Studying Law In The UK
If you are looking to study law in the UK, then there are multiple paths to enter the field.
You have a choice between a career as a solicitor or as a barrister. Read on and we will explain the journey and how we can help you.
But don’t worry, we at Glinks have created a team of tutors to help you with all the requirements to get into a UK law school.
How can Glinks help?
Watch this video
So let's explore all of this in more detail
Let's take a look at the UK law school landscape
There are over 100 law schools in the UK, offering a range of undergraduate LLB, Masters and other courses.
UK law schools are certified by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA).
Some law schools require you to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) and an entry interview.
Don’t worry, we have your back, and can support you in all aspects of your application.
To apply for a Bachelor of Law degree in the UK we use the UCAS platform, which is a universal application platform for undergraduate degrees in the UK.
Glinks will submit these applications on your behalf as part of our service.
When applying to law schools in the UK, you can choose up to 5 schools. The deadline is the end of Januaury of the year you wish to start your studies.
The Legal Journey in the UK
The Journey To Becoming a Solicitor in the UK Requires The Following
- Take a 3-4 Year accredited law degree course in a UK law school. (can also have a non-law degree but have taken a conversion course)
- You will need 2 years of qualifying work experience (QWE) working alongside qualified solicitors (can be outside the UK)
- You need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE 1 and SQE 2).
- You will need to pass an ethics test to demonstrate you have the character to become a solicitor.
- If you have passed all the above, then you can receive your licence to practice by the SRA.
- The legal industry is regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulatory Authority (SRA)
The Journey To Becoming a Barrister in the UK Requires The Following
- Take a 3-4 Year accredited law degree course in a UK law school. (can also have a non-law degree but have taken a conversion course)
- Join one of the four Inns of Court (Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, or Gray’s Inn).
- Complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC) offered by various
providers which includes advocacy training, drafting, professional ethics, and legal research. - Secure pupillage, which is a period of work-based, practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister.
- If you have passed all the above, then you can receive your licence to practice by the SRA.
- The legal industry is regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulatory Authority (SRA)
Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
The test doesn’t test your knowledge of law or any other subject.
Instead, it helps universities assess your aptitude for the skills required to study law.
However, students are strongly advised to practise and prepare for the test
The exam is made up of 2 different sections:
Section A: The first part is a computer-based multiple-choice exam. You’ll be asked to read passages of text and answer questions that test your comprehension of them. Your scores from the multiple choice section of the test are checked by computer, and a mark out of 42 is created This is known as your LNAT score.
Section B: In the second part of the test you will be asked to write one essay from a list of three proposed subjects. This section is not marked by the test centre and does not contribute to your LNAT score, but it is your opportunity to show your ability to construct a compelling argument and reach a conclusion.
Application timelines (Law)
The dates shown below are generally the same every year, with an occasional variation. Please check with us for exact dates for your chosen year.
LNAT Registration will open
LNAT Testing Begins. Testing happens in Pearson-Vue testing centres around the world.
Applications must be submitted by this deadline for entry into Oxford and Cambridge in the following year.
LNAT test deadlines. The exact deadline is dependent on the university that requires the LNAT.