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Subjects

Law courses

A law degree combines the academic study of legal theory with applying law to real life scenarios. You’ll learn about criminal law, public law and company law as well as legal issues relating to topics such as property, the environment and human rights. The course equips you with the core knowledge and skills needed to go on to study to become a solicitor or barrister but is equally useful for any career where thinking logically and communicating clearly are important.
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Studying law at university

Example course modules

  • Legal systems and method
  • Criminal Law
  • Race, media and crime
  • Law of torts
  • EU Law
  • Contract Law
  • Introduction to jurisprudence
  • Medical Law and ethics
  • Criminal justice
  • Tax law

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

9
Low
12
Hours
16
High
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 12 (Low 9 - High 16). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 64%
    Male : 36%
  • Mature : 29%
    School leaver : 71%
  • Full-time : 83%
    Part-time : 17%

What students say about law

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

  • history
  • English
More advice on A-level requirements

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition
More advice on applying to uni

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Personal statement tips and advice

Career prospects

Law graduates tend to go into the legal industry, and they usually take similar routes. Jobs are competitive – often very competitive - but starting salaries are good and high fliers can earn serious money. Be aware though - some careers, especially as barristers, can take a while to get into. If you want to qualify to practice law, you need to take a professional qualification and many law graduates then go on to law school. If you want to go into work, then a lot of law graduates take trainee or paralegal roles and some do leave the law altogether, often for jobs in management, finance and the police force. A small proportion – about one in 17 last year– of law graduates also move into another field for further study. Psychology, business and social studies are all popular for these career changers, so if you do take a law degree and decide it’s not for you, there are options.
Professional and accrediting bodies:
Sources: HECSU & KIS

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Legal associate professionals
Sources: DLHE & Graduate prospects

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Paralegal
  • Solicitor
  • Barrister

Other real-life job examples

  • Chartered accountant
  • Conveyancer
  • Patent attorney

What employers like about this subject

A very popular degree, law provides students with a range of useful skills. Specialist subject skills include knowledge of the legal system under study; how to apply, assess and critique law; how to interview and how to use legal databases and legal theories. Law students also develop a range of sought-after transferable skills including effective communication, teamwork and research skills and the ability to think critically. Graduates are in demand, not just in the law industry itself, but from employers in accountancy, recruitment, government bodies, hospitals, insurance, banking and universities.

Related subjects to explore

Business and management studies

English language and literature

History

Politics

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