Best Law universities in the UK

Choosing the right institution to study law is one of the most significant decisions any aspiring legal professional can make. The United Kingdom has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, and its law schools are among the most respected in the world. A high-quality law degree can open doors to exciting careers as a barrister, solicitor, or legal consultant in fields such as corporate law, criminal law, international law, human rights law, or business law. The global reach of British legal education also means that many graduates go on to work in international organisations, governmental bodies, or prestigious law firms worldwide.

According to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, several important metrics are considered in the UK law university rankings: Teaching Quality, Student Experience, Research Quality, Entry Standards, and Graduate Prospects. These indicators ensure that institutions on this list provide not only academic rigour but also an environment conducive to holistic personal and professional development.

Whether you are seeking the best undergraduate law degrees UK (LLB) or looking for Masters in law UK best universities (LLM) and doctoral programmes, it is essential to consider factors like tuition fees, research opportunities, and career support. In this guide, we will explore the top universities for law in UK, based on the most recent rankings and institutional data.

Looking for other fields of study? Check out our guides on the Best Computer Science or Top Psychology Universities for more insights into different academic disciplines.

1. University College London (UCL)

Location: London, England

Overview: UCL is renowned for its innovative research and top-rated teaching. Consistently ranked among the top-ranked law schools in the UK, UCL’s Faculty of Laws offers a forward-thinking curriculum that integrates legal research with practical skills. The campus is located in Bloomsbury, at the heart of London’s academic quarter, providing students with easy access to major courts and law firms.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• Undergraduate (LLB Programme): A rigorous course that covers core subjects like contract law, criminal law, and public law.
• Postgraduate (LLM Programme): Offers specialisations in areas such as corporate law, human rights law, and business law.
• Doctoral (MPhil/PhD): Focuses on advanced legal research and academic scholarship in collaboration with research centres.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• UK students (LLB): ~£9,250 per year.
• International students (LLB): ~£23,300–£28,000 per year.
• Postgraduate (LLM): ~£16,000–£30,000, depending on the chosen specialisation.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: Typically AAA, with a preference for essay-based subjects.
• IB: Around 38 points, including higher-level subjects in related fields.
• IELTS: Usually 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in each component).
• TOEFL iBT: Equivalent scores accepted.

Graduate Prospects

UCL maintains strong partnerships with major law firms and regularly hosts networking events. Graduates are often recruited by Magic Circle firms, international NGOs, and government agencies. The school’s commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration further enhances students’ graduate prospects.

Additional Features

• Home to the UCL Centre for Access to Justice, providing pro bono opportunities.
• Alumni include prominent judges, political leaders, and pioneering legal scholars.

Visit the UCL Faculty of Laws official website for more details.

2. University of Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England

Overview: As one of the top universities for law in the UK, Cambridge boasts a centuries-long tradition of academic excellence. Its prestigious Faculty of Law is situated in an inspiring historic environment, complemented by a modern approach to legal research and teaching.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• Undergraduate (LLB-equivalent BA in Law): A three-year course covering essential legal topics, including international law and criminal law.
• Postgraduate (LLM): Offers diverse modules such as human rights law, public law, and commercial law.
• Doctoral (PhD): Highly competitive, with a focus on developing original contributions to the field of law.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• UK students: ~£9,250 per year for undergraduate courses.
• International students: Typically ~£24,000–£30,000 per year.
• LLM: Ranges from £20,000–£37,000, depending on the specific focus.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: A*AA or equivalent.
• IB: 40–42 points, with 776 at Higher Level.
• IELTS: 7.5 overall, minimum 7.0 in each component.
• TOEFL iBT: A corresponding high-level score.

Graduate Prospects

Cambridge law graduates are frequently pursued by elite law firms, government departments, and international organisations. Many also secure prominent positions as barristers or solicitors, benefiting from the university’s stellar reputation and alumni network.

Additional Features

• Home to the Cambridge Centre for Criminal Justice.
• Several notable alumni include prime ministers, Supreme Court judges, and influential academics.

Visit the University of Cambridge Faculty of Law official website for more details.

3. University of Glasgow

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Overview: Famed for its blend of heritage and innovation, the University of Glasgow offers a top-rated law education grounded in thorough academic study and cutting-edge legal research. The campus is known for its distinctive Gothic architecture and vibrant student life.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• Undergraduate (LLB): Covers core legal subjects, alongside Scottish law modules for those interested in practising in Scotland.
• Postgraduate (LLM): Specialisations include international law, human rights law, and environmental law.
• PhD in Law: Research-led, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and global issues.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• Scottish/EU students: Government subsidies often apply for undergraduates, but fees can vary.
• Rest of UK students: ~£9,250 per year.
• International students: ~£20,000–£25,000 per year for LLB; ~£18,000–£28,000 for LLM.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: AAB–AAA.
• IB: 36–38 points.
• IELTS: 7.0 overall, no section below 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: Accepted with comparable scores.

Graduate Prospects

Glasgow’s School of Law has strong links with legal institutions and offers placement schemes in Scotland’s key law firms and courts. Graduates often find roles as solicitors, barristers, or in policy advising within governmental bodies.

Additional Features

• Active Law Society that organises moot courts and networking events.
• Notable alumni include judiciary figures and members of the Scottish Parliament.

Visit the University of Glasgow School of Law official website for more details.

4. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Location: London, England

Overview: LSE is widely recognised for its social sciences focus, and the LSE Law School frequently appears in law school rankings UK 2025. Situated in central London, LSE enjoys close connections with the City’s legal and financial sectors.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• LLB: Emphasises economic, social, and political contexts of the law.
• LLM: Allows specialisations in corporate law, international law, and human rights law.
• Executive LLM: Designed for working professionals seeking flexible study options.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• UK students (LLB): ~£9,250 per year.
• International (LLB): ~£22,000–£26,000 per year.
• LLM: ~£20,000–£32,000, depending on course length and modules.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: A*AA is typical.
• IB: Around 38–39 points, including certain subject prerequisites.
• IELTS: 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each section.
• TOEFL iBT: Equivalent criteria.

Graduate Prospects

Its international reputation means LSE graduates are prized by law firms, financial institutions, and NGOs around the world. Many also secure prestigious legal clerkships, leveraging LSE’s extensive professional network.

Additional Features

• Strong research focus on economic analysis of law and governance.
• Frequent guest lectures from high-profile lawyers, politicians, and business leaders.

Visit the LSE Law School official website for more details.

5. Durham University

Location: Durham, England

Overview: Nestled in a historic city, Durham University combines traditional collegiate charm with modern academic excellence. The Durham Law School is consistently cited in UK law university rankings for its strong teaching and legal research record.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• LLB: Provides a firm foundation in English law, with optional modules in corporate law and criminal law.
• LLM: Specialist routes in European trade law, international law, and business law.
• PhD: A robust research environment, complemented by collaborative seminars and workshops.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• Home students (LLB): ~£9,250 per year.
• International students (LLB): ~£20,000–£25,000 per year.
• LLM: ~£18,000–£28,000.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: AAA.
• IB: 37–38 points.
• IELTS: 7.0 overall (no band lower than 6.5).
• TOEFL iBT: Accepted with similar standards.

Graduate Prospects

Durham collaborates with leading law firms and offers skill-building workshops to enhance students’ employability. Alumni often move on to roles in top law chambers, multinational organisations, or the civil service.

Additional Features

• The Mooting Society regularly competes in national and international competitions.
• A thriving collegiate system offers strong pastoral support.

Visit the Durham Law School official website for more details.

6. University of Strathclyde

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Overview: Recognised for its focus on innovation and practical learning, the University of Strathclyde’s Law School stands out in top 10 law universities UK listings, especially for its real-world approach to legal education.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• LLB: Offers both Scots law and dual-qualification pathways to practise in England & Wales or Scotland.
• LLM: Specialises in human rights law, internet law, and business law.
• PhD: Emphasises interdisciplinary research, with opportunities to collaborate across faculties.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• Scotland/Home students (LLB): Often supported by the SAAS (Scottish Awards Agency), but fees can vary.
• Rest of UK: ~£9,250 per year.
• International: ~£16,000–£22,000 per year for undergraduate; £17,000–£26,000 for LLM.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: AAB–ABB.
• IB: ~34–36 points.
• IELTS: Minimum 6.5–7.0 overall.
• TOEFL iBT: Equivalent accepted.

Graduate Prospects

Its close ties with Scottish legal entities, including local courts and law societies, give Strathclyde graduates an edge. Many go on to become solicitors, barristers, or join the civil service.

Additional Features

• Houses the Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance.
• Engages with the local community through pro bono clinics and outreach programmes.

Visit the University of Strathclyde Law School official website for more details.

7. University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, England

Overview: One of the best universities for law in the UK, Oxford has nurtured legal minds for centuries. Its tutorial system, known for one-on-one or small-group teaching, fosters critical thinking and academic rigour.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• Undergraduate (BA in Jurisprudence): Often regarded as an LLB-equivalent, with strong emphasis on jurisprudential theory alongside core topics like contract law, criminal law, and tort law.
• BCL and MJur: Postgraduate courses unique to Oxford, focusing on advanced legal research and specialisations such as international law and comparative law.
• DPhil (PhD): A competitive programme for those aiming at high-level academic or policy-focused legal careers.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• UK students (BA): ~£9,250 per year.
• International students (BA): ~£28,000–£35,000 per year.
• BCL/MJur: ~£24,000–£40,000.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: AAA.
• IB: 38–40 points, with 6s or 7s at Higher Level.
• IELTS: 7.5 overall (7.0 in each component).
• TOEFL iBT: Equivalent advanced score.

Graduate Prospects

Oxford’s formidable reputation means graduates are sought after by top global law firms, government agencies, and academic institutions. The tutorial system’s emphasis on analytical skills prepares students for leadership roles in legal and policy-making environments.

Additional Features

• Renowned for the Oxford Law Society, which hosts annual career fairs.
• Notable alumni include prime ministers, Supreme Court justices, and Nobel laureates.

Visit the Oxford Faculty of Law official website for more details.

8. University of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Overview: As part of Scotland’s historic capital, the University of Edinburgh’s Law School offers an enriched academic experience, combining tradition with a dynamic approach to contemporary legal challenges. Consistently featured in top universities for law in the UK lists, it places strong emphasis on research and real-world applicability.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• LLB: Offers both three-year and four-year programmes, covering Scots law and English law.
• LLM: Wide-ranging specialisations like criminal law and criminal justice, international law, and human rights law.
• PhD: Encourages interdisciplinary studies and critical engagement with emerging legal issues.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• Scottish students: Often covered by SAAS, with variations.
• Rest of UK: ~£9,250 per year for LLB.
• International: ~£21,000–£27,000 for LLB; ~£20,000–£35,000 for LLM.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: AAB–AAA.
• IB: 36–38 points.
• IELTS: 7.0 overall, no component below 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: Accepted with comparable scores.

Graduate Prospects

Edinburgh law graduates often progress into prestigious roles in law firms, government agencies, and global NGOs. The university’s strong research pedigree enhances students’ appeal to employers seeking analytical and innovative legal thinkers.

Additional Features

• The Law School’s 300-year history of legal scholarship.
• Active student-led initiatives such as free legal advice clinics.

Visit the Edinburgh Law School official website for more details.

9. King’s College London (KCL)

Location: London, England

Overview: Located near the Royal Courts of Justice, King’s College London is at the heart of the UK’s legal epicentre. Renowned for its forward-looking curriculum, KCL Law School frequently ranks in the top 10 law universities in the UK.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• LLB: Core modules include constitutional law, criminal law, and property law, with a variety of optional modules in the final year.
• LLM: Diverse pathways such as international law, competition law, and human rights law.
• PhD: Emphasises independent, high-level legal research in partnership with renowned academics.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• UK (LLB): ~£9,250 per year.
• International (LLB): ~£23,000–£29,000 per year.
• LLM: ~£22,000–£32,000, depending on the specialisation.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: A*AA–AAA.
• IB: 35–38 points, with 6 in Higher Level subjects.
• IELTS: 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each element.
• TOEFL iBT: Equivalent scores considered.

Graduate Prospects

Students benefit from King’s proximity to leading barristers’ chambers and law firms, enabling real-time insights into legal practice. Many alumni assume influential positions within top law firms, government departments, and philanthropic institutions.

Additional Features

• Home to the Dickson Poon School of Law, known for its global collaborations.
• Regular legal workshops with judges and leading practitioners.

Visit the King’s College London Law School official website for more details.

10. University of Sheffield

Location: Sheffield, England

Overview: A member of the Russell Group, the University of Sheffield excels in both teaching and legal research. Known for its friendly campus culture, it is an increasingly popular choice among students seeking a balanced environment for academic and personal development.

Programmes and Courses in Law

• LLB: Strong focus on real-world application, covering business law, criminal law, and human rights law.
• LLM: Flexible course structures in areas like commercial law, international law, and health law.
• PhD: Encourages interdisciplinary research on contemporary legal challenges, supported by experienced faculty.

Tuition Fees (2024–2025)

• UK students (LLB): ~£9,250 per year.
• International students (LLB): ~£19,500–£24,000 per year.
• LLM: ~£17,000–£25,000, depending on modules.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: AAB–ABB.
• IB: ~34–36 points.
• IELTS: 6.5–7.0 overall (minimum 6.0–6.5 in components).
• TOEFL iBT: Equivalent range accepted.

Graduate Prospects

The University of Sheffield collaborates with local and national legal bodies, ensuring its graduates have a competitive edge in the job market. Many alumni move into roles within law firms, the public sector, or international advocacy.

Additional Features

• Hosts the Sheffield Law Review, a student-led publication featuring academic articles.
• Offers pro bono projects that serve the local community.

Visit the University of Sheffield Law School official website for more details.

2025 UK Law Rankings at a Glance

Below is a snapshot of the Law rankings for 2025, highlighting each university’s performance across key metrics such as Teaching Quality, Student Experience, Research Quality, Entry Standards, and Graduate Prospects. These figures provide a clear, data-driven picture of where institutions like University College London, the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Economics and Political Science currently stand. By comparing overall scores and specific strengths, prospective students can discern which top-rated law schools best align with their career ambitions. Notably, LSE has excelled in teaching and research synergy, while other universities, including Oxford and Glasgow, remain highly competitive thanks to strong academic traditions and professional links. Such rankings serve as a valuable tool for anyone aiming to pursue a law degree in the UK.

Conclusion

Selecting the best university from these top universities for law in the UK ultimately depends on personal goals, financial considerations, and academic interests. While institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford boast world-famous reputations and rigorous entrance standards, universities such as the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde offer a distinctly Scottish legal perspective, perfect for those considering practice north of the border. Meanwhile, London-based institutions like UCL, LSE, and King’s College London provide unparalleled networking opportunities due to their proximity to the City’s leading law firms, courts, and professional bodies.

If you seek a law school experience outside England’s capital, Durham, Edinburgh, and Sheffield each deliver a rich academic environment and strong graduate prospects, making them highly respected within the UK law university rankings. When deciding, consider tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, research facilities, placement programmes, and the type of LLB programme or LLM programme you want to pursue.

Before finalising your application, take time to explore each institution’s official website and, if possible, attend open days or virtual tours. The law school you choose will shape your career trajectory—so invest the necessary effort to ensure it aligns with your aspirations, whether you aim to become a barrister, solicitor, or a specialist in fields like international law, human rights law, or corporate law. Good luck on your journey to a successful legal career!

FAQ: UK Law Universities