws (LLM) programme in the UK is a great idea. The legal profession and its study has a long history in the UK. With a law degree in the UK, you'll be able to focus your legal career on a particular area of interest and stand out to prospective employers among law firms globally.
Which area of law in the UK is the most financially rewarding?
Solicitors in the field of commercial and corporate law can expect annual salaries of more than £100,000. Businesses seek the counsel of commercial lawyers to ensure they operate in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Is it costly to go to university in the UK for a Bangladeshi student?
On average, the cost of living and tuition in the UK are higher than in other popular study abroad destinations like Canada. But, since the ultimate price would be specific to you and could vary considerably based on your needs, do your research to establish appropriate expectations for cost.
What is it like to study abroad in the UK as a Bangladeshi student?
In the UK, there is a long and illustrious history of Bangladeshi students. Due to numerous generations of immigration, the UK has a very diversified cultural population. Thus, universities in the UK are particularly welcoming to Bangladeshi students! According to QS Top Universities' Best Student Cities 2023, London is both the best student city globally and in the UK.
How long can international students work in the UK?
International students seeking bachelor's degrees or above can only work 20 hours per week while classes are in session. The typical working week lasts from Monday to Sunday. Keeping a tight track of your hours is important if you are working several jobs to make sure you don't exceed your weekly limit.
Our Concluding Thoughts
If you choose to pursue your Law degree in the UK, you can anticipate receiving an education of the highest caliber. When it comes to the selection of programmes, there is an almost infinite number of options available. You will also have the opportunity to gain the kind of professional experience that recruiters and hiring managers look for in potential candidates. You will graduate with credentials recognized all over the world, providing you an advantage over other candidates for positions that you are applying for. Being a student at one of the best law schools in the UK for international students can be a personally enriching as well as culturally enriching experience.
