Are you reviewing all the best law schools in the UK and trying to figure out which one you should apply to? It is a daunting decision and one that requires careful consideration due to the impact it can have on your future. The fact is that you need to focus less on which university is ‘best’, and more on which school is right for you. To figure that out there are six key factors that you need to consider.
Specialization
Many leading British law schools have a strong reputation in specific legal areas. As such, if you’re interested in a particular type of law, it makes sense to look at institutions that excel in it. Some universities may have courses that offer specialized modules for criminal law, international law, corporate law, human rights law, or other types of law. For others, there may be various factors that align them with your chosen career path – such as connections with major law firms, or advocacy training and mooting opportunities. In short, depending on the area in which you intend to specialize, you can narrow down your choices to the best law schools in the UK that match your plans for the future.
Location
The location of a law school is more important than you might think. In particular, there are two ways in which it can have an impact on your decision:
- Networking opportunities: Legal hubs such as London, Manchester, Bristol, or Birmingham present a lot of network opportunities for students due to their proximity to top law firms and barristers’ chambers. Many universities may have relationships with these firms or other organizations that can make it easier to land internships and even boost employability once you graduate.
- Cost of living and lifestyle: Everything costs more in urban areas, from rent to utilities, transportation, and even groceries – but some enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle of larger cities and the fact there’s always something going on. On the other hand, regional universities in more rural locations are significantly more affordable and tend to have a tight-knit community.
Because of its potential impact, you should carefully consider the location of the top universities for law in the UK you choose. The network opportunities of some universities can be a boon to your career path, but the cost of living and lifestyle will affect your life and well-being while you’re at law school.
Teaching Style
Prestigious law schools in the UK all have their distinct teaching style. Some may offer a more practical and hands-on approach with moot courtrooms and law clinics, while others may employ a more theoretical course structure. Schools like Oxford are particularly well-known for their intensive one-on-one tutorials that are designed to promote independent thinking. However, courses in other law schools may use problem-based learning that simulates real-world legal scenarios and can engage students while providing valuable lessons. It should be noted that each teaching style has its pros and cons, and it is a question of what style you feel is the best fit and would let you thrive. Look through student testimonials, connect and talk to alumni, and attend open days to find out more before making your decision.
Entry Requirements
It should come as no surprise but the best law schools in the UK have fairly high entry requirements. Many require A-level grades of A*AA or AAA, or a 35+ point International Baccalaureate (IB). Some law programs at top UK universities may even require the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT). Of course, if you can’t hit that bar many good law schools will offer you a place for BBB A-levels or its equivalent. Ideally, you should narrow down your options based on your predicted grades. At the same time, check if there are any additional requirements such as LNATs that you may need to complete in advance. If you’re an international student be prepared to provide English proficiency scores from IELTS or TOEFL.
Rankings
Although UK law university rankings aren’t the be-all, end-all that many assume them to be – they are a good way to gauge the reputation of different universities. A degree from one of the more highly-ranked, prestigious universities may influence your employability and graduate opportunities due to the weight it carries. The rankings published by Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, and The Complete University Guide generally reflect teaching quality and research output. When you check these rankings, be sure to take a closer look at specific areas that may play an important role in your decision – such as student satisfaction and graduate prospects.
Financial Support
The undergraduate fees for law school in the UK are typically £9,250 per year for domestic students. However, for international students, it can range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year. On top of that as a law student, you’re also going to have to fork out quite the sum for textbooks every year – even if you do purchase them second-hand. Needless to say, the cost of attending law school is a fairly heavy financial burden, which is why you’ll want to look at the financial support that universities have to offer. This can vary quite a bit, but most wealthy universities have grants, bursaries, loans, or other types of financial aid programs that can lessen the load. Be sure to research what types of financial support are available, whether or not you’re eligible to apply for them, and how to go about it.
Conclusion
Taking into consideration all these six factors should help to make your decision much less daunting. At the very least it will help you to shortlist the best law schools in the UK that fit your needs – and you can then slowly decide which ones to apply to. Be sure not to rush into a decision and take your time, do your research, as well as maybe talk to people in the legal community to get an idea of what studying at these law schools is truly going to be like.
