Undergraduate LLB Law Degree Guide
An LLB (qualifying law degree) might be your chosen law course if you’re considering studying law at university.
But what does the LLB course involve, and what are the entry requirements? This page gives you all the information you need to help you make an informed decision about studying a qualifying law degree.
See a Selection of Top LLB Courses
What is an LLB and What Does LLB Stand for?
You might be wondering what LLB stands for. The LLB is an abbreviation of the Latin ‘Legum Baccalaureus’ which translates to a Bachelor of Laws degree.
It’s a three-year qualifying law degree which leads to the next stage in legal training: either the LPC for solicitors or the BPTC for barristers.
The LLB law degree is not to be confused with a law BA, which would need to be followed by a GDL in order to lead to a qualification.
LLB law degrees are offered by hundreds of universities across the UK. It is therefore important to do your research and make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.
Many universities offer LLB courses with an additional year to study French Law or German Law. Other universities offer joint law courses such as a politics, philosophy and law LLB.
What Does the Qualifying Law Degree Syllabus Include?
There are seven compulsory LLB modules that you must study in order to complete this qualifying law degree.
| Compulsory LLB Subjects |
| Constitutional Law |
| Criminal Law |
| Contract Law |
| Property/Land Law |
| Equity & Trusts |
| EU Law |
| Tort Law |
You normally study these LLB subjects in the first and second years of your degree. In the third year of your course, you are usually able to select around four LLB subjects of your choice.
They include:
You can also choose to write a law dissertation at most universities as one of your modules.
You should choose law modules that may be relevant to your future career if you have thought that far ahead. Otherwise, selecting modules that genuinely interest you and will keep you motivated is a great idea.
If you choose an LLB degree program with an option to study law abroad, you will typically do this in the third year of your four year LLB qualifying law degree.
Don’t forget that different universities have different course structures, so you should check the university law undergraduate pages for more information!
Want to know what to expect? Read our blog about how to survive law school.
How Does a Typical LLB Law timetable Look?
An LLB law degree course will generally consist of lectures and tutorials. The lengths and frequency of both will vary depending on your chosen university, as will the number of contact hours.
Lectures are usually attended by every student on the course, while tutorials are smaller classes of about 10-20 students.
Tutorials give you a chance to ask your tutors for help. You will normally have to answer legal theory questions, solve legal problems and practice essay writing during or in preparation for these.
You will also attend sessions with your personal academic tutor, who will be able to advise you on your course and law career path.
Lectures and classes will only take up around 10 hours of your week, so you’ll be expected to do most of your reading and studying outside of class.
Choosing a University for your LLB
Choosing the right law University for your LLB qualification is vital for your future law career and aspirations. Factors to bear in mind while making the decision include location, size, syllabus content and accommodation options.
Once you have weighed up your options, you will be in a good position to think about applying for the courses that are right for you.
If you’re thinking about Oxbridge, you might want more specific information studying law at Oxbridge.
LLB Entry Requirements
Entry requirements to study an LLB law degree are high. The course requires intellect and commitment to extensive reading lists and thorough self-study.
Some example entry requirements are:
| University | Entry Requirements | IB Minimum |
| University of Bristol | A*AA | 38 |
| University of Cambridge | A*AA | 40 |
| Durham University | A*AA | 38 |
| University of Edinburgh | AAA - BBB | 43 |
| King's College London | A*AA | 35 |
| University of Leeds | AAA | 35 |
| University of Oxford | AAA | 38 |
| Newcastle University | AAA | 34 |
| University College London | A*AA | 39 |
| University of Westminster | BBB | 28 |
| University of York | AAA | 39 |
Visit our uni by uni page to see a full comparison of universities that offer the LLB law degree.
LLB Admission Process
The process for applying for an LLB law degree is the same as applying to any other degree course. You will make your choices and submit your application through UCAS.
Your UCAS law application includes your grades, a personal statement and a teacher reference. Your law personal statement can really make you stand out from the crowd, so it’s important you write it well.
You can choose up to five universities on your UCAS form. You don’t have to apply for the same course at each university. However, it is important to apply for similar courses so that your law personal statement remains relevant for every course that you apply to.
When making applications via UCAS, your school will often guide you through the process and make you aware of the key deadlines.
However, we recommend that you also take personal responsibility so that you submit your application on time.
Step by step guide to applying for an LLB
Read more about applying for law through UCAS in our guide.
Visit our clearing and adjustment pages if things don’t go as expected during your application or after your exams.
Will I Have to Sit the LNAT?
If your LLB law degree is at an LNAT university, you will have to take The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). This is an entrance test that some universities require you to take during your application process. The test challenges your verbal reasoning skills, ability to understand and interpret information and capabilities to draw conclusions. It is not a test of your legal knowledge.
To find out more about LNAT, take a look at our LNAT section.
The UK universities that require you to take the LNAT are:
| UK LNAT Universities |
| University of Bristol |
| Durham University |
| University of Glasgow |
| Kings College London (KCL) |
| University of Nottingham |
| University of Oxford |
| UCL Faculty of Laws |
| LSE London School of Economics and Political Science |
Go to our LNAT section for more information on the law entrance exam.
Score Higher with an LNAT Workshop
Studying an LLB Part Time
If you choose to do your LLB degree part time, this will take anywhere from four to six years. You will find it easier to finance studying part time since payments can be spread over a longer period of time.
Studying your LLB law degree part time might be the best option if you are studying law as a mature student.
It’s also a good option for those who are balancing work and family life.
LLB With a Placement Year
With certain LLB courses, you can complete a placement year as part of your degree. This will extend the LLB degree to four years, but offers several benefits.
A placement year is great for your CV because it gives you the opportunity to get work experience with a law firm or in-house at an organisation.
One thing to bear in mind, however, is that even if you do a year of law work experience during your degree, you will still need to complete a training contract before qualifying as a solicitor.
Career Opportunities for LLB Graduates
After completing an LLB qualification, most seek a career as a solicitor, barrister or paralegal. However, if you leave university and decide that being a lawyer isn’t for you after all, you will still have plenty of career opportunities.
A career in law enforcement, teaching and journalism are all options you can explore after studying your LLB. There are plenty of other examples of careers related to a law degree, so don’t feel like your degree was a waste of time. If anything, it can be an asset from the perspective of recruiters in other fields.
Cast Your Vote!
Which is better – an LLB law degree or a conversion course? Read the full debate here and make your judgement!
Go back to the Studying Law at University main guide
LLB Case Studies
Read More About Studying Law at University:
