Whether you want to argue for human rights in the international courts, or help families closer to home, studying law means you can make a difference to people’s lives.
If you choose a law degree, you’ll acquire a broad set of transferable skills and a greater understanding of the world we live in. Studying law helps you better understand how we interact as humans, and how we create the frameworks of a civilised society. You’ll learn to analyse and problem solve, articulate yourself in the written and spoken word, use your initiative, bond with other people, and likely become a passionate advocate on issues you care about.
You could become an advice worker, trading standards officer or even a coroner. Roles as barristers and solicitors are expected to grow by around 3.5% over the next eight years, so there are plenty of places your law career could take you.
What’s the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
As a solicitor, you’ll work as a ‘lawyer’, providing legal advice to clients in a range of legal practice areas, like property, corporate, criminal or family law.
As a barrister, you’ll represent your client in court, and might also be asked to provide specialist advice. Unlike solicitors, barristers are usually self-employed and work in chambers. They also wear gowns and wigs in court.
The impact you could make
Look after the rights of children in the family courts.
Hold governments and international bodies to account over environmental legislation.
Become a human rights lawyer and advocate for imprisoned journalists or victims of war.
Hi! I’m a 3rd year Law student, currently looking to go into a career in Commercial Law, but I am also exploring other options. I was born and brought up in India and moved to the south of England when I was younger, I live in London during term time. I have lived in halls during 1st year and private accommodation for 2nd & 3rd year. I have studied a wide range of both compulsory and elective modules during my time at City so feel free to ask me any questions!
Poppy
Nottingham Trent University
Law
I am a Law LLB (FT) student aspiring to pursue a career as a Commercial Lawyer. When not studying… I love to travel and discover new cultures and cuisines! I also enjoy exploring all of Nottingham’s independent shops, restaurants and bars (Especially Coco Tang!!).
In my first year I stayed at the NTU Byron Accommodation and have lived in houses in the Arboretum- please feel free to ask me about what it is like to live in such places.
Rukia
Brunel University London
Law
currently pursuing my LLM mainly majored in International Law, i hope to become an international law solicitor working with major international organisations. i also have
Beth
Bangor University
Law
Hi everyone! My name is Beth and I am currently in my third year at Bangor University studying Law with Politics. My aim is to become a commercial lawyer after my degree. I’m happy to discuss anything related to my degree, including the logistics of a joint-honours degree. I’m looking forward to chatting with you!
Harry
Nottingham Trent University
Law
I'm Harry, a second-year student from Leicester on the Law LLB course... Outside of university, I'm an avid reader and have recently started going to the gym :))
Zara
University of Lincoln
Law - LLB (Hons)
Hi, I'm Zara and I am currently in my second year of studying Law and I am hoping to become a solicitor in the future. From a young age I have enjoyed competing in both showjumping and eventing for horse riding, I also enjoy baking. I am a member of the student law society and i have attended numerous events such as a mock assessment centre day, a networking dinner and the law ball, all of which were very enjoyable and educational.
Abi
Durham University
LLB Law (M101)
Hello, my name is Abi and I currently study law at Durham University and I am apart of St Chad's College! 😊At University I have so far enjoyed taking part in a range of activities, sports and societies (like Netball and Mooting). In the future, I hope to go into commercial law and Durham University is giving me an excellent grounding for that!
Deborah
Buckinghamshire New University
Criminology and Law (BA (Hons))
I intend to finish my degree in Criminology and Law and and attend law school to qualify to be a barrister in the criminal law field. Additionally, I desire to to continue and progress in creating music, writing songs and poetry!
Florence
Brunel University London
Law
Hi Everyone! I’m Florence and I’m a final year Law LLB Student. I love being a student at Brunel because of our diverse community of students from all over the world. Alongside my studies, I am an officer in the University Law Society, responsible for mooting. Feel free to message me with any questions about university life, studies, activities, accommodation, etc!
Sania
Nottingham Trent University
Law
Hello :) I'm Sania, a 4th year International Law LLB student at Nottingham Trent University who desires to work as an international lawyer one day and have returned to NTU after spending my third academic-year in Italy as an exchange student. Please feel free to drop me a message/ask me questions about the university, my studies (e.g study abroad, exams), student life or anything else.
Ed
University of Plymouth
LLB (Hons) Law
I am currently a second year Law student at the University of Plymouth! From my degree to student life I cannot recommend Plymouth University enough, I have loved every moment so far!
Olivia
The University of Law
Legal Practice Course (LPC)
Hiya! My name is Liv, I am an LPC and Masters In Law postgraduate student. This is my 5th year at ULaw, as I have completed the LLB Law with Foundation Years at The University of Law also. I study at the Leeds campus.
I moved 5 hours away from my home in Essex to attend the Leeds campus and within my first year at ULaw I found out I am dyslexic. I am more than happy to answer all questions about my studies, student life, or questions regarding moving away from home or even studying with a learning difficulty.
Feel free to send your question(s) and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Elise
Nottingham Trent University
Criminology and Policing
Heyy, I'm currently studying criminology and have a huge interest in working in rehabilitation in prisons when I finish at NTU. I really enjoy going to the gym and discovering new places in Notts! Coming from London it's a bit of a change but it's nice living in a smaller city.
Jack
Staffordshire University
Law
I'm currently in my first year studying law and would like to go on to become a solicitor! I'm unsure exactly what I want to specialise in but I'd like to primarily tackle civil law. Before I started my first year in law, I did a Step-Up to Higher Education course with Staffordshire and a foundation year in law. In my spare time I love reading comic books.
georgie
University of Lincoln
Law - LLB (Hons)
I am studying law as I want to pursue a career in environmental law. I have been vegan for 3 years and vegetarian for 4 and I have an interest in a career where I can make a difference. I also run a small business alongside university, and have a lot of hobbies to keep myself busy outside of studying.
Leah
Solent University
LLB Law
Hello I'm Leah and I'm a second year undergraduate studying Law LLB. I've grown up in the local Southampton area and I am aspiring to have a career in corporate law. I am also the event executive for Solent’s Law Society. I am happy to answer any questions about what it's like to be a law student.
Emmanuel
Durham University
LLB Law (M101)
Hi! My name is Emmanuel and I am a third-year Law student at South College. I enjoy living a busy lifestyle meaning I like to fill my days with different activities and keep them interesting. I enjoy being involved in the church, playing tennis and taking part in other social activities.
mawada
City, University of London
Law LLB (Hons)
University has so far been a great experience! There are many different societies to choose from, including ones that relate directly to our courses. This has made it easier to plan the future ahead. I hope to remain dedicated to my studies whilst also using all the career support services City University offers in order to achieve my career goal.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch !
Holly
University of Sussex
Law with American Studies (with a study abroad year) LLB (Hons)
Hi! I'm Holly, a first-year studying Law with American Studies, and I'm happy to answer your questions :) I previously did law at A-level where I found a real passion for the subject and decided to study it at University, which so far has been great as I've met some brilliant people who share my interest for the subject, but have also made great friends elsewhere, such as in my flat! My course also allows me to do a study abroad year which I am very excited about. I aspire to be a law professor or go into practice as a solicitor, but I am still not 100% sure!
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"Criminal and EU Law have definitely become an interest of mine, and pushed my boundaries, which made them extremely exciting to learn."
Second year law student, University of Westminster, London
Example assignment
"I am currently doing an assignment on the death penalty, which is really interesting to research about, especially when it still exists in this present time."
Second year law with criminology student, University of Surrey
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some law courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
English
Maths
History
Science
Hard skills you'll develop
Lawsuits
Business development
Conveyancing
Finance
Concise writing and legal research skills
Commercial awareness
Soft skills you'll develop
Communications
Listening skills and empathy
Sales
Critical thinking
Attention to detail
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying law. The following information is based on a typical solicitor’s role.
With a law degree, you could apply to work for the UK Security service, MI5, helping to protect the UK against threats to national security. It might not quite be James Bond, but being security service personnel is not just a 9-5 job either. You might help protect state secrets, take on criminals in court, or be part of thwarting a cyberattack. It’s a fast-paced, pressured environment where you could really feel you’re making a difference to life in the UK.
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study law at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from law applicants.
A levels
ABB
Scottish Highers
BBB
Vocational
BTEC D*D*D* (Level 3 National Extended Diploma in specific subjects)
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
The expert view
Emma King, Partner and Training Principal, Eversheds Sutherland
Law is a highly regarded degree – it will help you hone your powers of analysis and your communication skills. It will stand you in good stead whatever career path you ultimately pursue. If you choose to work in the legal sector you will be joining a prestigious profession that provides the opportunity to enjoy an intellectually stimulating, interesting and varied career.
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in law and legal studies.
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around law with the following.
Nothing But The Truth with Elizabeth Bowden
A fun insight podcast into the ‘secret’ language of barristers, hosted by civil and family barrister Elizabeth Bowden and podcaster Zoe Hanson.
Talking Law with Dr Sally Penni MBE
Presented by the Chair of Women in Law UK, barrister Sally Penni, this podcast features leading figures in UK law discussing their careers, as well as some of the challenges and realities of the legal profession.
The UK Supreme Court’s YouTube channel
As well as easy-to-understand explainers about what the UK Supreme Court does, you can watch videos of real-life cases that appear in the court. Great for swotting up on what’s been going on recently at the highest court in the land!
Second year law student, SOAS University of London
I love how multifaceted it is, whereby one learns about the word of the law, but also philosophical analysis on why such a law exists, and distinctions between morality and law.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your law journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
Think about persuasive writing. Have you ever written a letter to an MP, or even your parents, asking them for something? How might that help you as a future solicitor?
Do you enjoy public speaking? Did you join the debating club at school? What other clubs did you enjoy at school that might lend themselves to a role as a barrister or judge?
Are you passionate about reading? What kind of books do you enjoy? Are there any books you've read that had a legal dimension to them?
Or maybe you like scrolling through the news online, keeping up-to-date with current affairs? What are the legal implications of some of the stories you've read?
What work experience, or volunteering, have you done or could you do? Have you worked at your local solicitor’s firm, or done charity work - for example, helping a refugees charity with asylum applications?
Is there a local solicitor’s firm where you could get some work experience? Have you been to your local magistrates’ court, or what buildings have you visited that represent our legal system? How can you demonstrate your interest in the subject?