Applying to university can feel overwhelming, and applying for Law can seem even more demanding because it is one of the most competitive degrees in the UK.
Our friends at University Compare have shared helpful advice to guide you through the process. University Compare is a comparison platform that offers tips on university applications and allows you to explore thousands of courses across hundreds of institutions.
The applicationStudying Law at university varies depending on the institution you choose. If you are applying to a UK university or law school, you will submit your application through UCAS.
If you are applying abroad, especially in the United States, you will need to take the LSAT, the Law School Admissions Test. Although the LSAT is not required in the UK, you can mention it in your application if you have taken it. You will also need to meet the grade requirements set by your chosen university.
Some UK universities require the Law National Admissions Test.
The LNAT was introduced in 2004 to help admissions teams distinguish between highly competitive applicants. The universities that use the LNAT are Birmingham, SOAS for BTEC applicants, University College London, Durham, King’s College London, Bristol, Nottingham, Oxford and Glasgow.
The gradesA levels are not the only route into a Law degree, but certain subjects can help prepare you.
Critical Thinking can support LNAT preparation, although it is usually taken as an additional AS level. Essay-based subjects such as History or English are particularly useful because Law degrees involve extensive writing.
Many students also choose at least one facilitating subject, such as a foreign language or English, which can strengthen an application.
Personal statementYour personal statement is one of the most challenging parts of the application process.
University Compare and The Student Lawyer both offer guides to help you. Your statement should be specific to the course you are applying for, whether it is Law, Law and Business or Law with French.
Admissions tutors often recommend including the following:- A book or text with legal themes that sparked your interest.- Evidence of your engagement with the legal system, such as visiting a magistrates' court, Crown Court or employment tribunal.- Experience in debating or public speaking, which shows your ability to construct arguments.- Relevant work experience, which can include time in a solicitor’s office, a mini pupillage or even a part-time job that helped you develop transferable skills.
A student from the University of Kent described their motivation simply and clearly:"I applied to study Law because I was fascinated with the way proceedings took place and I enjoyed it at A level. I went on to study at BPP and loved it. It is hard work, but the learning and the thinking involved in this career fascinate me. Studying at the University of Kent was great, and I would recommend it. It is demanding but rewarding if you stay committed."
Law as a subjectLaw is known for its heavy reading load.
Many students find the intensity challenging, but it is an essential part of the degree. If you enjoy reading, you may thrive. If you prefer other learning methods, you will still need to engage with the reading, but you can supplement it with other approaches.
Coursework begins early and can be frequent. You will study core subjects such as Tort, Contract, Criminal, Property, Equity and Trusts, EU Law, Human Rights and Public Law. These modules require independent study and close engagement with legislation and case law. Although demanding, the work can be fascinating and highly rewarding.
If you have reached this point, you deserve credit. Law is a prestigious and challenging degree. It requires consistent effort from the beginning, but the sense of achievement is significant and lasting.
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