LNAT Guide - Everything You Need To Know About LNAT

The LNAT in a Nutshell

You’ll need to sit the Law National Aptitude Test if you’re applying to a LNAT university. It helps you to understand if law is the right career path for you. It also helps LNAT universities to assess whether you would be able to succeed on a law course.

What is the LNAT Test?

The LNAT is a computer-based law entrance exam. You will need to get a good score if you want to study an undergraduate law degree at one of 10 UK-based LNAT universities or 2 international LNAT universities. 

The exam assesses your verbal reasoning skills, your ability to understand and interpret information, your inductive and deductive reasoning abilities, and your ability to analyse information and draw conclusions. Contrary to some perceptions of the LNAT, it is not an intelligence test, nor is it a test of your knowledge of law.

The LNAT is split into two sections:

• Section A: Features 42 multiple-choice questions, much like a driving theory test, which count towards your final LNAT score. The questions are based on 12 argumentative passages, with 3 to 4 multiple-choice questions each.
• Section B: Gives you three essay questions to choose from and you must answer one, but your answer does not count towards your final result. The essay questions will cover a range of subjects, so it’s useful to have knowledge of current affairs.

How Long Is The LNAT?

The LNAT lasts for 2 hours 15 minutes, split across the two sections. You are given 95 minutes to answer the 42 multiple-choice questions and 40 minutes to answer one of the three essay questions.

Who Should Take The LNAT?

You’ll need to take the LNAT test if you’re applying to a law degree and it’s specified as an entry requirement. There are 12 LNAT universities around the world that require you to take the LNAT

Why Do Some Universities Require LNAT?

The LNAT is used by universities to help admissions tutors decide which applicants to offer course places to if they have similar grades. It is also helpful when applicants have different qualifications. For example, it can be difficult to compare an applicant who has A-Levels with applicants that have a Master’s Degree.

What Are the LNAT Universities?

There are 12 LNAT universities; 10 are based in the UK and two are overseas. Nine of the 10 UK-based LNAT universities are Russell Group Unis, and three of them are in London.

UK LNAT Universities

• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• Durham University
• University of Glasgow
• King’s College, London (KCL)
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University of Nottingham
• University of Oxford
• University College London (UCL)
• SOAS University of London

International LNAT Universities

• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore
• IE School of Law, Spain

See how each uni uses your score in our guide to LNAT universities.

How do LNAT Scores work?

Your LNAT score is made up of a mark out of 42 for Section A, but you won’t get a formal score for the Section B essay. 

The average score last year was 20.8, but it’s worth noting that the average score for people accepted into LNAT universities was much higher. That’s why it’s essential you understand how to prepare for LNAT and you learn strategies to increase your chances of scoring higher.

Key Dates

See important dates for September 2022 entry below, but make sure to check with your chosen universities for any potential changes.

Check out our LNAT Registration page for further details on dates, how to register and finding a test centre.

University of Oxford Deadline

You must register and take the test before 15th October 2021 if you are applying to Oxford.

Other Universities

You can register for the LNAT from August 2021 and sit the test from September 2021 to 22 January 2022.

If you are applying to UCL, you can sit the test before or on 26 January 2022.

How can I prepare for the LNAT?

To prepare for the LNAT you should start by familiarising yourself with the test. The test is made up of two sections, requiring different skills, so it’s important to revise for both the multiple choice questions and the essay.

You can use our LNAT practice test questions to help you practice completing the exam under timed conditions.

You can work on your test skills and approach with our LNAT workshops or a self-paced online LNAT course. If you want to work on specific skills or target areas of weakness, our one-to-one tutoring can help you prepare.