Getting the best legal education can open up a world of opportunities when it comes to a future career and it’s for this reason that many students look to the UK. It not only has a globally renowned legal system but it’s home to some of the leading law schools and most sought-after professors in the world. This article covers everything law students need to know when considering a move abroad to study in the UK.
Before getting your heart set on the idea, it’s important to take into consideration the living costs of completing a law degree in the UK, including accommodation, food and transport. For a rough idea of rental prices across the United Kingdom, check out this source. It lists student accommodation in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Glasgow and Belfast, just a few of the places where you can pursue tertiary studies in law.
Studying law in the UK as an international student
The simple answer for overseas students asking whether they can study law in the UK is yes, it’s possible! However, there are certain academic requirements that need to be met and securing a student visa is mandatory. Most universities require students to be at least 17 years of age and have a high school diploma with grades of 60% or more. Students also need to meet English proficiency requirements to demonstrate they can effectively study and converse in the language of instruction.
Reasons to study law in the UK
The British legal system is hundreds of years old and is generally respected around the world. In fact, many countries used it as a base for developing their legal systems, including Malaysia, the United States and India.
Because of this, a legal degree from the UK is sought after by many students who want a world of opportunity at their doorstep upon graduation. Several of the world’s top legal firms have their headquarters in the United Kingdom and offer career opportunities around the globe. This exposes graduates to a huge diversity of job prospects, no matter where they want to settle post-studies.
The United Kingdom is also home to several globally renowned universities in the study of law. The curriculum is not only focused on theoretical knowledge but incorporates real-life experiences for students to gain a better understanding of their core subjects. Students are encouraged to be critical thinkers and develop their debating abilities – skills that will be vital when they step outside of the classroom and into the real world. The curriculum is also continually updated to reflect the changes taking place in the legal systems across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Because the UK’s law schools are so highly regarded, they attract some of the world’s best professors. This means students are being tutored by top lawyers who bring expertise in a wide variety of legal fields. No matter what area of law students want to focus on, they are almost guaranteed to be learning from leading figures with years of experience under their belts.
Top law schools in the United Kingdom
Most foreign students want to attend a university that is a leader in their chosen field. Others may be more focused on being in a location that enables them to pursue a particular internship or want to study under the tutelage of a particular professor.
Among England’s top law schools are the University of Oxford and King’s College London, as well as the University of Cambridge. The University of Birmingham and Leicester University also do well in rankings, as do Nottingham Trent University and the University of York.
In Scotland, the leading universities for law are the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh while Cardiff University is the best place to study law in Wales. Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast regularly top the rankings for Northern Ireland.
Costs of studying law in the UK
Legal education costs in the United Kingdom can vary dramatically, depending on the university you choose and the location. Generally speaking, annual tuition rates are between £11,000 and £18,000 while the cost of living can vary from around £10,000 to £14,000. These figures take into account accommodation and food costs, as well as public transport and basic conveniences like a mobile phone plan and internet connection.
Taking the LNAT
The LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) is a standardised test that is designed to determine whether a student is a suitable candidate for pursuing a legal education and is required by some UK universities. It evaluates not only logical reasoning and verbal thinking but also the student’s ability to interpret data and their English language skills. It’s important to stress that it does not test a student’s knowledge of the UK’s legal systems but rather their aptitude for the skills necessary to study and pursue a career in the field.
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