There are many routes one can take to studying law at the university level. It is crucial to explore every option and to choose the one that is most suitable for you and your career. Generally speaking, one can study law at university by completing the following degrees: LLB, LLB (Senior Status), LLB with Languages, Jurisprudence, and BA.
The LLB
The LLB stands for Latin Legum Baccalaureus. It is a three-year long law degree programme that is offered in most universities around the world and the UK.
The LLB degree is a qualifying law degree in England & Wales, meaning that after completing it, you will only need to complete the LPC or a Bar Vocational Course in order to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister. You do not need to complete the PGDL course, unlike non-law students. The LLB is also a qualifying law degree in other jurisdictions like Canada and the United States. Usually, after graduating with the LLB from the UK, you can qualify in other jurisdictions by completing various accreditation courses.
The LLB is a qualifying law degree because it covers seven core subjects, which are required for any qualifying law degree in the UK. The seven core subjects are:
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Equity and Trusts
- EU Law
- Land Law
- Public Law
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
The LLB (Senior Status)
The LLB (Senior Status) is a two-year long qualifying law degree in England & Wales. In order to be accepted into the programme you must already have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject.
The LLB (Senior Status) is not offered at every university in the UK. However, it is becoming an attractive route into the legal profession for many graduates, and more universities every year are offering this type of degree.
There are a few differences between the LLB and LLB (Senior Status). The latter usually offers a smaller choice of optional modules. Students who are on the two-year degree do not have to write a dissertation, unlike their colleagues on the three-year programme. However, the core subjects are still the same as in the LLB.
LLB with Languages
A joint LLB with a language is an attractive option for students who want to master their second or third language. It is usually a four-year programme, and depending on the university, with optional or a mandatory year abroad. Just like the traditional LLB, a joint LLB is also a qualifying law degree.
A joint LLB with a language has its advantages. It sets you apart from other students entering the legal profession because not only you would be able to speak another language but also have international experience. International law firms often seek such qualities. A joint LLB with a language also broadens your employment prospects because you would be able to apply to law firms in other countries.
The downside of an LLB with a language is the extra year because not everyone is willing to spend four years on their law degree compared to the traditional three years. Also, the workload can be a little bit heavier compared to the traditional law degree.
Jurisprudence
A degree in Jurisprudence is a qualifying law degree that is three years long. It is offered at Oxford University. A degree in Jurisprudence is more philosophical compared to the LLB. It is usually based on the philosophical inquiry into the moral, natural, and political nature of law. Despite having less of a practical approach, a Jurisprudence degree from Oxford is very prestigious.
The BA in Law
It is important to mention that you can also study law by enrolling in the law BA programme. It is also crucial to remember that the law BA is not a qualifying law degree, and therefore, you will be required to complete the GDL before commencing the LPC or a Bar Vocational Course.
Because the law BA does not offer all core subjects that are necessary for a qualifying law degree, it allows for some freedom of choice as to how you want to tailor your legal education. The law BA can be combined with other subjects in which you may have an interest.