If you choose a law degree, you’ll acquire a broad set of transferable skills and a greater understanding of the world we live in. Studying law helps you better understand how we interact as humans, and how we create the frameworks of a civilised society. You’ll learn to analyse and problem solve, articulate yourself in the written and spoken word, use your initiative, bond with other people, and likely become a passionate advocate on issues you care about.
You could become an advice worker, trading standards officer or even a coroner. Roles as barristers and solicitors are expected to grow by around 3.5% over the next eight years, so there are plenty of places your law career could take you.
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Why study law?
The impact you could make
- Look after the rights of children in the family courts.
- Hold governments and international bodies to account over environmental legislation.
- Become a human rights lawyer and advocate for imprisoned journalists or victims of war.
What you could study
- Criminal law
- Law of Contract
- Public and European Law
- Foundations of Law and Social Justice
- Law of Tort
- Land Use and Regulation
Studying law at University of Law
Join LLB Law student Darren Broad to find out why he chose to study at The University of Law, his experience, and how he made the most of the support services provided.
What’s the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
As a solicitor, you’ll work as a ‘lawyer’, providing legal advice to clients in a range of legal practice areas, like property, corporate, criminal or family law.
As a barrister, you’ll represent your client in court, and might also be asked to provide specialist advice. Unlike solicitors, barristers are usually self-employed and work in chambers. They also wear gowns and wigs in court.
Chat to a current law student
Chat to a current law student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
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Subject Spotlights powered by 
Subject Spotlights are an interactive, cinematic course taster experience, which enables institutions to harness the power of their academics to attract, engage and inform prospective students about their course-offerings.
Example module
Example assignment
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some law courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
English
Maths
History
Science
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Skills you'll develop
Hard skills you'll develop
- Lawsuits
- Business development
- Conveyancing
- Finance
- Concise writing and legal research skills
- Commercial awareness
Soft skills you'll develop
- Communications
- Listening skills and empathy
- Sales
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying law. The following information is based on a typical solicitor’s role.
Average salary
Available jobs
Career options
Legal professionals
Administrative/legal support roles
What is a… special agent?
With a law degree, you could apply to work for the UK Security service, MI5, helping to protect the UK against threats to national security. It might not quite be James Bond, but being security service personnel is not just a 9-5 job either. You might help protect state secrets, take on criminals in court, or be part of thwarting a cyberattack. It’s a fast-paced, pressured environment where you could really feel you’re making a difference to life in the UK.
Find your ideal career
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study law at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from law applicants.
Uni entry requirements
A levels
Scottish Highers
Vocational
Law is a highly regarded degree – it will help you hone your powers of analysis and your communication skills. It will stand you in good stead whatever career path you ultimately pursue. If you choose to work in the legal sector you will be joining a prestigious profession that provides the opportunity to enjoy an intellectually stimulating, interesting and varied career.
Other subjects you may be interested in
Considering an apprenticeship?
Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:
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Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer. -
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Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer. -
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No limits!
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like. -
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Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies. -
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Find out more
Law and legal studies apprenticeships
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if a law apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.Let's talk about... law apprenticeships
Not sure if a traditional degree is for you? Listen to our new podcast to learn more about studying degree apprenticeships in law.
Apprenticeship vacancies
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in law and legal studies.Explore further
Go deeper into topics around law with the following.
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Nothing But The Truth with Elizabeth Bowden
A fun insight podcast into the ‘secret’ language of barristers, hosted by civil and family barrister Elizabeth Bowden and podcaster Zoe Hanson. -
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Talking Law with Dr Sally Penni MBE
Presented by the Chair of Women in Law UK, barrister Sally Penni, this podcast features leading figures in UK law discussing their careers, as well as some of the challenges and realities of the legal profession. -
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The UK Supreme Court’s YouTube channel
As well as easy-to-understand explainers about what the UK Supreme Court does, you can watch videos of real-life cases that appear in the court. Great for swotting up on what’s been going on recently at the highest court in the land! -
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The law in 60 seconds
Useful for quick recaps on particular aspects of the law, like the human rights act and our right to privacy.
I love how multifaceted it is, whereby one learns about the word of the law, but also philosophical analysis on why such a law exists, and distinctions between morality and law.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your law journey.
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Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
- Think about persuasive writing. Have you ever written a letter to an MP, or even your parents, asking them for something? How might that help you as a future solicitor?
- Do you enjoy public speaking? Did you join the debating club at school? What other clubs did you enjoy at school that might lend themselves to a role as a barrister or judge?
- Are you passionate about reading? What kind of books do you enjoy? Are there any books you've read that had a legal dimension to them?
- Or maybe you like scrolling through the news online, keeping up-to-date with current affairs? What are the legal implications of some of the stories you've read?
- What work experience, or volunteering, have you done or could you do? Have you worked at your local solicitor’s firm, or done charity work - for example, helping a refugees charity with asylum applications?
- Is there a local solicitor’s firm where you could get some work experience? Have you been to your local magistrates’ court, or what buildings have you visited that represent our legal system? How can you demonstrate your interest in the subject?
