Best Law Universities In The UK 2023
The UK is one of the top destinations for prospective LLM students, many of whom are looking to graduate from some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The range of LLM on offer is staggering with the most popular specialisation including banking and finance law, energy law, and competition law. With over 850 bachelor’s and over 900 master’s in law, it’s difficult to pinpoint which university is best for both higher education tiers. Instead, we’ve broken the list down to each university’s world ranking for the subject of law as a whole.
Below we have placed the top 10 law universities with the best degrees from each of the following 4 university-ranking websites. In addition, we highlight exactly what an LLM is, and some more information about the degree.
Times Higher Education: Law 2023
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- The London School of Economics and Political Science
- University College London
- University of Edinburgh
- King’s College London
- University of Nottingham
- Durham University
- University of Essex
- University of Leeds
Check the full ranking on the Times Higher Education website. Source collected on 6th Feb 2023.
QS Top University: Law & Legal Studies 2022
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- The London School of Economics and Political Science
- University College London
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- Queen Mary, University of London
- Durham University
- University of Manchester
- University of Bristol
Check the full ranking on the QS Top Universities website. Source collected on 6th Feb 2023.
Shanghai Ranking: Law 2022
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University College London
- The London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Portsmouth
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Birmingham
- University of Liverpool
- University of Nottingham
Check the full ranking on the Shanghai Ranking website. Source collected on 6th Feb 2023.
The Complete University Guide: Law 2023
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- The London School of Economics and Political Science
- Durham University
- King’s College London
- University of Leeds
- University of Bristol
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Warwick
Check the full ranking on the Complete University Guide website. Source collected on 6th Feb 2023.
Based on the lists above, we can agree the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the University of College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences are the best law universities for an LLM or equivalent law degree. But what is a master of law?
What is an LLM?
LLM is a masters level qualification which stands for Legum Magister, Masters of Laws. An LLM allows you to study your chosen area of law in more depth than at the undergraduate level. There are general LLMs you can study that cover a broader subject range. However, there are more specialised areas of law including:
- Criminal law
- Employment law
- Environment law
- Family law
- Maritime law
- Sports law
A majority of the courses are taught-based, however, you may find some which have research elements. You should expect to attend a 40-hour week analysing and solving complex issues and other elements (based on your course) in addition to a dissertation on your chosen subject area.
Does an LLM qualify to become a lawyer, solicitor, or barrister?
The LLM is not a direct route to qualification in such roles. In fact, you will have to complete an external professional qualification before receiving your licenses such as a Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE), Bar Professional Training Course, and others. These typically require some years of work experience in addition to relevant qualifications.
How to apply?
To apply for your chosen course, you need to an application via the law university school website. Each university has its own process and guidelines, but you will generally require the following;
- Application form
- Personal statement
- Degree transcript
- Academic and professional references
Personal statements are the single most important aspect of your application form. For help, see what you should include and what you should avoid when writing your personal statement.
How to get funding?
As a UK and Irish citizen or resident, you will have access to the master’s loan granted by Student Finance worth up to £11,836 in England for the 2022/23 year (loan amounts differ in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). Each university has scholarships and bursaries available, but these typically require the student to meet certain criteria.
Are you ready to invest in yourself? Take this opportunity to seize the master’s degree best suited for your circumstances. Don’t stop and let financial restraints hold you back. *Apply online and let us help you.
Representative Example: Assumed borrowing of £30,825 over 120 months at 12.73% APR representative. Monthly cost of £509.26. Total amount repayable of £61,199.65. Interest rate of 11.62% p.a.(fixed) and total fees of £925.00. Available for loan amounts between £5,000 – £100,000.
(Representative Example date: October 2024)
*Credit is subject to status and loan approval is not guaranteed. Over 18’s only. Terms and conditions apply.
Where can you progress with an LLM?
The most common direction for graduates with an LLM is to continue pursuing a career in the legal industry. But there are many opportunities a graduate could progress outside of the legal sector. These roles could depend on the law specialisation you took. These include but are not limited to working in the public sector, private sector, and financial sector.
The skills you have gained in your LLM are compatible with roles outside of the legal sector, and there are many opportunities an LLM can open. However, these roles could depend on the specialisation of the course you took. These include but are not limited to working in the financial sector, public sector, private sector, sports industries, and many more.
