A Guide to Applying to Study Law at University
Law is a field that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. It’s not just about memorising legislation; it’s about solving problems, standing up for justice, and opening doors to fulfilling careers in sectors such as the judiciary, politics, and commerce. Whether you’re hoping to become a solicitor, a barrister, or work in law-adjacent professions, studying Law can be a rewarding path. But entry to the UK’s best Law courses is highly competitive. Preparation is key.
This guide will walk you through the application process, from choosing a university and preparing for the LNAT to writing a standout personal statement and succeeding in interviews.
How to choose a university?
Selecting where to study Law can be daunting. Key areas to consider include:
- Course Content: Does the course cover areas of Law that interest you? Does it offer a year abroad or SQE preparation?
- Location: Is the university in a city or town where you’d enjoy living?
- Employability Statistics: Some institutions have strong partnerships with top law firms.
- Reputation: Degrees from prestigious universities may carry extra weight. See the latest university rankings for Law.
- Student Experience: The National Student Survey (NSS) offers valuable insight into what current students think.
Entry Requirements
There are several routes into Law in the UK:
- Undergraduate LLB Law: Most top universities require A Level grades from ABB to AAA. Subjects like History or Politics are advantageous, though not essential.
- PGDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law): A conversion route for graduates with a non-Law degree.
- Law Apprenticeships: Practical, work-based training. See more information here.
Most competitive courses also require the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test). Learn more about the LNAT.
To study Law in the US, such as at Harvard or Yale, applicants must already hold an undergraduate degree, provide academic references, and sit the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test).
Application Process
For undergraduate law degrees, you must apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Here you will be able to select up to five universities to apply to and will need the following:
- Predicted grades
- A personal statement
- An academic reference
- LNAT scores (where required)
If you are embarking on a postgraduate course, you need to apply directly to the provider of the course you intend to study. In addition to your degree, (in which you should have achieved a minimum of a 2:2) you will also need a renewed personal statement and academic reference.
You may, after sending off your application, be asked to interview before hearing the final results.
LNAT Preparation
The admissions test for law in the UK is known as the LNAT (Law National Admissions Test). It consists of 42 multiple choice questions and an essay aimed to test your aptitude for the subject. More information on the LNAT can be found here.
Interview Process
Not all universities use interviews as part of their admissions process. See below for a list of those that do:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Durham University
- UCL (University College London)
- King’s College London
- University of Glasgow
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of St Andrews
- University of Bristol
- University of Edinburgh
If you are invited to interview, expect to be asked questions about your personal statement and why you have chosen to study law. You will also likely be thrown questions that will give the admissions teams a further idea of your aptitude and how you think. These are not focused around content so you do not need to know anything specific, just make sure that you take time to think so you give an honest and measured response. They often also give you an example legal dilemma and unpack your opinions on any ethical decisions it may throw out. The best way to prepare for an interview is to scratch up on all the items you have mentioned in your personal statement, be attentive to any legal affairs happening in the news and stay curious! Interviewers want your inquisitive mind to shine through, so again, don’t be afraid to take your time with each response and ask any questions that you think of.
UCAS Personal Statement
Your UCAS Law personal statement features as a key part of your application. It is an opportunity to show your personality and flair in an attempt to make you stand out from the crowd. This is no easy feat, but aim to keep it concise and focused on why you would make a great law student, don’t be afraid to bring in your personal motivations and avoid generic phrases such as “Law has always been important to me”. Admissions teams want to know why you want to study law and what experience you have that has prepared you for the intensity of the course. There is a 4,000-character word limit, so aim to provide three to four in depth examples of relevant experiences like mooting, volunteering, or reading about legal issues. Break it down, make a list of everything you want to say, prioritise then get writing. Before sending it off, it is advisable to get a teacher or trusted opinion on how it reads and whether they think it would grab their attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to study Law?
ABB-AAA at A Level, or a 2:2 or higher degree for postgraduate Law.
Is it hard to get into a Law degree?
Yes. LSE, for instance, admits just 10-15% of applicants.
Which Law course has the highest acceptance rate?
Anglia Ruskin University admits around 52% of applicants.
Do I need to study Law at A Level?
No. Subjects like History, Politics or English are helpful.
Can I get support for a Law Master’s or PhD?
Yes. SLT supports applications at postgraduate and doctoral levels.
How Simply Learning Tuition Can Help
At Simply Learning Tuition, we offer expert, tailored support for every stage of your Law application journey. From helping students meet A Level grade requirements through one-to-one tuition, to refining personal statements and preparing for the LNAT, our specialist tutors ensure you’re ready to stand out. We also provide mock interviews and academic mentoring, as well as dedicated University and Oxbridge admissions consultancy. For those looking to enhance employability after graduation, we offer access to exclusive Law internships through our Internship Consultancy service.
If you’d like help applying to study Law at university, contact our team: