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Study Law in the UK
The number of Canadian students who wish to study law in the UK continues to grow and we are proud to be partnered with some of the best law schools in the country. Whether you are looking to study an LLB (qualifying law degree) or an LLM (Master of Laws), our UK partner universities offer plenty of excellent programs.
THE LLB
The LLB, or qualifying law degree, is the UK equivalent of a Canadian LLB or JD. It is considered an undergraduate degree in the UK. The standard LLB is a 3-year program and this is the route that those applying to law school straight from high school will typically pursue. A number of universities, however, offer a 2-year “graduate entry” or “senior status” LLB, which is for students who have previously completed an undergraduate honours degree. This option is very popular with graduates as it means that they graduate in a shorter amount of time and can qualify to practice sooner. Additionally, an LLB may occasionally be four years longer if it is combined with another course or includes a foundation year or study abroad.
ACCREDITATION
The degrees offered at our partner universities are recognized around the world. When you return to Canada to start a bar admissions program you must have your UK law degree assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and obtain a Certificate of Qualification. This assessment is based on you demonstrating your competency in 10 core courses, some of which focus on Canadian law content. UK law degrees do not generally include Canadian-specific content, so competency in these areas must be demonstrated through written Challenge Exams or by completing NCA-approved alternative courses from a Canadian Law school provider. The Challenge Exams will be based on self-study and can be completed at specific times each year.
Across the Pond’s expert student advisors have considerable experience in advising candidates on the appropriate options to select according to your academic and professional profile, so be sure to get in touch to find out which program would be best for you!
THE LLM
A Master of Laws degree (LLM) provides you with an opportunity to develop academic and professional expertise in a particular area of law. It can be study following completion of a qualifying law degree to further specialize your area of legal practice or as a stand-alone qualification in its own right, if you want to work in the legal sector but not necessarily as a qualified lawyer. Upon completion of a 1-year LLM degree, as a legal expert/consultant, you will be qualified to work in a wide range of settings including advocacy with NGOs, international relations, government, policy advising, administration and many more.
Furthermore, if you already hold an undergraduate degree you can enrol in a Senior Status LLB program followed by an LLM, completing both qualifications in just 3 years compared with the 4 years it would take to do at a Canadian law school! This can help to put you ahead of the game when it comes to seeking articling positions or employment.
If you hold an undergraduate degree already and wish to specialize in a subject connected to Law, the LLM could also be a viable option for you, as it will allow you to distinguish yourself through your research (this will not, though, qualify you to practice law).
BENEFITS OF STUDYING LAW IN THE UK
- Apply for a 3-year LLB directly out of high school
- Qualify in just 2 years with a Senior Status LLB degree (when you already have an undergraduate degree)
- Study in the country where common law originated
- Boost your career prospects with an international education
- The UK’s unique tutorial system allows you to benefit by studying in small classes with increased opportunities to interact with your professors
- Interact with other Canadian and international students while you study
- Comparable tuition fees to top-tier Canadian law school
- Work placement opportunities available at many schools
- No LSAT Required
- Apply to five law schools for only £24 (approximately $40 CAD)
- Across the Pond Advisors can help to further improve your chances of acceptance
Applications considered on a rolling basis, and late applications are possible with many of our partners.
Across the Pond’s expert student advisors have considerable experience in advising candidates on the appropriate options to select according to your academic and professional profile, so be sure to get in touch to find out which program would be best for you!
