The Best Universities for Law in the UK
The study of law is rigorous, and students enrolling onto a law degree with a view to practicing as a solicitor or barrister should be aware that the profession is extremely competitive. It is therefore helpful to obtain your degree from a highly regarded institution. Our guide will give you the need-to-know information about the best law schools in the UK and their respective entry requirements.
It is important to recognise that regardless of where you study, additional qualifications are required after completion of a law degree. To practice Common Law (the legal system in England and Wales), the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or the Bar Exam is required. Likewise, to practice Scots Law (the system in Scotland), the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and a Traineeship is required.
While aspiring lawyers do not need a degree to sit these exams, studying law at university will greatly improve your chances of scoring highly in the law exams, is highly regarded by employers, and provides a greater understanding of the legal system and the foundations of law.
Top 10 Universities for Law in the UK
1. University of Oxford
Oxford’s age-old reputation makes it a highly prestigious university at which to study law. The name carries some weight in certain law companies and the contacts that can be cultivated whilst at such a prestigious university will be useful for years to come. Oxford’s tutorial teaching style helps students to think for themselves and to build confidence.
Entry requirements: A Level: AAA, IB: 38 (including core points) with 6,6,6 at higher level. The LNAT is required.
Graduate Prospects: 96.4%
2. University of Cambridge
Cambridge is ranked as the top university to study law in the UK, and for good reason. The learning environment is challenging but supportive, most students attend at least one supervision with a leading legal scholar per week. Furthermore, with access to an expansive array of resources and a generous budget, you can be assured that you receive an education of an impeccable standard.
Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA- A*A*A, or IB Diploma: 41-42 points, with 7,7,6 at higher level. The LNAT is required.
Graduate Prospects: 95.7%
3. London School of Economics (LSE)
The London School of Economics is well renowned for its excellent graduate prospects. Like UCL, its location in the heart of London offers great resources that will be useful to any law student. Furthermore, it approaches the subject from a global perspective which is consistent with its diverse cohort of undergraduates – around 60% are from outside the UK.
Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA, IB Diploma: 39 points overall, 7,6,6 in higher level subjects. The LNAT is required.
Graduate Prospects: 84.6%
4. University College London UCL
University College London (UCL) has a reputation for a forward-thinking approach and innovative research. Located in central London, it is near to major courts and law firms which can be a great entry-point into work experience and career opportunities.
Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA, IB Diploma: 39 points (a total of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.) The LNAT is required.
Graduate Prospects: 76.5%
5. The University of Edinburgh
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Entry Requirements: A Level: A*AA, IB: 37 points, with 6,6,6 in higher level subjects. The LNAT is required.
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Graduate Prospects: 75.5%
6. King’s College London
Like UCL and LSE, King’s College offers the opportunity to engage with dense legal libraries, top law firms and public institutions, and perhaps even observe landmark legal cases. Its vibrant student life contributes to its high satisfaction ratings. You may not receive as much 1-1 tuition as at Oxford or Cambridge, but the seminars will encourage you to practice your debating skills regularly with fellow students.
Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA, IB: 38 points overall or an overall score of 19 from three higher levels. The LNAT is required.
Graduate Prospects: 75.5%
7. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London offers strong links to London’s legal sector, supporting excellent career prospects. Teaching blends lectures with seminars that encourage critical discussion and independent thinking. Like UCL, King’s, and LSE, students benefit from proximity to leading law firms, courts, and legal institutions, alongside opportunities for mooting and pro bono work.
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Entry Requirements: A Level: A*AA, IB: 36 points overall, including 6,6,6 from higher level subjects. The LNAT is not required.
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Graduate Prospects: 66.8%
8. Durham University
Durham is esteemed for its collegiate system and consistently high-quality teaching, preparing students rigorously for legal careers.
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Entry Requirements: A Level: A*AA, IB: 37 points, with 6,6,6 in higher level subjects. The LNAT is required.
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Graduate Prospects: 70.3%
9. University of Bristol
Bristol combines legal theory with practical skills, enhanced by strong industry connections and placement opportunities.
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Entry Requirements: A Level: A*AA or A*A*B, IB: 38 points overall with 18 at higher level. The LNAT is required.
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Graduate Prospects: 67.7%
10. University of Glasgow
Glasgow is praised for research excellence and international law specialisations, supported by a vibrant academic environment. Studying law at Glasgow offers students the option of either Common Law (the law practiced in England and Wales) or Scots Law (practiced within Scotland). On the other hand, a degree from Edinburgh, for example, whilst ranked higher, is mainly grounded in Scots law and the Scots legal system.
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Entry Requirements: A Level: AAA, IB: 38 points (6,6,6). The LNAT is required.
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Graduate Prospects: 64%
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most prestigious law school?
Oxford University has been ranked the top UK university to study law by the QS World University Rankings, and in the top three globally. Worldwide, Harvard, Yale, and Stanford are considered to be the best places to undergo your law degree.
What LSAT score do you need for top law schools?
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), is required for most law schools in the US and Canada. There is no benchmark grade you must achieve. However, most top law schools look for scores above 170. In the UK, students take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) and scoring over 30 in the LNAT will place you in good stead for highly regarded law courses.
What is the hardest law school to get into?
UCL is considered to be the most competitive law school, just 4.39% of applicants gain admission. Outside of the UK, Yale is the hardest law school to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 5.25% (Stanford, by comparison, has an acceptance rate of 8.85%).
What is the easiest law school to get into?
The easiest law school to get into is Capital University (Columbus, Ohio), accepting over 77% of applicants. In the UK, Anglia Ruskin University has the highest acceptance rate: just over 52%.
What LSAT score do I need for Harvard?
Harvard is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. The average Harvard student obtains an LSAT score of 173-175.
For more detailed information about applying to an undergraduate Law degree; including university selection, LNAT preparation, personal statements, and internships, visit our dedicated University Consultancy, LNAT and Oxbridge Admissions pages.
*Rankings and Graduate Prospects data sourced from the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026.
How Simply Learning Tuition Can Help
At Simply Learning Tuition, we provide expert tuition and educational consultancy to support students aiming for the UK’s top law schools. Whether you’re preparing for A Level Law, refining your personal statement, or exploring which university best fits your academic ambitions and career goals, our experienced consultants and specialist tutors are here to help.
We match each student with a carefully selected tutor who offers personalised guidance through every stage of the application process, helping them build confidence, sharpen their critical thinking, and develop a compelling, competitive profile for university admissions.
If you would like to explore how we can support your child’s journey to studying Law at a leading UK university, please get in touch with our expert team today.